Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets versus the Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Columbus Blue Jackets versus Florida Panthers

Time: 7:00 p.m Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: FDSNOH, SCRIPPS

Two big points are on the line for both teams as the Columbus Blue Jackets (30-23–8) face-off against the Florida Panthers (38-21-3). The is the second of three meetings this season. The Panthers got the best of the Blue Jackets 4-3 back in early October. Who will add to their point total tonight?

Blue Jackets Battling For a Wild Card Spot in these NHL Predictions

Columbus continues to impress. Right in the thick of the Eastern Conference Wild Card battle they have already exceeded many peoples expectations. However, now that they are in this position the big question is can they finish the job and get to the postseason? Starting with the Tampa Bay Lightning last night the Blue Jackets are in the toughest stretch of their schedule facing eight teams in a row who are in or fighting for the playoffs.

The good news for the Blue Jackets is they are starting to get healthier. Captain Boone Jenner returned in the Stadium Series victory over the Detroit Red Wings earlier on March 1st. Yegor Chinakhov returned last game against the Lightning. Both are like deadline additions for the Jackets. They should help boost the offensive attack. With Zach Werenski playing like a Norris Trophy contender from the backend Columbus should not be taken lightly down the stretch.

Florida Fighting For The Division

The reigning champions continue to look the part as they once again battle for top spot in the Atlantic Division. Florida’s last game was also against the Lightning. They beat their state rivals 2-1 in what could be a playoff preview come spring. That was new addition Seth Jones’ first game as a Panther. He seemed to fit in playing almost 23 minutes in a top four role next to Niko Mikkola. With Matthew Tkachuk’s cap hit on LTIR more additions are likely to be on the way.

Florida has been tough to beat at home this season going 20-10-2. They have been even hotter lately going 8-2-0 in their last ten games. Up front they have been led by captain Aleksander Barkov who has 14 points in those ten games. On defence Aaron Ekblad is riding a four-game point streak. In net look for Sergei Bobrovsky to get the start going for his fourth straight win.

Prediction

This is a huge game for both teams which should make for a entertaining game. The Blue Jackets  getting healthier makes them much more dangerous. However, the Panthers have been reminding everyone why they are the team to beat in the East lately. Look for Florida’s forecheck to cause problems. If they can make Columbus play in their own end then a five game win streak might be on the way.

NHL Predictions: Panthers win 4-2

Prop Bets of The Night

The best bet all week will be to watch for players being held out for roster management reasons. This could affect the prop bets of the night. For the game tonight Sam Reinhart hasn’t scored in a couple games. At his scoring pace he is due. He is + 110 as an anytime goal scorer. For Columbus Werenski had two goals in their last game. He is +400 to score tonight.

Main Photo Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images

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The Columbus Blue Jackets are continuing their efforts in being a responsible organization led by general manager Don Waddell. Today they announced a big deal, as tough guy Mathieu Olivier signs a six-year deal. The deal is worth a total of $18 million. This is a great deal personally and just a great sign the team is committed to identifying solid people.

And there it is: #CBJ have signed Mathieu Olivier to a six-year, $18 million contract.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 5, 2025

Mathieu Olivier Signs Six-Year Contract Extension

It seems the recently turned 28 year old has really elevated his game this year. Before Columbus, he also played parts of three seasons in Nashville. This is his third campaign in Ohio.

He’s finally established himself into a more regular contributor, up to 14:29 a game of average ice time. Furthermore, he’s smashed his previous career marks. He has 12 goals and 21 points on the year. Previously, his career highs were five goals and 15 points. Even his hit total is up as he’s at 228 on the campaign thus far. He plays a responsible game through his experience and maturity, and it paid off today.

What Does this Mean in CBJ

For Columbus as a whole, the fact that Mathieu Olivier signs a deal like this is a good thing. Additionally, lots of players are having big seasons for them. Guys like Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski, their top-two point producers, have shown they are near star status in the league. Werenski in particular, with 64 points on the year from the blueline. Columbus is currently leading the Eastern Conference wild card by a slim two points. However, with them exceeding expectations this year, they just won’t go away. Olivier is such a great example of players playing above expectations. It has been such a feel good story in Columbus this year and this is just another example.

