Lightning vs. Blue Jackets Prediction & Picks - Nov. 12

The Tampa Bay Lightning (12-4-2) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (7-9) after Nikita Kucherov recorded a hat trick in the Lightning's 8-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres. The contest on Thursday starts at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

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Here is our prediction for who will clinch the win in Thursday's game.

The Blue Jackets have totaled 23 goals during their past 10 outings, while allowing 28 goals. A total of 26 power-play opportunities during that span have turned into five power-play goals (19.2%). They are 4-6-0 over those contests.

Lightning vs. Blue Jackets Predictions for Thursday

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

• Moneyline Pick: Lightning (-117)
• Total Pick: Under 6.5 (computer predicts 6.3 goals on average)
• Spread Pick: Blue Jackets (+1.5)

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Lightning Splits and Trends

• The Lightning (12-4-2 overall) have a 2-2-4 record in games that have gone to overtime.
• Tampa Bay is 3-1-1 (seven points) in its five games decided by one goal.
• In the two games this season the Lightning recorded only one goal, they lost both times.
• The Lightning have scored at least three goals 15 times, and are 11-2-2 in those games (to register 24 points).
• In the nine games when Tampa Bay has scored a lone power-play goal, it has a 7-1-1 record (15 points).
• In the 12 games this season in which it has outshot its opponent, Tampa Bay is 9-2-1 (19 points).
• The Lightning have been outshot by opponents in five games, going 2-2-1 to record five points.

Blue Jackets Splits and Trends

• The Blue Jackets (7-9 overall) have posted a record of 5-0-5 in matchups that have gone to OT this season.
• Columbus has earned six points (3-2-0) in its five games that finished with a one-goal margin.
• Across the six games this season the Blue Jackets finished with only one goal, they have earned four points.
• Columbus has four points (2-3-0) when scoring exactly two goals this season.
• The Blue Jackets have scored more than two goals in five games, earning six points from those contests.
• Columbus has scored a lone power-play goal in three games this season and has recorded two point from those matchups.
• When outshooting its opponent, Columbus is 1-3-0 (two points) this season.
• The Blue Jackets' opponents have had more shots in 12 games. The Blue Jackets went 6-6-0 in those contests (12 points).

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Team Stats Comparison

Lightning vs. Blue Jackets Game Time and TV Channel

• When: Thursday, November 12, 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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