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Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
Both teams enter Saturday looking for traction after slow starts, but the path to a win looks different for each side. Tampa Bay has played in tight games all season, with four of their five outings decided by one goal. Columbus has struggled to generate offense at even strength and has been buried by special-teams breakdowns.
The Lightning closed regulation strong in Detroit with 19 third-period shots and have shown signs of getting back to their identity. Columbus has yet to string together three full periods of quality play. They beat Minnesota 7-4 but have looked passive and out of sync in each loss.
This is the end of a road stretch for Tampa Bay, while Columbus returns home needing a response after a 4-1 loss to Colorado where effort — not tactics — was the issue, per Dean Evason. The Jackets will get chances if they forecheck and pressure the puck, but their penalty kill has been the worst in the league so far.
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Line Movement and Odds
This matchup opened as near a pick’em, with the Lightning at -112 on the moneyline and Columbus at -108. The total is 6.5, and early betting has skewed toward the over because both teams are allowing high-quality looks. Tampa Bay’s puck line is available at plus money, indicating books expect another close finish.
Updated pricing can be tracked on the NHL odds page ahead of puck drop.
Matchup Breakdown
Lightning outlook
Tampa Bay is creating more offense late in games, which suggests their pace and structure are trending up. They have scored in every third period this season and continue to generate net-front traffic. Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel remain the focal points with Kucherov still questionable. The Lightning’s offense is not the issue. The question is whether they can control momentum earlier.
Blue Jackets outlook
Columbus has been overwhelmed defensively, especially on the penalty kill. Their energy dips when they chase games, and they are giving up too many extended zone shifts. Offensively, Marchenko and Fantilli have carried the creation load, but there has been no secondary push. If they simplify and get pucks down low instead of playing on the perimeter, they can compete — but their margin is thin.
Key edge
Tampa Bay drives more consistent chances and finishes better in tight games. Columbus can cover and stay live if they limit penalties and keep the game at five-on-five, but they have not shown they can do it reliably yet.
Injuries and Conditions
Tampa Bay Lightning injury report
The Lightning remain without several depth forwards and may still be missing Nikita Kucherov, who is listed as questionable on the most recent injury report.
Columbus Blue Jackets injury report
The Blue Jackets continue to monitor Erik Gudbranson and Miles Wood, and both could be game-time decisions according to the latest injury report. Defensive depth is still thin, which has hurt their penalty kill.
Weather is not a factor indoors at Nationwide Arena.
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Edges come from price, not logos.
Best Bets and Prediction
Tampa Bay has been better late in games, and their offense carries more reliable upside in a close matchup. Columbus can keep this within a goal if they stay disciplined, but their special teams put constant stress on their goaltender.
Projected score: Lightning 4, Blue Jackets 3
Best bet: Columbus +1.5 (puck line)
Secondary lean: Over 6.5 goals based on both teams allowing volume chances
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
You can follow which NHL analysts are heating up on the Handicapper Leaderboard, and compare real betting angles and consensus plays on the Free NHL Picks page. Deeper betting strategy breakdowns are available inside the Bettors Handbook for long-term edge.