Main Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck – Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. In today’s round of NHL Predictions, we are looking at the Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-1 Blue Jackets

Time: 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: ESPN

We open up NHL predictions with the Stadium Series matchup between the Red Wings and Blue Jackets. Cam Talbot is the expected starter for Detroit, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. The Red Wings are coming into this game with a 7-2-1 mark in the last 10 games. However, Columbus got the win in the last encounter between the two teams. Lucas Raymond leads the team in assists (41) and points (63).

Elvis Merzlikins is the projected starter for the Blue Jackets, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. Columbus is also winners of three straight games entering this matchup at Ohio Stadium, which is the home of Ohio State football. Defenceman Zach Werenski is putting up strong numbers with 44 assists and 62 points prior to this game.

This should be a good one, but the Ohio team gets the win unlike what happened in the end of November.

Prediction: Blue Jackets win 4-2.

Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres

Head-to-Head: Canadiens 2-0 Sabres

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: CityTV; SN East; MSG Buffalo; ESPN+

The second game of  today’s NHL predictions has the Montreal Canadiens visiting the Buffalo Sabres. Rookie Jakub Dobes is the confirmed starter for Montreal, which is 4-6 in the last 10 games. However, the Canadiens have won three straight games coming into this one. Brendan Gallagher has posted four goals and one assist over the past 10 games.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the likely starter for Buffalo, which is 6-4 in the last 10 games. However, the Sabres did drop their last game prior to this Atlantic Division matchup. Potential trade candidate Alex Tuch has collected six goals and five assists over the past 10 games.

Montreal has scored a combined 13 goals across the first two games. The Habs may not get as many in this one, but should win.

Prediction: Canadiens win 5-3.

Vancouver Canucks vs Seattle Kraken

Head-to-Head: Canucks 1-1 Kraken

Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: Sportsnet; CBC; KHN; KONG; ESPN+

The last game of NHL predictions is a Pacific Division matchup between the Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken. Kevin Lankinen is the expected starter for the Canucks, who are 5-4-1 before this game. Jake DeBrusk has been solid this season with 21 goals and 14 assists for Vancouver.

Seattle is expected to start with Joey Daccord in the crease for this game. The Kraken are 3-6-1 in the last 10 games and this includes two straight defeats. However, Seattle also has three consecutive losses at Climate Pledge Arena. Shane Wright has been averaging over a point per game with five goals and six assists over the past 10 games.

Both teams need a victory, but Vancouver gets the victory in this one.

Prediction: Canucks win 4-2.

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go to our featured game for our preferred props. For Detroit, take Alex DeBrincat to score a goal. On the Columbus side, take Kirill Marchenko to get the over on 0.5 points in this one.

Main photo by:  Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. In this series, our team here at Last Word on Hockey breaks down head-to-head matchups and other key elements that may influence the outcome of each game each day. This edition of NHL Predictions dissects the Tuesday, February 25, 2025 matchup between the Dallas Stars and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

NHL Predictions

Dallas Stars vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Stars 1-0 Blue Jackets

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: ESPN+, Victory+, FanDuel Sports Network

The Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets battle for the second and final time of the 2024-25 NHL regular season as Dallas continues a road trip in Columbus.

The teams met earlier this month, with Dallas taking a 5-3 win on home ice on February 2nd. Although Dallas got the win, Columbus was the aggressor in the early going, jumping out to a 3-2 lead. However, forward Wyatt Johnston scored a rare power-play goal in the second period to tie the game at three. Dallas forward Evgenii Dadonov then scored twice in the third period to give Dallas the win.

Can Columbus even the series on home ice or will Dallas complete the sweep? NHL Predictions gets you ready for an important late-February duel.

The Stars Story

Dallas is one of the hottest teams in the NHL, going 8-1-1 in its last 10 games and returning from the Four Nations Face-Off break with two wins. The Stars have scored at least four goals in four straight games and have the second-best record in the Western Conference.

