The Columbus Blue Jackets (30-22-8) travel to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (35-21-4) on Tuesday, March 4th. This game will be played at Amalie Arena in Tampa and televised on ESPN+. Both the Blue Jackets and Lightning will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 ET.

Blue Jackets vs Lightning

The Columbus Blue Jackets Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

After a 7-2 loss to the Capitals, the Blue Jackets are now 30-22-8. Columbus, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined 9 goals went well over that mark.

The Blue Jackets’ defense struggled from the start, giving up five goals in the first period. Damon Severson and Kevin Labanc each scored for Columbus, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Washington’s offense.

The Tampa Bay Lightning Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Tampa Bay’s record fell to 35-21-4 after a 7-4 loss to the Jets. The Lightning held a 2-0 lead early, but the defense struggled, allowing seven unanswered goals. Tampa Bay was the underdog on the puck line, and the total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined 11 goals easily surpassed that mark.

Four different players scored for the Lightning in this one. They led 2-0 in the first period, but Winnipeg tied it up in the second and pulled away with four goals in the third. Nikita Kucherov’s goal at 13:09 in the third period tied the game at 4-4, but the Jets scored three more times to secure the win.

Columbus Offense Breakdown

Columbus fired 36 shots on goal but only managed two scores in their 7-2 loss to Washington. Damon Severson netted his 4th goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his 2nd. The Blue Jackets were held scoreless in the first period before Severson got them on the board 49 seconds into the second period.

Columbus had 13 giveaways and failed to convert on any power play opportunities. Adam Fantilli picked up his 4th assist on Severson’s goal, and Sean Monahan notched his 5th assist on Labanc’s score.

Lightning Offense Breakdown

Brandon Hagel kicked off the scoring for the Lightning, netting his 7th goal of the season. Brayden Point followed with his 8th goal, which came on a power play. Mitchell Chaffee added his 4th goal in the second period, while Nikita Kucherov scored his 10th goal to tie the game 4-4 in the third period.

Tampa Bay fired 30 shots on goal and recorded 8 giveaways. The Lightning scored twice in the first period, added another in the second, and capped their scoring with Kucherov’s goal in the third.

Columbus Team Defense

Columbus’s defense struggled early, giving up five goals in the first period. After closing the gap to 6-2 in the second, they allowed another goal late in the third. Daniil Tarasov made 15 saves with a 68.2% save percentage.

Tampa Bay Team Defense

Tampa Bay’s defense struggled late, allowing three goals in the 3rd period, including two empty-netters, leading to a 7-4 loss to the Jets. Goalie Jonas Johansson made 27 saves with an 84.4% save percentage, while the defense recorded 6 takeaways and 16 hits.

Blue Jackets vs Lightning Trends

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Columbus has an puck line record of 2-1 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
• Through their last ten home games, Tampa Bay has an puck line record of just 6-4. However, their overall record was 8-2 while averaging 3 goals per game.
• Spanning across their last three games as the betting underdog, the Lightning have gone 2-1 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-2.
• Through their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Blue Jackets have a good straight up record, but their puck line mark is just 2-3.

Blue Jackets vs Lightning Prediction

When it comes to a moneyline bet in this game, our analysis leans towards the Lightning picking up the win. However, given the current odds of -184, I’d advise going with the puck line, as our predictions have the Lightning coming out on top by more than one goal.

For a puck line prediction, our preference is the Lightning to secure a win and cover. Anticipate the Lightning to win this one by multiple goals over the Blue Jackets.

If you’re looking at the the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will stay below that threshold, and we strongly suggest placing a bet on the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.