Panthers vs Blue Jackets Prediction - NHL Picks 12/10/23

Blue Jackets Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 9-15-5 this year after they defeated St. Louis by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Columbus led 2-1 after the first period and they were able to add three third period goals in the win. The Blue Jackets were out shot by a total of 43-22 and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Columbus had lost the previous three games against the Islanders, Kings, and Bruins. The Blue Jackets are scoring 2.93 goals per game and they are allowing 3.45 goals against per game, while going 14.5% on the power play and 86.7% on the penalty kill. Zach Werenski has led the Blue Jackets with one goal, 19 assists, and 67 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Spencer Martin, who is 2-7-1 this year with a 3.57 goals against average and a .892 save percentage. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Facts

• The underdogs have won four of the Blue Jackets' last five games at Nationwide Arena.
• The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last five games as home underdogs.
• The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in 10 of their last 11 games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
• The 'Over 1.5 Goals Period 1' market has hit in seven of the last eight games between the Panthers and Blue Jackets.

Florida Panthers Team Facts

• The Panthers have won nine of their last 10 games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in nine of their last 10 day games.
• The Panthers have won the second period in each of their last six games against the Blue Jackets following a home win.
• The 'Over 1.5 Goals Period 1' market has hit in seven of the Panthers' last eight day games against opponents on a losing streak.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

• Zach Werenski has scored at least one goal in each of his last three appearances in day games at Nationwide Arena.
• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in each of the Blue Jackets' last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Erik Gudbranson has recorded a point in each of the Blue Jackets' last four day games.
• Alexandre Texier has recorded two hits against the Panthers this season - equal-most against any opponent.

Florida Panthers Player Prop Facts

• Carter Verhaeghe has scored a goal in four of the Panthers' last five games as favorites.
• Matthew Tkachuk has recorded at least one point in each of his nine previous appearances with his team as a favorite against the Blue Jackets.
• Evan Rodrigues has recorded at least one assist in each of the Panthers' last four games.
• Aleksander Barkov ranks 1st in the Atlantic Division for Plus/Minus (+19) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Columbus Blue Jackets ranks 25th in the league in power play percentage this season (14.46%).
• The Columbus Blue Jackets ranks 31st in the league for Period 3 goals allowed per game this season (1.55).
• The Florida Panthers ranks 3rd in the league for shots against per game this season (27.8).
• The Florida Panthers ranks 30th in the league for Period 2 goals scored per game this season (0.73).

Panthers vs Blue Jackets Betting Prediction

Columbus comes into this game as one of the worst teams in the NHL, but they did defeat the Blues in their last game. The Blue Jackets play their best hockey at home, where they are 7-7-2 on the season, but will face a Florida team that is 7-4-2 on the road. The Panthers have won three of their last four games and their defense has been very good this season, allowing just 2.54 goals against per game. Despite winning their last game, Columbus was severely out played and I expect something similar here. Take the Panthers -1.5 in this game.