Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction

Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets Game Analysis | 03.05.26 | NHL

This regular-season matchup features the Florida Panthers (30-28-3) against the Columbus Blue Jackets (31-21-8) on March 5th, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST in Nationwide Arena, Columbus. Columbus holds a slight edge in their season record, setting the stage for a competitive contest.

Florida Panthers Team Performance

The Florida Panthers (30-28-3) show a season of inconsistency. Their offense heavily relies on primary scorers like Sam Reinhart, indicating a potential lack of secondary depth. Defensive challenges, compounded by significant injuries, will test their overall resilience and structure against a strong opponent.

Florida Panthers Key Players

Points: Sam Reinhart (57)
Goals: Sam Reinhart (28)
Assists: Sam Reinhart (29)

Injury Report Florida Panthers

Seth Jones (Injured reserve): Jones (upper body) was moved from regular IR to long-term injured reserve Monday, per PuckPedia.
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.

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Performance

The Columbus Blue Jackets (31-21-8) demonstrate a more consistent performance this season. Their balanced attack features strong offensive contributions from the defensive corps and reliable goal-scoring threats. Playing on home ice at Nationwide Arena, they are expected to leverage their advantage to dictate game pace and physicality.

Columbus Blue Jackets Key Players

Points: Zach Werenski (65)
Goals: Kirill Marchenko (22)
Assists: Zach Werenski (45)

Prediction: Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Given the Blue Jackets’ superior record and home-ice advantage, alongside the Panthers’ injury concerns and narrower offensive core, the Columbus Blue Jackets are predicted to win. The offensive potential from both sides, particularly Werenski’s playmaking and Reinhart’s scoring, points to a high-scoring game. Thus, the total goals prediction is over 6.5.

Last 5 Games: FLA

Form:

LLLWL

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

VS vs Buffalo

L 3-2

PTS 30-26-3

GOL Tarasov

AST Tarasov

VS vs Toronto

W 5-1

PTS 30-25-3

GOL Bobrovsky

AST Bobrovsky

VS @ Tampa Bay

L 6-1

PTS 29-25-3

GOL Tarasov

AST Samoskevich

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ New Jersey	L 5-1	30-28-3	Bobrovsky	Bobrovsky
@ New York	L 5-4	30-27-3	Bobrovsky	Tkachuk
vs Buffalo	L 3-2	30-26-3	Tarasov	Tarasov
vs Toronto	W 5-1	30-25-3	Bobrovsky	Bobrovsky
@ Tampa Bay	L 6-1	29-25-3	Tarasov	Samoskevich

Last 5 Games: CBJ

Form:

WWLLW

VS vs Nashville

W 3-2

PTS 31-21-8

GOL Greaves

AST Coyle

VS @ New York

W 5-4 OT

PTS 30-21-8

GOL Merzlikins

AST Marchenko

VS vs New York

L 4-3 OT

PTS 29-21-8

GOL Greaves

AST Werenski

VS @ Boston

L 4-2

PTS 29-21-7

GOL Merzlikins

AST Fantilli

VS vs Chicago

W 4-0

PTS 29-20-7

GOL Greaves

AST Greaves

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Nashville	W 3-2	31-21-8	Greaves	Coyle
@ New York	W 5-4 OT	30-21-8	Merzlikins	Marchenko
vs New York	L 4-3 OT	29-21-8	Greaves	Werenski
@ Boston	L 4-2	29-21-7	Merzlikins	Fantilli
vs Chicago	W 4-0	29-20-7	Greaves	Greaves

Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction | NHL 03.05.26