Forward Jason Robertson has hit his stride over the last two months and netted a hat trick in the second period of Sunday’s win over the New York Islanders. He and the other top-six forwards are the leaders of Dallas’ offence, and when they play well, the attack just does not stop. The Stars will need them the rest of the way as they contend for the Western Conference title.

Dallas’ defence has dodged some bullets during the winning streak, but it needs to be better all around. Too many teams have been able to either take early leads or make late comebacks against the Stars and there is only so much their goaltending can do to survive and advance.

The Blue Jackets Story

Columbus is fighting for its playoff chances, sitting in a tie with the Ottawa Senators for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets have been on the wrong end of most games this month, dropping four in a row before a 5-1 win over Chicago on Saturday.

Columbus’ five goals were the most it had scored in a month. Forward Kent Johnson led the charge with two early goals. Defenceman Zach Werenski — fresh off a solid performance for the United States in the Four Nations Face-Off — was one of three additional Blue Jackets to score.

Werenski leads the team with 62 points this season, while Johnson is tied for second with 19 goals. Kirill Marchenko leads with 21, and Elvis Merzlkins has been their best netminder.

NHL Prediction

The Stars are in the midst of one of their powerful scoring streaks, but they have also had some defensive lapses during that same span. The Blue Jackets also have proven scorers, but their goaltending performances have been much worse. Dallas has earned wins in each of its last two trips to Columbus, and it is difficult to pick against the Stars when it all seems to be clicking so well.

NHL Predictions: Stars win 4-3.

Prop Bets of the Night

Dadonov (+145) has 11 points in 18 career games against Columbus, including four points in his last three appearances. Dallas’ Mason Marchment (+100) also has a three-game point streak against the Jackets and has 12 points in 13 career matchups. Marchenko, who has a goal and an assist over his last two games against the Stars, is +225 for an any-time goal.

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Main Photo: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re approaching the March 7 trade deadline and there’s plenty of uncertainty in the air. General managers have to make some decisions regarding potential unrestricted free agents. This could especially be a problem for a team that’s in contention. Do they risk having a player walk for nothing by hanging onto them? Or do they think of the future and make a trade?

One team that may have a tough choice to make is the Columbus Blue Jackets. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a defenceman that team has to decide on.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Columbus Blue Jackets Uncertain on Veteran Defenceman

Rumour: In Pierre LeBrun’s latest for The Athletic, he speculates on the future of Blue Jackets defender Ivan Provorov. The blueliner is a UFA at the end of the season and the team needs to figure out what to do with him.

Analysis: Many thought Provorov would be destined to be traded at the deadline. Columbus wasn’t thought of as a team contending for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. However, the Blue Jackets have been playing well and are in the mix for the post-season.

Provorov is a veteran, puck-moving defenceman that probably would fetch a decent return. However, Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell may want to hang onto the Russian defender if the team wants to go for a playoff spot.

LeBrun also mentioned that Provorov is open to sign a contract extension. The insider said that Provorov’s camp and Columbus had talks and agreed to talk again soon. This is a possible good sign for Blue Jackets fans that want to keep the blueliner.

It was also mentioned by LeBrun that there’s mutual interest in getting a deal done. This seems to be a positive development.

What It Means

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to the talks. LeBrun mentioned that its likely Provorov will likely seek a maximum eight-year contract this summer.

One wonders if Waddell would be comfortable making that sort of commitment. Provorov just turned 28 years old last week and a maximum deal would take him deep into his 30s. It may be a risk to give that sort of term to a defenceman that will see his contract end when he’s 36.

The Blue Jackets may also have to worry about Provorov getting a raise. We’ve seen the veteran take up plenty of ice time and he’s only behind Zach Werenski in that category. It seems like a given that Provorov will be seeking a raise from the current $6.75 million in salary that he’s making.

We’ve seen Columbus be able to spend some money in recent months. However, there’s still plenty for them to look forward to when it comes to future deals. Contract extensions for Adam Fantilli and other talented youngsters need to be planned for. Provorov should plan for a massive raise, but Waddell also has to think about the future when it comes to other contracts.

