The NHL season continues heating up as the Florida Panthers prepare to battle the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. With the puck set to drop at 7 p.m. ET, this matchup has all the making of an exciting contest as both teams eye playoff positions.
The Panthers roll into this game with a record of 41 wins, 24 losses, and 3 overtime losses. They are heavily favored with -190 on the moneyline against the Blue Jackets, who stand at 31 wins, 28 losses, and 8 overtime losses, coming in at +155 on the moneyline. This game is one that both the players and fans have been looking forward to as spring approaches.
Florida has been strong in recent weeks, posting a 7-3-0 record over their last 10 games, though they have struggled against the spread with a 4-6-0 mark. Interestingly, while the Panthers have averaged 5.8 total goals in their last set of contests, they've scored 0.9 fewer goals per game than their overall season average, indicating a slight dip in offensive performance despite their strong record.
On the flip side, the Blue Jackets have had a tougher stretch, going 4-6-0 in their last 10 games, while managing to match an even 5-5-0 against the spread. Columbus has shown some scoring potency, averaging 6.2 combined goals over these last encounters, but it's worth noting that this is still slightly below their season average of 8.5 goals per game. The Blue Jackets' recent form suggests they can challenge the Panthers, especially at their home arena.
In terms of individual performances, Florida's Sam Reinhart is leading the charge with 33 goals and 39 assists, tallying 72 total points this season. Meanwhile, Sergei Bobrovsky has solidified his role in goal, recording 28 wins against 15 losses, with a goals-against average of 2.5 and a .906 save percentage. These stats highlight the Panthers' offensive and defensive strengths, with Reinhart being a key player to watch.
For Columbus, Zachary Werenski has stood out, featuring prominently with 69 points, including 49 assists. His contributions have been vital for the Blue Jackets as they seek to bolster their playoff hopes. Additionally, goalie Elvis Merzlikins maintains a 22-18-4 record, although he has a more challenging goals-against average of 3.0 and a save percentage of .896.
As is typical in the fast-paced world of the NHL, injuries can drastically alter a team's trajectory. For the Panthers, players including Dmitry Kulikov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Brad Marchand are currently out due to injuries. The Blue Jackets are in a similar situation, missing key players like Kevin Labanc, Cole Sillinger, and Sean Monahan for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Erik Gudbranson, Jacob Christiansen, and Merzlikins are listed as day-to-day, leaving their status uncertain.
Given the teams' respective forms, expert predictions suggest that while the Panthers are favored to win, the game could be tighter than anticipated. Notably, the predicted score has the Blue Jackets edging out the Panthers at 4-3. The over/under for total goals is set at 6, a reflection of both teams' recent scoring trends.
Analysts have noted, "The Panthers are coming off a strong performance and will need to maintain that momentum on the road," according to ESPN. Another sports analyst added, “Despite their struggles, the Blue Jackets are a tough opponent at home.” With this backdrop, fans can expect a thrilling encounter where the stakes are high for both teams.
As the game approaches, bettors and fans alike should prepare for a compelling battle on the ice, rich with playoff implications on the line.
