Lightning vs. Blue Jackets prediction, odds, pick for Nov. 12, 2026

The Tampa Bay Lightning are favored to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Thursday (7:00 PM ET), according to Dimers' NHL model.

Our Lightning vs. Blue Jackets prediction gives Tampa Bay a 52.0% chance of coming out on top, and the latest odds suggest there's betting value on the Lightning moneyline, too.

Lightning vs. Blue Jackets key predictions

• Lightning win probability: 52.0%
• Blue Jackets win probability: 47.9%
• Blue Jackets +1.5 puck line: 69.0% cover probability
• Under 6.5 goals: 54.9% probability

Our NHL predictions estimate how many goals each team is likely to score, accounting for factors such as recent performance, shooting and save percentages, home-ice advantage, and rest.

We then calculate the probability of each team winning and covering the puck line, plus the chance the game goes over or under the total, and compare those probabilities with the latest odds to find betting value.

Lightning vs. Blue Jackets odds

Below are the best available odds across the moneyline, puck line, and total goals markets we track.

• Lightning moneyline: 46¢ (Novig)
• Blue Jackets moneyline: -107 (BetRivers)
• Lightning -1.5: +215 (BetRivers)
• Blue Jackets +1.5: -260 (bet365)
• Over 6.5 goals: 50¢ (Novig)
• Under 6.5 goals: 50¢ (Novig)

Odds are subject to change and may vary by location.

Lightning vs. Blue Jackets pick: Lightning ML (46¢)

Our model makes the Lightning the likelier winner, and our best value bet is the Lightning moneyline at 46¢ on Novig, too.

Those odds give Lightning an implied win probability of 46.5%, while our model puts it at 52.0%.

That's a 5.6% edge (accounting for rounding), the largest across the moneyline, puck line, and total goals markets.

Lightning vs. Blue Jackets goal-scorer predictions

Our NHL player props model simulates each game 10,000 times to estimate goal-scoring probabilities, factoring in expected player usage, lineup changes, opponent strength, and projected team goals.

Nikita Kucherov of the Lightning leads the anytime goal-scorer projections for Thursday's game at 42.0%, ahead of teammate Jake Guentzel (40.9%). Columbus's most likely goal-scorer, Adam Fantilli, is further back at 28.2%. Guentzel leads the first goal-scorer projections at 8.9%.

Most likely anytime goal-scorers

1. Nikita Kucherov (Lightning): 42.0%
2. Jake Guentzel (Lightning): 40.9%
3. Brandon Hagel (Lightning): 37.7%
4. Adam Fantilli (Blue Jackets): 28.2%
5. Charlie Coyle (Blue Jackets): 23.3%

First goal-scorer predictions

1. Jake Guentzel (Lightning): 8.9%
2. Nikita Kucherov (Lightning): 8.7%
3. Brandon Hagel (Lightning): 7.8%
4. Adam Fantilli (Blue Jackets): 5.4%
5. Matthew Knies (Blue Jackets): 4.3%

These are model probabilities, not betting recommendations. Compare probabilities with available odds to find potential value.

Get every Lightning vs. Blue Jackets prediction with Dimers Pro

Dimers Pro members get full access to our Lightning vs. Blue Jackets predictions, including:

• Best bets across the moneyline, puck line, and total goals markets
• Full anytime and first goal-scorer probabilities for players on both teams
• Player prop edges for anytime goal-scorer, first goal-scorer, shots on goal, points, and assists markets

Lightning vs. Blue Jackets game details

• Matchup: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
• Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
• Puck drop: 7:00 PM ET
• Venue: Nationwide Arena

About this prediction

This preview uses predictions from our NHL models, presented through a template written by our editorial team. Matchup details fill in automatically.

Predictions are estimates, not guarantees, and can change as new information comes in, such as injury news or starting goaltender confirmations. Learn how our predictions work.

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