Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 4/1/2023

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH

Where to watch: BSFL, BSOH

DraftKings: Check back later for odds

BetMGM: Check back later for odds

Caesars: Check back later for odds

Panthers: 38-31-7

Blue Jackets: 23-43-8

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On April 1, 2023, the Florida Panthers will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in what promises to be a closely contested matchup. The game will be played at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, and both teams will be looking to secure a victory as they push towards the end of the regular season.

The Florida Panthers have had an outstanding season so far, currently sitting in first place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 46-18-4. They are a well-rounded team that boasts several talented players, including forwards Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, defenseman Aaron Ekblad, and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Barkov, in particular, has been in excellent form this season, tallying 92 points in just 68 games played, while Tkachuk just crossed the 100-point mark after a hat trick Thursday in Montreal. Ekblad has been a rock on the blue line, playing over 25 minutes per game and contributing offensively with 38 points. Bobrovsky, meanwhile, has been solid in net with a save percentage of .924 and a goals-against average of 2.38.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have had a disappointing season and are currently sitting dead last in the league. They have struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, but they still have several talented players, including forward Patrik Laine, defenseman Zach Werenski. Laine was acquired mid-season from the Winnipeg Jets and has shown flashes of the goal-scoring prowess that made him a star early in his career.

When these two teams last met earlier in the season, it was the Panthers who emerged victorious with a 4-1 win on home ice. However, the Blue Jackets have improved since then, and this upcoming matchup could be a different story. The Panthers will be looking to continue their strong form and push for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Blue Jackets will be looking to play spoiler and get a much-needed win as they push towards the end of the season.

One key factor to watch out for in this game is the special teams play of both teams. The Panthers have been excellent on the power play this season, with a success rate of 24.4%. They have also been solid on the penalty kill, with a success rate of 82.8%. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, have struggled on both the power play and penalty kill, with success rates of 17.7% and 77.8%, respectively. If the Panthers can take advantage of their strong special teams play and capitalize on the Blue Jackets' weaker penalty kill, it could give them a significant advantage in the game.

Another factor to consider is the play of the goaltenders. Bobrovsky will likely start for the Panthers, and he will be looking to continue his strong form and shut down the Blue Jackets' offense. Korpisalo will likely start for the Blue Jackets, and he will be looking to steal the game for his team and give them a chance to win.

In conclusion, the upcoming matchup between the Florida Panthers and the Columbus Blue Jackets is sure to be a closely contested matchup between two teams with different goals for the end of the season. The Panthers will be looking to continue their strong form and secure their position as one of the top teams in the league.

Prediction

The Panthers are hot at the right time. The schedule also plays out well for them. Panthers 5, Blue Jackets 2

Panthers:

Carter Verhaeghe -- Aleksander Barkov -- Anthony Duclair

Eetu Luostarinen -- Anton Lundell -- Matthew Tkachuk

Ryan Lomberg -- Eric Staal -- Sam Reinhart

Givani Smith -- Colin White -- Nick Cousins

Gustav Forsling -- Aaron Ekblad

Marc Staal -- Brandon Montour

Josh Mahura -- Radko Gudas

Alex Lyon

Blue Jackets:

Johnny Gaudreau -- Boone Jenner -- Kirill Marchenko

Lane Pederson -- Jack Roslovic -- Kent Johnson

Eric Robinson -- Sean Kuraly -- Trey Fix-Wolansky

Liam Foudy -- Hunter McKown -- Emil Bemstrom

Tim Berni -- Andrew Peeke

Gavin Bayreuther -- Billy Sweezey

Marcus Bjork

Michael Hutchinson