Columbus (30-23-8) at Florida (38-21-3)
- When: Mar 6 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL, USA
- TV: FDSOH
Florida Panthers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Betting Preview & Predictions
Florida is a heavy Moneyline favorite at -275, with the total set at 6.0.
The Florida Panthers look to extend their winning streak when they host the surprising Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night in Sunrise. Florida, in the hunt for the Atlantic Division title, has won four straight games and continues to strengthen its lineup for a deep playoff push. Meanwhile, Columbus, a team few expected to contend, currently holds a narrow lead for the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and will be eager to make a statement against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.
Florida Panthers: Powerhouse Team Strengthening for Another Cup Run
The Panthers made a major splash before the trade deadline by acquiring five-time All-Star defenseman Seth Jones, who made his debut in Florida’s 2-1 win over Tampa Bay on Monday. Jones, who came over from Chicago in a deal that sent young goalie Spencer Knight to the Blackhawks, wasted no time adjusting to his new team.
“When you look at the standard in the NHL, this is it,” Jones said about the Panthers. “They are physical and aggressive.”
Goaltending Stability
With Knight out of the picture, Florida made another move on Wednesday, acquiring backup Vitek Vanecek from the San Jose Sharks. While Vanecek has struggled this season (3-10-3, .882 SV%), he provides veteran depth behind Sergei Bobrovsky, who remains the Panthers’ go-to netminder.
Bobrovsky has been solid this season, posting a 26-13-2 record with a .906 save percentage and a 2.55 GAA. With Florida in the thick of the Atlantic Division title race, expect Bobrovsky to get the start again here as the Panthers aim to maintain their momentum.
Key Betting Trends for Florida:
Won four straight games
7-3 in last 10 games
4-1 in their last five home games
Under has hit in 6 of their last 8 games
Columbus Blue Jackets: Overachievers Battling for Playoff Position
While Florida has been a dominant force, Columbus has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, sitting in the top wild-card spot in the East when few expected them to even be in contention.
To solidify their roster, Columbus rewarded forward Mathieu Olivier with a six-year, $18 million contract extension. Olivier leads the NHL in fights (11), showcasing the team’s toughness, while Zach Werenski (66 points) and Sean Monahan (41 points) have played critical leadership roles.
Offensive Leaders
Columbus is getting strong production from Kirill Marchenko, who leads the team with 24 goals, while Werenski’s 46 assists have helped drive the offense.
Goaltending Battle
The Blue Jackets have relied on Elvis Merzlikins (22-15-4, .896 SV%), who is having his best season since 2021-22, when he won 27 games. However, Columbus surrendered four goals in their only previous matchup against Florida this season, falling 4-3 at home on Oct. 15.
Key Betting Trends for Columbus:
3-6 in their last nine road games
4-10 in their last 14 games against Florida
Over has hit in 5 of their last 7 games
Final Prediction & Best Bets
The Panthers have dominated this matchup in recent years and are in much better form than Columbus heading into this game. Florida’s defense and Bobrovsky’s goaltending give them the edge, while Columbus will struggle to match Florida’s offensive firepower.
Florida is also the much fresher team and playing at home, where they have been tough to beat. Expect the Panthers to take control early and cruise to a comfortable win.
Betting Picks:
Florida -1.5 (-105) (Puck Line) – The Panthers should win comfortably at home
Under 6.0 (-103) – Florida’s strong defense should limit Columbus’ scoring chances
Panthers in Regulation (-135) – Avoiding the steep moneyline, backing Florida to win in 60 minutes offers value
Projected Score: Florida 4, Columbus 1
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
