Blue Jackets vs. Panthers Prediction & Picks - March 5

The Columbus Blue Jackets (31-21-8) host the Florida Panthers (30-28-3, losers of three in a row) at Nationwide Arena. The game on Thursday, March 5 begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

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Here's our pick for who will claim the victory in Thursday's game.

The Panthers' offense has scored 28 goals over their past 10 outings, while their defense has given up 36 goals. They have recorded 39 power-play opportunities during that span, and have scored nine goals (23.1%). They are 2-8-0 over those contests.

Blue Jackets vs. Panthers Predictions for Thursday

Our computer model for this encounter calls for a final tally of Blue Jackets 4, Panthers 3.

• Moneyline Pick: Blue Jackets (-115)
• Total Pick: Over 6 (computer predicts 6.4 goals on average)
• Spread Pick: Panthers (+1.5)

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Blue Jackets Splits and Trends

• The Blue Jackets have a 31-21-8 record overall, with a 10-8-18 record in contests that have needed overtime.
• In the 24 games Columbus has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 10-7-7 record (good for 27 points).
• Looking at the 11 times this season the Blue Jackets ended a game with only one goal, they have a 2-7-2 record, good for six points.
• Columbus has lost all eight games this season when it scored two goals.
• The Blue Jackets are 29-4-6 in the 39 games when they have scored more than two goals (to register 64 points).
• In the 17 games when Columbus has recorded a single power-play goal, it has an 11-3-3 record (25 points).
• In the 33 games this season in which it has outshot its opponent, Columbus is 18-11-4 (40 points).
• The Blue Jackets have been outshot by opponents 26 times, and went 13-9-4 (30 points).

Panthers Splits and Trends

• The Panthers have a 30-28-3 record this season and are 6-3-9 in matchups that have required overtime.
• In the 19 games Florida has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 26 points.
• Across the 15 games this season the Panthers finished with only one goal, they have earned five points.
• Florida has earned six points (2-7-2 record) this season when scoring a pair of goals .
• The Panthers have earned 52 points in their 34 games with more than two goals scored.
• This season, Florida has recorded a single power-play goal in 24 games has a record of 12-11-1 in those matchups.
• When outshooting its opponent this season, Florida is 19-18-3 (41 points).
• The Panthers' opponents have had more shots in 21 games. The Panthers went 11-10-0 in those contests (22 points).

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Team Stats Comparison

Blue Jackets vs. Panthers Game Time and TV Channel

• When: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: ESPN+
• Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
• Where: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio

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