The Columbus Blue Jackets, currently at 31-32-3, have had a turbulent season marked by inconsistency and struggles on both ends of the ice. As they prepare to face the Florida Panthers on March 20, 2025, at Nationwide Arena, they find themselves in a difficult position against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. While their playoff hopes are slim, the Blue Jackets will look to play spoiler and secure a statement win at home, where they have had mixed results throughout the season. With the Panthers riding a five-game winning streak, Columbus will need to put forth a complete effort if they hope to slow down Florida’s powerful attack. The offensive production has been an ongoing issue for the Blue Jackets, averaging 2.9 goals per game, placing them in the lower half of the league in scoring. Johnny Gaudreau has been the team’s offensive leader, tallying 65 points (24 goals, 41 assists), but he hasn’t had enough consistent support from the rest of the lineup. Patrik Laine, when healthy, provides an elite scoring threat, but he has been in and out of the lineup with injuries this season. His 18 goals in 48 games have been solid, but his inconsistency and lack of rhythm have hurt the team’s ability to generate offense consistently. Boone Jenner remains an important leader and has provided secondary scoring with 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists), but beyond him, Columbus lacks the kind of offensive firepower that top teams possess. One of the biggest weaknesses for the Blue Jackets has been their power play, which operates at just 17%, ranking among the worst in the NHL. Special teams play has been a deciding factor in many of their losses, and against a Florida team that boasts a 22% power play efficiency, Columbus cannot afford to take undisciplined penalties. The Blue Jackets must improve their puck movement and shot selection on the man advantage if they hope to capitalize on their limited opportunities. If they fail to convert on the power play, Florida will likely make them pay at the other end. Defensively, Columbus has struggled to keep the puck out of their net, allowing 3.3 goals per game, which ranks them near the bottom of the league in team defense. Zach Werenski, their most skilled defenseman, has played well offensively but hasn’t been able to provide enough stability in his own end. His 50 points (12 goals, 38 assists) make him one of the best offensive defensemen in the league, but his defensive zone coverage has been suspect at times.

The young defensive core, including David Jiricek and Adam Boqvist, has shown promise but remains inconsistent, often making costly turnovers that lead to high-danger chances for opponents. Against a Panthers team that thrives on the rush and possesses high-end goal scorers like Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart, these defensive lapses could quickly become game-breaking mistakes. Goaltending has been another uncertain factor for Columbus, as Elvis Merzļikins has had an up-and-down season. His .899 save percentage and 3.25 goals-against average are well below league standards, and while he has had flashes of brilliance, his lack of consistency has hurt the team’s ability to string together wins. If Columbus wants to stand a chance against Florida’s offensive powerhouse, Merzļikins must deliver one of his best performances of the season. His ability to control rebounds and limit second-chance opportunities will be critical in preventing the game from getting out of hand early. From a betting perspective, Columbus has struggled against the spread (ATS) at home, covering in only 40% of their last ten home games. The Panthers, on the other hand, have been dominant against Columbus in recent years, with the Blue Jackets going 0-5-1 in their last six meetings. In their most recent matchup on March 6, Florida shut out Columbus 3-0, further emphasizing the gap between these two teams. If past trends continue, the Panthers will likely control possession and dictate the pace, making it tough for Columbus to stay competitive. For Columbus to pull off an upset, they must play a structured defensive game, capitalize on special teams, and get a standout performance from Merzļikins. The Blue Jackets must also focus on limiting Florida’s odd-man rushes, as the Panthers thrive in transition and can quickly turn defense into offense. Additionally, Columbus needs contributions from their bottom-six forwards, who have been mostly silent in recent games. If the third and fourth lines fail to generate offense, the Blue Jackets will have difficulty keeping pace with Florida’s deep lineup. Ultimately, Columbus faces a steep challenge against a Panthers team that is playing some of its best hockey of the season. While home-ice advantage could give them a slight edge, their recent struggles against elite teams make this an uphill battle. If they can tighten up their defense, stay disciplined, and convert on scoring chances, they might be able to keep the game close. However, if they allow Florida to control possession and fail to generate enough offense, they could be in for another tough loss. The Blue Jackets must approach this game with urgency and discipline, knowing that every point is crucial in determining the trajectory of their season.