Main photo by: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

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Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, the team here at Last Word on Hockey will dive deep into analysis for any given game to give you the scoop on what elements can change the outcome. Today, we’re taking a look at the contest between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to keep an eye on our other NHL Predictions as the season presses on.

NHL Predictions

Columbus Blue Jackets at Carolina Hurricanes

Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: FDSNSO, FDSNOH, ESPN+

Wrapping up their season series with each other, the Columbus Blue Jackets will face off against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh. Currently, the Canes are 1-0-2 in the series, with both teams being the winners on their own home ice. It is set to be an especially festive evening as the Carolina Hurricanes are hosting their annual Star Wars Night.

The Carolina Story

Starting off this set of NHL Predictions, we’ll discuss the home team – where they’re at and where they’ve been. Quite frankly, the Carolina Hurricanes have been having a wild season of ups and downs. Inconsistency and injuries have been a struggle throughout the first half of the season, While the first quarter of the season was above-average play, it dwindled to below-average towards the end of November. Nonetheless, despite the struggles, they’ve slowly but surely been returning to form. Perhaps not what they once were, they appear to be digging in and returning to average.

Going into this game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, they will be sitting on a three-game winning streak – with two of the three being in the top three of their divisions. The Canes have not had a winning streak of that length since mid-November, and not one of that strength all season. A large portion of that credit goes to the forwards, who have since stepped it up after dealing with poor puck management and the inability to convert shots into scores. Additionally, goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov has continued to be reliable in the crease, displaying outstanding saves. In Tuesday night’s game against the Dallas Stars, Kochetkov was outstanding, making 22 saves on 21 shots in what was Rod Brind’Amour‘s 500th game as Carolina’s head coach.

Pyotr Kochetkov is a mad man!
Not every day you see a goalie do THAT!#RaiseUp #TexasHockey #NHL pic.twitter.com/Pw9sBNF4OH

— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) January 22, 2025

The Columbus Story

The Columbus Blue Jackets have not failed to be impressive this season, performing above expectation. They’ve truly become one of the biggest stories of this season as a breakout team amidst tragedy and dilemma. Despite currently sitting on a two-game losing streak, it comes after having been on a dynamic six-game winning streak. The heater led not only to some much-needed energy for the team, but also shot them up to a position for potential playoff contention, now being only a few points away from a wild card spot.

While they have picked up steam, including the aforementioned winning streak, a significant component of the team has been missing. Sean Monohan, who has been out with an injured wrist since January 7, is unlikely to make it for this game. In the season series with the Canes, Monohan has had one goal and four assists for five points. He is tied with Kirill Marchenko for the team lead against the Canes, with Marchenko having scored four goals and given one assist. Rookie defenceman Denton Mateychuk is expected to miss the game, as he came down with an illness. And finally, Elvis Merzlikins may be someone to keep an eye on after a potential injury during practice. Despite these unfortunate circumstances, the Blue Jackets have still done well with their extra players in Luca Del Bel Belluz and Jack Johnson, and backup goaltender Daniil Tarasov.

#CBJ goalie Elvis Merzlikins was in the starter’s net at morning skate. Looked like he tweaked something at one point making a save and went to the bench for a few minutes but returned to the ice to finish the skate. Dean Evason did media before talking to trainers, so no update.

— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) January 22, 2025

NHL Predictions Featuring the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes

In this game, we will be seeing two teams who have been turning on the afterburners after a sluggish mid-season. Considering Carolina’s desire to maintain their spot in second in the Metropolitan Division, and Columbus’ desire to reach a wild card spot, both teams should have urgency. Despite where the season is at this point, a win here for either team is crucial to get a better hold on their positioning in the standings and to build confidence for the games to come.

