In this article, we will formulate a Panthers vs Blue Jackets Prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, March 6th at Amerant Bank Arena. Let’s take a look at a Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets pick.
Blue Jackets Look to Bounce Back
The Blue Jackets faced off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the last game, and it didn’t go according to plan. The Blue Jackets scored two goals, while the defense gave up six goals. The wheels fell off early for the goaltending, and they couldn’t figure it out for the rest of the game. Elvis Merzilkins saved only 34 of his 39 shots, but he also had to face those 39 shots. The defense has to find a way to limit the shots. Two games ago, against the Detroit Red Wings, the offense was better, scoring five goals, and they ended up winning by two goals.
The Blue Jackets offense has been good, but their defense has sometimes been a major issue. They are averaging 3.328 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.295 goals per game. The offense is ranked 5th in the league, while the defense is ranked 25th. They are shooting 11.56 percent, which is 5th best in the league. Elvis Merzlikns is expected to get the start in goal, and he sits with a 22-15-4 record overall, giving up 3.05 goals per game. Columbus has won three of his last five starts.
Why the Blue Jackets Will Beat the Panthers
- The Blue Jackets have won three of their last four games as underdogs.
- The Panthers have lost two of their last three games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six night games at Amerant Bank Arena following a home win.
- The Panthers have lost the second period in each of their last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents when leading after the first period.
Panthers Are Hot
The Panthers are hot heading into this game, and they have won four games in a row. The defense has been impressive heading into this game, and they will look to continue the success here. Over the last two games, the Panthers have given up only one goal. Two games ago against the Calgary Flames, they won 3-0, and in the last game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they won 2-1. Aleksander Barkov finished with two goals to help pace the offense. In this game, it’s going to need to be good goaltending again.
The Panthers are averaging 3.26 goals, while their defense is giving up 2.77 goals. Both have been strong, but the thing I have been more impressed with has been the defense. The offense is also averaging 31.9 shots per game which is the 2nd most in all of the NHL. Matthew Tkachuk is dealing with a groin injury, and he’s out for the season. Sergi Bobrovsky could get the start in this game, and he sits with a 26-13-2 record overall, and he’s giving up 2.55 goals per game. The Panthers have won the last three games that he has started.
Why the Panthers Will Beat the Blue Jackets
- The Panthers have won each of their last 11 games against the Blue Jackets following a win.
- The Blue Jackets have lost nine of their last 10 games at Amerant Bank Arena.
- The Panthers have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games against the Blue Jackets following a home win.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games at Amerant Bank Arena against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Panthers have won the second period in each of their last nine night games against the Blue Jackets following a win.
Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction
The Panthers and Blue Jackets are going to be involved in a shootout. The Blue Jackets are averaging 3.28 goals, while the Panthers are averaging 3.26 goals per game. The Blue Jackets’ defense has also been a major problem all season, and they will struggle to defend here. The Panthers can score five or six goals by themselves against this terrible defense, and this game will end up being one of the most comfortable bets of the day. The over is 5-0-1 in the Blue Jackets’ last six games overall. Back the over to cash here with ease.