Blue Jackets vs. Panthers Prediction & Picks - March 5

The Columbus Blue Jackets (31-21-8), coming off a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators, host the Florida Panthers (30-28-3) at Nationwide Arena on Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The Panthers lost to the New Jersey Devils 5-1 in their most recent game.

Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.

Here is our prediction for who will secure the victory in Thursday's matchup.

In the last 10 contests, the Panthers have gone 2-8-0 while totaling 28 total goals (nine power-play goals on 39 power-play opportunities during that time, for a conversion rate of 23.1%). They have allowed 36 goals.

Blue Jackets vs. Panthers Predictions for Thursday

Our computer projection model for this matchup predicts a final tally of Blue Jackets 4, Panthers 3.

• Moneyline Pick: Blue Jackets (-116)
• Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
• Spread Pick: Panthers (+1.5)

Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.

Blue Jackets Splits and Trends

• The Blue Jackets have gone 10-8-18 in overtime games to contribute to an overall record of 31-21-8.
• Columbus has 27 points (10-7-7) in the 24 games it has played that were decided by one goal.
• The 11 times this season the Blue Jackets ended a game with just one goal, they went 2-7-2 (six points).
• Columbus has lost all eight games this season when it scored exactly two goals.
• The Blue Jackets have scored more than two goals 39 times, and are 29-4-6 in those games (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 games when it has outshot its opponent, Columbus is 18-11-4 (40 points).
• The Blue Jackets have been outshot by opponents in 26 games, going 13-9-4 to record 30 points.

Panthers Splits and Trends

• The Panthers have a 30-28-3 record this season and are 6-3-9 in games that have needed overtime.
• Florida has earned 26 points (12-5-2) in its 19 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
• This season the Panthers registered only one goal in 15 games and have gone 2-12-1 (five points).
• Florida has six points (2-7-2) when scoring exactly two goals this season.
• The Panthers have scored more than two goals 34 times, earning 52 points from those matchups (26-8-0).
• This season, Florida has scored a lone 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 have been outshot by opponents 21 times this season, and earned 22 points in those games.

Looking for NHL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live.

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

Sign up for ESPN+ to watch the Blue Jackets square off against Panthers.