Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
This season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have recorded strong results, climbing into the top four of the Eastern Conference. They have performed well at home, while the Columbus Blue Jackets have also been in good form, winning four consecutive games and now set to face a competitive opponent.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning have won eight of their last nine games, demonstrating a balanced performance by combining solid defence with an efficient attack. During this period, they have scored 35 goals (3.88 per game) while conceding an average of 1.66 goals. They recorded wins over Eastern Conference leader the Washington Capitals (3:1) and the Edmonton Oilers (4:1), and lost to the Florida Panthers (1:2). In the last nine games, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point have combined for 20 points (7+13). At home, they have accumulated 44 points in 30 games—second-best in the East behind the Carolina Hurricanes.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have been inconsistent, splitting their last eight games (4:4) and experiencing defensive difficulties. They have conceded an average of three goals per game, with goaltender Elvis Merzlikins achieving an 89.7% save percentage. Additionally, the Blue Jackets will be without forward Sean Monahan (14+27), which weakens their offensive potential.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction
The Tampa Bay Lightning have secured five consecutive home wins and recorded eight straight victories over the Columbus Blue Jackets since 2021, consistently scoring at least three goals per game. The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to struggle defensively, which supports our choice of a combination bet.
