Panthers vs Blue Jackets Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Tired Legs Have Trouble Scoring

The Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets are both set to play the second night of a back-to-back and their third game in four nights. The pace in this game shouldn’t be as fast as a typical NHL game due to both teams having tired legs and as a result of that, I don’t anticipate a ton of goals. 

Florida is likely to start Sergei Bobrovsky in goal and Columbus is yet to announce its starter, but all signs point to Daniil Tarasov getting the nod. 

This might not be the best goaltending battle on paper, but I am putting my trust in them for this game. I tell you all the reasons why in my NHL betting picks and predictions for the Panthers vs. Blue Jackets on November 20.

Panthers vs Blue Jackets best odds

Panthers vs Blue Jackets picks and predictions

I expect this game to be mostly one sided for the Florida Panthers, who are the much better team in this matchup. That being said, they have lost their last two games in a row, so they should have a little more urgency and desperation than the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight. 

Columbus got absolutely destroyed on home ice last night against the Detroit Red Wings, losing 6-1 in what was a relatively sloppy hockey game. It has had a very subpar start to this season but is also fighting bad injury luck, missing key players like Patrik Laine, Zach Werenski, Jakub Voracek, and Elvis Merzlikins. 

These injuries have had a significant impact on the Blue Jackets’ offensive production this season. They are averaging 2.94 goals per game, but their power play has been absolutely abysmal, currently at a league’s worst 9.8% conversion rate.

They aren’t necessarily the biggest scoring threat, but the Panthers are very dangerous in the offensive end. They are averaging 40.3 shots on goal per game, leading the league in that statistic as well as the most high-danger chances per 60 minutes (15.71). 

The Panthers should completely dominate this game and challenge Tarasov, but on the other end, I don’t expect much from Columbus — which is why I think this game will go Under. There is too much juice on Florida, but I trust Sergei Bobrovsky to keep this game low scoring.

My best bet: Under 6.5 (+100 at BetMGM)

Panthers vs Blue Jackets moneyline analysis

The Panthers have been a much better team than the Blue Jackets this season and on top of that, they have actually had a ton of success in their past few trips to Columbus. They have won four out of the last five games that have been played between these two teams in Nationwide Arena and will look to continue their dominance. 

Florida has the edge in this matchup in nearly every category. The Panthers are the better team offensively and defensively, as well as special teams and goaltending. 

Every sign is pointing toward Florida winning this game, which is why it is such a heavy favorite. I think it wins this game with no sweat.

Panthers vs Blue Jackets Over/Under analysis

This may not be the best start to a season for Sergei Bobrovsky, who enters this game with a .895 SV% and a 3.46 GAA, but against a team like the Blue Jackets, he should be able to stand on his head. 

Columbus comes into this game with a 45.2% expected goals and the fourth fewest high-danger chances for per 60 (9.64). If there is one team that can help boost a goalie's confidence, it might in fact be the Blue Jackets. 

The Panthers might cause some concern for Under bettors because they are in fact a strong offensive team, but I wouldn’t say they’re too scary. As a team, they are averaging 3.33 goals per game, but I trust them enough on the defensive end to limit the Columbus' opportunities. 

Both teams will have some tired legs, so I don’t see this game being played very wide open, I really like the value on the Under. 

Panthers vs Blue Jackets betting trend to know

The Under is 8-2-1 in the Panthers' last 11 games following OT on the previous day. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs Blue Jackets.

Panthers vs Blue Jackets game info

Panthers vs Blue Jackets key injuries

Pages related to this topic