Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, 3/5/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026

Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH

TV: Fanduel Sports Network

Nationwide Arena is the location where the Columbus Blue Jackets (30-21-8) will compete against the Florida Panthers (30-27-3) on Thursday.

The Florida Panthers had a rough game after their 5-1 loss to the Devils in their previous game. Florida tallied 10 mins in the box in this matchup. The Panthers could have played much better offensively in the defeat. In addition, they had 3 power play opportunities but didn't get a goal. For the game, they finished 1 out of the 21 shots they tried.

While playing at even strength, the Panthers have conceded 162 goals while scoring 138 as an offensive unit. Florida Panthers opponents have totaled 208 power play opportunities (2nd in professional hockey) and have racked up 37 goals in those attempts. When it comes to their goal scoring prowess, the Florida Panthers have accumulated 181 goals (18th in the National Hockey League) so far this season and have conceded 199. Florida has attempted 1,751 shots and holds a shot percentage of 10.3%. For the year, they have tallied 63 points and their points % is .525. The Panthers thus far have had 1,566 shots tried against them and hold a save percentage of .873. Florida has compiled 219 power play chances and they have notched 43 goals during those chances, giving them a rate of 19.63%.

The man in net for this game is Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky has been involved in 796 matchups over the course of his pro hockey career. He has amassed an overall record of 451-261-58 and he started in 781 games. Opponents have notched 1,995 goals against Bobrovsky in his career and his average for goals against per game is 2.55. Bobrovsky has seen 22,789 shots against him and he has 20,794 total saves. His save percentage sits at .912 in his 40,064 mins played. Over the course of his time in hockey, Bobrovsky has compiled 448 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .574.

Their last time out, Columbus played the Predators in a game where the Blue Jackets took home the win by a final of 3-2. The Blue Jackets converted 3 goals of the 27 shots on goal they tried. They had 4 power play attempts in this contest but weren't able to notch a goal.

Columbus has tried 1,766 shots (6th in professional hockey) and has a shot percentage of 10.42%, while allowing the other team 1,775 shots. They have accumulated a penalty kill rate of 77.58% on the other teams 165 power play tries, and their save percentage comes in at 89.4%. They have a total of 139 power play opportunities and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 20.14%. The Blue Jackets have 156 goals at even strength and 28 goals (28th in hockey) while on the power play. They have permitted 188 goals to be scored by of a combination of 151 goals at even strength and 37 goals while they were shorthanded. So far this year, the Columbus Blue Jackets have earned a total of 184 goals, 68 points, and a points percentage of .576.

On the other side of the ice you will find Jet Greaves in goal. He has accounted for 1,652 saves out of 1,806 shots taken, giving him a percentage of .915. Greaves holds a career record of 28-21-9 and has played in 59 contests. He got the starting nod in 56 games and has played for a total of 1,207 mins. Greaves' quality start percentage is 66.1% and he has earned 37 quality starting assignments in his career. His opposition is averaging 2.75 goals/game and he has surrendered 154 goals altogether.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Parlays Pundit's Pick: Take Columbus

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