In most standard stats, the Carolina Hurricanes are ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, there are some in which they’re similar, which say quite a bit about their game. Both teams are well above the league average in goals for, with an average of over 3.25 per game, as well as shorthanded goals. Due to this, they also put a lot of shots on goal, so both teams will need to take care to guard their goaltenders. In terms of goaltenders, Carolina and Columbus are slightly below average in save percentage.

Expected to play against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first half of their back-to-back is Merzlikins. However, as mentioned earlier, that remains in question after leaving practice early. Should he play against the Leafs, they may choose to rest him against the Canes. In all previous games with the Canes this season, Merzlikins has been the starting goaltender. With that considered, Tarasov taking the crease may make an impact on the game’s outcome. On the flip side, one would believe that the Canes’ netminder would be Pyotr Kochetkov, considering the matchup, his recent play, and two rested days. Nonetheless, it would not be a shocker for the coaching staff to put in Frederik Andersen to mind the twine to give him more ice time. Of course, be sure to check the official lineup before placing any wagers.

Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-3

Your Nightly Bets

For the Carolina Hurricanes, considering Seth Jarvis and Jesperi Kotkaniemi as goalscorers could be worthwhile. Jarvis has been having a pretty grand first month of 2025, leading the team in scoring. Meanwhile, Kotkaniemi has been nothing short of entertaining. Currently, he sits on a two-game goal streak (with two scored in the Canes’ previous outing against the Dallas Stars).

As for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Kent Johnson and Dmitri Voronkov. Johnson has been doing well recently. In his past four games, he has put 13 shots on goal. Meanwhile, in his past three games, he has scored twice. On the other hand, Voronkov has been in a bit of a goal drought, having been unable to light the lamp in his past six games. Despite that, he has put 16 shots on goal in that span. Additionally, he has played well against the Canes throughout the season series, scoring at least once in each of their past three games.

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Main Photo by Russell LaBounty

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Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games each day and give an analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. The New York Islanders will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets for this edition. Don’t forget to check out all the action as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.

NHL Predictions

New York Islanders vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: MSGSN, FDSNOH

This matchup will feature two Metropolitan Division rivals in opposite positions going head-to-head. The Islanders are sitting in last place of the division through 45 games with a record of 18-20-7. That record is good enough for 43 points. The Blue Jackets are fourth with a record of 22-17-7 through 46 games, good for 51 points. These teams are in the middle of a wild card chase. Columbus is in the second wild-card spot, and the Islanders are eight points behind. This is the second of four matchups between these two. The Blue Jackets took the first 2-0 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Tonight’s game will be on Long Island inside UBS Arena.

The Islanders Story

The Islanders snapped a two-game losing streak their last time out. They did this with a strong performance against the San Jose Sharks in a 4-1 win. Coach Patrick Roy was forced to change the lines again due to Maxim Tsyplakov’s three-game suspension, which will be the second of the three. Those changes included moving the struggling Anthony Duclair from the third to the second line. While also putting Brock Nelson back on the second line and moving Bo Horvat up to the first. These changes saw them score four goals in the last game. Despite this, overall, it has been a struggle, and they still rank 27 in goals with 2.64 a game. However, one player who hasn’t struggled since returning is Mathew Barzal, who scored eight points over seven games in January.

Defensively for the Islanders, they have been strong recently. They held the Sharks to one goal and just 19 shots on goal. They have held their opponents to two goals or less in four of their last five games. That has them ranked 17th in goals against with 3.02 per game. They hope to continue that strong play in the next game, and welcoming back Alexander Romanov should help. Backup goalie Marcus Högberg won against the Sharks. He has been playing at a high level since January. In his last three games, he is 2-1 with a .955 save percentage and 1.01 goals against. Starter Ilya Sorokin is the confirmed goalie for this one. During the season, he is 13-14-4 with a .900 save percentage and 2.87 goals against.

