Blue Jackets vs Predators Prediction 3/3/26 NHL Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Blue Jackets vs Predators prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, March 3rd at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 30-21-8 this year after they defeated the Rangers in overtime by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Columbus blew a 4-0 lead in the third period, but they were able to rally for the overtime win. The Blue Jackets were out shot by a total of 33-28, won 48.5% of the face-offs, and went 1-1 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Fantilli, Marchenko (2), Monahan, and Olivier, while Merzlikins stopped 29 out of 33 shots, which was an .879 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, the Blue Jackets lost to the Islanders by a score of 4-3 and the Bruins by a score of 4-2. The Blue Jackets have lost two of their last three games and they are currently fifth in the Metro standings with 68 points. Columbus has scored 3.09 goals per game and they have allowed 3.17 goals against per game, while also going 19.6% on the power play and 77.4% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 20 goals and 45 assists, while Kirill Marchenko has added 22 goals and 28 assists. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Jet Greaves, who is 18-12-7 with a 2.66 goals against average and a .909 save percentage this year. 

Nashville Predators Betting Preview

The Nashville Predators are 27-25-8 this season after they lost to Detroit by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Nashville led 2-1 in the second period, but they allowed the last three goals in the game for the loss. The Predators were out shot by a total of 31-30, won 51.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Nashville got goals from Forsberg and Marchessault, while Saros stopped 27 out of 30 shots, which was a .900 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Nashville lost to the Stars by a score of 3-2, but did beat the Blackhawks by a score of 4-2 before that. The Predators have lost four of their last five games and they are currently fifth in the Central standings with 62 points. Nashville has scored 2.92 goals per game and they have allowed 3.44 goals against per game, while also going 22.4% on the power play and 79.8% on the penalty kill this season. Ryan O’Reilly has led Nashville with 21 goals and 37 assists, while Filip Forsberg has added 26 goals and 23 assists. The projected starting goalie for Nashville is Justus Annunen, who is 6-7-2 with a 3.16 goals against average and an .888 save percentage this season. 

Why the Columbus Blue Jackets will win

• The Predators have lost each of their last 10 road games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Blue Jackets have won each of their last 11 games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
• The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last six home games against the Predators.
• The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine games at Nationwide Arena.
• The Blue Jackets have won the first period in each of their last seven games as home favorites.

Why the Nashville Predators will win

• The Blue Jackets have lost each of their last two games as home favorites against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The underdogs have won eight of the Predators’ last 12 games at Nationwide Arena.
• The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight home games against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Predators have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight road games following a loss.
• The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in seven of their last eight games following an overtime win.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Blue Jackets’ last six games against opponents on a losing streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Each of the Predators’ last six night games at Nationwide Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last nine games following an overtime win.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Predators’ last five games as underdogs.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in 13 of his last 14 appearances with the Blue Jackets as favorites against Central Division opponents.
• Zach Werenski has scored the first goal in each of the Blue Jackets’ last three home games against Central Division opponents.
• Zach Werenski has scored at least one goal in each of the Blue Jackets’ last four home games against Central Division opponents.

Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts

• Michael Bunting has scored a goal in each of his last four appearances against the Blue Jackets.
• Ryan O’Reilly has recorded an assist in each of his last four appearances with his team as an underdog against the Blue Jackets.

Blue Jackets vs Predators Prediction 

Columbus comes into this matchup after losing two of their last three games, but they did escape last night with an overtime win. The Blue Jackets are 15-8-5 at home this year, while the Predators are 11-12-5 on the road. Nashville has lost four of their last five games and they have scored exactly two goals in three of their last four. I think Columbus has the goaltending advantage with Greaves in net and they have been solid at home, so I like the Blue Jackets to win here.