Columbus Blue Jackets vs Florida Panthers

Florida is 7-4-2 on the road this season. They're on a 5-2 run netting 22 goals with an offense that is fourth in the NHL in shots on goal, and a defense that is fourth in goals allowed (2.54 per game) and seventh in save percentage (.914). Last place Columbus is getting outscored by 16 goals, the second-worst differential in the Eastern Conference. The offense is 22nd in goals scored and 19th in shooting percentage, with a defense that is 28th in goals given up (3.45 per game) and 15th in save percentage (.906). Columbus has lost three of four surrendering 16 goals and is 5-25 after scoring 4 or more goals in its last game. Florida has won three in a row versus Columbus by a 16-4 count, so back the visitors. