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Panthers vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Why Columbus is favored to win Thursday's NHL matchup [3/5/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets predictions for NHL Thursday.
NHL action continues on Thursday at 7:00 PM ET as the Florida Panthers square off with the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.
Based on the latest simulations, Dimers' advanced NHL model gives the Blue Jackets a slight edge with a 51% win probability over the Panthers.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Thursday's Panthers vs. Blue Jackets matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Panthers vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Who will win?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the outcome of Thursday's NHL matchup between the Panthers and Blue Jackets 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model currently gives the Blue Jackets a 51% chance of defeating the Panthers.
According to our model, the over/under total of 6.5 goals has a 53% chance of staying under.
Panthers vs. Blue Jackets odds
We have sourced the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Panthers | Blue Jackets |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | -105 | -111 |
| Total | o6.5 (-102) | u6.5 (-112) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Panthers vs. Blue Jackets picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Blue Jackets | -111 |
| Total | Under 6.5 | -112 |
According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6.5 total goals.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Panthers vs. Blue Jackets player props
Who will score a goal in Panthers vs. Blue Jackets?
According to our model, Sam Reinhart is most likely to score an anytime goal in Panthers vs. Blue Jackets.
Our projections give Reinhart a 34.5% chance of scoring a goal at Nationwide Arena, while the star is a 6.6% chance of netting the first goal the game.
Anytime goal scorer predictions
Florida Panthers
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Sam Reinhart | 34.5% |
| Matthew Tkachuk | 34.0% |
| Sam Bennett | 33.2% |
| Brad Marchand | 24.5% |
| Carter Verhaeghe | 23.1% |
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Mason Marchment | 32.3% |
| Adam Fantilli | 31.9% |
| Kirill Marchenko | 31.3% |
| Charlie Coyle | 26.7% |
| Sean Monahan | 24.2% |
First goal scorer predictions
Florida Panthers
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Sam Bennett | 6.9% |
| Matthew Tkachuk | 6.6% |
| Sam Reinhart | 6.6% |
| Brad Marchand | 4.8% |
| Carter Verhaeghe | 4.1% |
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Mason Marchment | 6.7% |
| Adam Fantilli | 6.4% |
| Kirill Marchenko | 5.9% |
| Charlie Coyle | 4.9% |
| Kent Johnson | 4.1% |
Panthers vs. Blue Jackets game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's action between the Blue Jackets and Panthers at Nationwide Arena is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: Florida Panthers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Nationwide Arena
Conclusion
We predict the Blue Jackets, with a 51% win probability, will likely beat the Panthers on Thursday.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Panthers vs. Blue Jackets insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are sourced from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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