The Florida Panthers (38-21-3) look to extend their impressive four-game winning streak as they welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets (30-23-8) to Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday night.
The Panthers have been dominant on both ends of the ice, scoring 13 goals during their win streak while allowing just five goals against, showcasing the stellar play of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky who boasts a 2.55 goals-against average.
Columbus enters the matchup holding onto the top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, powered by their high-scoring offense that averages 3.33 goals per game led by the dynamic trio of Kirill Marchenko, Kent Johnson, and Dmitri Voronkov.
While the Panthers' balanced attack features Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov combining for 47 goals and 73 assists this season, the Blue Jackets' defensive struggles could prove decisive, having allowed nine goals in their last two games.
The contrast between Florida's lockdown defense, allowing just 2.77 goals per game, and Columbus's offensive firepower sets the stage for an intriguing matchup between two teams with playoff aspirations.
As both teams look to strengthen their postseason positioning, this Eastern Conference clash promises to deliver high-stakes hockey action with potential playoff implications.
Florida Panthers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets matchup, our predictive model gives the Panthers a 75% chance of defeating the Jackets.
Pre-game probabilities
Florida Panthers
Moneyline
Win %
75%
25%
Columbus Blue Jackets
Florida Panthers: 75% win probability
- Superior goal-scoring efficiency (206 goals for in 62 games)
- Better defensive record (172 goals against vs Blue Jackets' 202)
- Stronger overall record (38-21-0 vs Columbus' 30-23-0)
Columbus Blue Jackets: 25% win probability
- Poor defensive performance (202 goals against, among bottom half)
- Lower points total (68 points vs Panthers' 79)
- Inconsistent road performance (lower position in Metropolitan Division)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts..
| Florida Panthers | Columbus Blue Jackets | |
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Florida Panthers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets preview
The Florida Panthers are set to host the Columbus Blue Jackets at Amerant Bank Arena in what promises to be an intriguing Eastern Conference matchup between two teams with playoff aspirations.
The Panthers enter the contest riding an impressive four-game winning streak and boasting the second-best record in the Atlantic Division at 38-21-3, demonstrating their championship credentials with a well-balanced approach that has seen them score 3.26 goals per game while allowing just 2.77.
Columbus, holding the top wild card spot with a 30-23-8 record, brings their high-powered offense averaging 3.33 goals per game but has shown defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in their last two outings where they've conceded nine goals.
The dynamic duo of Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov has been instrumental in Florida's success, combining for an impressive 47 goals and 73 assists this season, while Sergei Bobrovsky has been solid between the pipes with a 2.55 goals-against average.
For the Blue Jackets, the offensive trio of Kirill Marchenko, Kent Johnson, and Dmitri Voronkov has been exceptional, contributing 64 goals and 79 assists, while defenseman Zach Werenski has added significant offensive punch from the blue line with 20 goals and 46 assists.
The Panthers' defense, anchored by Gustav Forsling and Aaron Ekblad, has been particularly stingy lately, allowing only five goals in their last four games, which could prove decisive against Columbus's struggling defensive unit.
Elvis Merzlikins' recent form in net for Columbus (.896 save percentage) could be a concern against Florida's clinical attack, which has netted 13 goals in their last four games.
With both teams featuring potent offenses and contrasting defensive records, this matchup could well turn into a high-scoring affair that will test both goaltenders and defensive units to their limits.
Look for the Panthers to leverage their home-ice advantage and superior defensive organization as they aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the Atlantic Division standings.
Florida Panthers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets form
Florida Panthers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets head to head
Florida Panthers
100%
Columbus Blue Jackets
0%
Oct 15, 2024
Columbus Blue Jackets
3 : 4
Florida Panthers
Apr 11, 2024
Florida Panthers
4 : 0
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dec 10, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets
2 : 5
Florida Panthers
Nov 7, 2023
Florida Panthers
5 : 4
Columbus Blue Jackets
Apr 1, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets
0 : 7
Florida Panthers
Dec 14, 2022
Florida Panthers
4 : 0
Columbus Blue Jackets
