Columbus Blue Jackets vs Florida Panthers Prediction

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Florida Panthers Game Analysis | 03.12.26 | NHL

In a compelling regular-season matchup, the Columbus Blue Jackets (33-21-10) are set to face the Florida Panthers (32-29-3) on December 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST from Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. This contest pits a surging Blue Jackets squad against a Panthers team battling significant injury woes and inconsistent form.

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Performance

The Columbus Blue Jackets enter this game in strong form, boasting a commendable 33-21-10 record, indicative of a team finding its rhythm and executing effectively on both ends of the ice. Their offensive output has been consistent, driven by key contributors, while their defensive structure has tightened considerably. They exhibit a balanced attack and resilience, often converting high-danger chances and maintaining puck possession. Their ability to generate offense from the blueline, particularly from Zach Werenski, is a significant strength.

Columbus Blue Jackets Key Players

Points: Zach Werenski (68)
Goals: Kirill Marchenko (24)
Assists: Zach Werenski (48)

Florida Panthers Team Performance

The Florida Panthers are navigating a challenging period, reflected in their 32-29-3 record. While they possess individual talent, their overall team performance has been hampered by a string of critical injuries, particularly to their offensive core and defensive anchors. This has led to struggles in maintaining offensive pressure and a noticeable dip in defensive solidity. The team is fighting to stay competitive, but the absences have undeniably impacted their depth and strategic execution.

Florida Panthers Key Players

Points: Sam Reinhart (59)
Goals: Sam Reinhart (28)
Assists: Sam Reinhart (31)

Injury Report Florida Panthers

Aleksander Barkov (Injured reserve): Barkov (knee) took the ice Tuesday in a non-contact sweater, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports.
Brad Marchand (Out): Marchand (lower body) is expected to be out for weeks due to a lingering injury, George Richards of NHL.com reports Monday.
Seth Jones (Injured reserve): Jones (upper body) has resumed taking full contact but won’t play in Thursday’s game against the Blue Jackets, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.
Jonah Gadjovich (Injured reserve): Gadjovich (upper body) is not expected to return until after the Olympic break, Jameson Olive of the Panthers’ official site reports Monday.

Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets vs Florida Panthers

Given the Columbus Blue Jackets’ superior record and consistent performance, combined with the significant injury list impacting the Florida Panthers, the Blue Jackets are poised to capitalize. The Panthers are missing key offensive threats in Barkov and Marchand, alongside the defensive presence of Jones and Gadjovich. This will severely limit Florida’s ability to counter Columbus’s balanced attack, led by the prolific Zach Werenski. Expect Columbus to leverage their momentum and depth against a depleted Panthers squad. The offensive firepower from both sides, despite Florida’s injuries, suggests an open game.

Predicted Winner: Columbus Blue Jackets

Total Goals Prediction: Over 6.5

Last 5 Games: CBJ

Form:

WLLWW

VS @ Tampa Bay

W 5-2

PTS 33-21-10

GOL Merzlikins

AST Garland

VS vs Los Angeles

L 5-4 OT

PTS 32-21-10

GOL Greaves

AST Garland

VS vs Utah

L 5-4 OT

PTS 32-21-9

GOL Merzlikins

AST Fantilli

VS vs Florida

W 4-2

PTS 32-21-8

GOL Greaves

AST Provorov

VS vs Nashville

W 3-2

PTS 31-21-8

GOL Greaves

AST Coyle

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ Tampa Bay	W 5-2	33-21-10	Merzlikins	Garland
vs Los Angeles	L 5-4 OT	32-21-10	Greaves	Garland
vs Utah	L 5-4 OT	32-21-9	Merzlikins	Fantilli
vs Florida	W 4-2	32-21-8	Greaves	Provorov
vs Nashville	W 3-2	31-21-8	Greaves	Coyle

Last 5 Games: FLA

Form:

WWLLL

VS vs Detroit

W 4-3

PTS 32-29-3

GOL Tarasov

AST Verhaeghe

VS @ Detroit

W 3-1

PTS 31-29-3

GOL Bobrovsky

AST Tkachuk

VS @ Columbus

L 4-2

PTS 30-29-3

GOL Tarasov

AST Bennett

VS @ New Jersey

L 5-1

PTS 30-28-3

GOL Bobrovsky

AST Bobrovsky

VS @ New York

L 5-4

PTS 30-27-3

GOL Bobrovsky

AST Tkachuk

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Detroit	W 4-3	32-29-3	Tarasov	Verhaeghe
@ Detroit	W 3-1	31-29-3	Bobrovsky	Tkachuk
@ Columbus	L 4-2	30-29-3	Tarasov	Bennett
@ New Jersey	L 5-1	30-28-3	Bobrovsky	Bobrovsky
@ New York	L 5-4	30-27-3	Bobrovsky	Tkachuk

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Florida Panthers Prediction | NHL 03.12.26