The Blue Jackets Story

The Blue Jackets come into this one after dropping their last game 1-0 in a shootout against the New York Rangers. This loss snapped what was a six-game winning streak for Columbus. Their recent winning ways can be attributed to their offense, which scored three or more goals in five of the six games on that winning streak. For the season, they rank seventh in goals with 3.30 per game. It was led by defenceman Zach Werenski, who scored 51 points in 46 games. He has had multiple-point efforts in five of their last 12 games. Kirill Marchenko is second in points with 49 in 46 games. He has been hot over the previous month, with eight goals and 22 points over his last 17 games. They can hurt you five-on-five on the man advantage with the 12th-ranked powerplay at 23.1%.

Their weakness comes on defence and in their goaltending. They rank 27th in goals against with 3.35 per game. They have allowed 1034 shots on goal, the 12th most this season. Of those shots, 99 have been high danger, the ninth most in the league. While they are good with the powerplay, killing them off has been a problem, with the 26th-ranked penalty kill at just 74.6%. The goalies haven’t been great, but the offence has helped. Starter Elvis Merzļikins, over his last nine starts, is 7-1-1 but only with a .898 save percentage and 2.93 goals against. While backup Daniil Tarasov hasn’t been good, he is 4-6-2 with a .872 save percentage and 3.64 goals against.

Prediction

Looking at this game, Columbus has a clear advantage offensively while holding slight edges on special teams. The Islanders have the advantage on defence, with their goaltending and playing on home ice. With both teams in the heat of a wild card race, expect this game to have a lot of energy. The Islanders, however, need this win more than Columbus. They should be the more desperate team, and we think that’ll lead to them winning this game.

Prediction: 4-3 Islanders win

Prop Bets

According to top betting sites, the Islanders are favorites in this game. We still like their money line at -176. The over/under is at 5.5, and given the Blue Jackets’ strong offense and their weak defense, that number is too low. Take the over at -128. As far as any-time goal scorers, for the Islanders, take Bo Horvat at +210. He was promoted to the first line, and playing with Barzal again could lead to him scoring one here. For the Blue Jackets, take Kiril Marchenko at +210. He is the team’s leading goal scorer and could add to it in this contest.

Main photo by: Samantha Madar-Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Tonight, the San Jose Sharks take on one of the surprise teams in the league, the Columbus Blue Jackets. Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. Let’s look at the Sharks facing off against the upstart Blue Jackets. Finally, be sure to check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.

NHL Predictions

San Jose Sharks at Columbus Blue Jackets

Head-to-Head: Sharks 1-0 Blue Jackets

Time: 7 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)

TV: FDSNOH, NBCSCA, ESPN+

The First Matchup

In the first game between these two teams, San Jose won 2-1 in overtime. Vitek Vanecek was the star of the show, as he stopped 49 of Columbus’ 50 shots. Offensively, Jack Thompson found the back of the net, while Alexander Wennberg netted the OT winner. Fabian Zetterlund also registered two assists. The Blue Jackets are hoping that their strong play since then will lead them to a win in this one, while the Sharks are looking to build upon their most recent win on Tuesday.

Sharks Aiming to Carry Momentum Built

San Jose defeated the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night 6-3 and is seeking some momentum in the second game of their road trip. The story of recent Sharks games has been William Eklund. He had three points against the Red Wings and seven in his last five games, leading the team. The 22-year-old is continuing his great season, bringing his point total to 34 in 41 games. Tyler Toffoli also had three points on Tuesday and keeps leading the team with 16 goals. First-overall pick Macklin Celebrini added two assists to his great rookie campaign. He’s up to 31 points, tied for second among rookies.

In the net, Alexandar Georgiev stopped 25 Detroit shots and secured the win. For Georgiev, it was nice to see him get rewarded with a win after two strong games that resulted in losses. However, expect Yaroslav Askarov to see the action against the Blue Jackets and try to sweep the season series.

Blue Jackets Need to Keep Pace in Busy Eastern Conference Playoff Race

The Blue Jackets are one of the league’s surprising stories in 2024-25. Under new coach Dean Evason, the team currently sits in the second Eastern Conference wild-card position and is riding a five-game winning streak into this matchup. The youth movement is one of the key reasons for Columbus’ success. Of the six highest-scoring forwards, five of them are under the age of 24. Namely, Kirill Marchenko has been dynamite, with 48 points in 44 games. Dmitri Voronkov, Kent Johnson, Cole Sillinger and Adam Fantilli round out the list. Voronkov is red-hot with four goals in the last five games.

However, the two key veterans for Columbus, Zach Werenski and Sean Monahan, are giving the Jackets everything they could ask for. Werenski is tied with Cale Makar for first in points and leads all defensemen with 15 goals. He has cemented himself in the Norris trophy conversation. Monahan has 41 points in 41 games and leading Columbus’ top line. In the net, Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov have started a majority of the games, with Merzlikins being the starter. He’s posted a .889 SV% in his 28 starts, while Tarasov’s SV% is down at just .862. The Jackets will need their goaltending to solidify if they want to make the playoffs. Merzlikins hasn’t seen the crease in a week, so expect him to get the start against the Sharks.

Prediction

This game should be high-scoring and highly entertaining. Both teams have had some consistency issues in the net and can find ways to score. However, if Askarov starts, the Sharks are given a calming presence in the net that should serve them well. The Blue Jackets are hot, but San Jose can stunt their winning ways.

Prediction: San Jose wins 5-3

Main photo by: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

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Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! It is Saturday. The weekend is upon us. Of course, for our school-age readers in some states, you have not had much school this week anyway due to snow. Regardless of what your week looked like, we are glad you are here to join us as we preview and predict games around the league. Our prediction today looks at the game between the St. Louis Blues and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

NHL Predictions

St. Louis Blues vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest; FanDuel Sports Network Ohio; ESPN+

The Blues and Blue Jackets meet Saturday night for the final time this season. Just last Saturday, the Blue Jackets beat the Blues 6-4. It was an interesting game, to say the least. After two periods, the Jackets led 2-0 before both teams erupted for eight goals combined in the third period.

Blues Continue to Score

The Blues won their last game, 6-2. The win continued the team’s trend of scoring at least four goals. Following Thursday’s win, the Blues have now scored at least four goals in seven of their last eight games. Furthermore, the Blues started another trend on Thursday. For the second straight game, the Blues forced their opponent to make a change in goal mid-game.

After the loss on Tuesday, head coach Jim Montgomery expressed concern that the team lacked the grit needed to finish the game. The team showed grit and then some on Thursday. The Blues took a 4-0 lead in the first ten minutes of the game. They continued to keep their foot on the gas pedal, refusing to allow the Anaheim Ducks an opportunity to climb back into the game. While the Ducks are a struggling team, it is important that the Blues performed the way they did. The Ducks are a team the Blues should beat. For a team whose sights are set on making the playoffs, beating teams that are struggling is key. Furthermore, it is important to beat them convincingly.

Blue Jackets on a Winning Streak

The win over the Blues has started a small winning streak for the Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets have now won three games in a row. Furthermore, the Jackets are scoring a lot of goals. The Jackets have scored at least four goals in their last five games.

The Jackets will put their win streak on the line in a city where they have not had success recently. In their last four trips to St. Louis, the Blue Jackets have lost three of those four games. However, they did win their latest trip to St. Louis last season, in which case they swept the season series against the Blues. Perhaps the Blue Jackets are starting a new streak in St. Louis, while at the same preserving their current winning streak.

Prediction

This is another tough prediction to make. Both teams are scoring. Both teams are coming off convincing wins. How do we determine who to give the edge to? Well, we are looking between the pipes. Jordan Binnington is likely to start on Saturday for the Blues. Despite a rough game on Tuesday, Binnington is capable of shutting down a hot offence. He is a former All-Star, a Stanley Cup champion, and the Blues all-time wins leader for a reason. For that, we are picking the Blues to win in this round of NHL Predictions.

Prediction: Blues win 6-3. 

Prop Bets

The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. We are taking the over with nine goals. Given how these two teams have been scoring, this seems like the right thing to do.

For any time-scorers, we are taking Kirill Marchenko for the Blue Jackets. For the Blues, we are taking Jordan Kyrou to score his twentieth goal of the season.

Main Photo Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

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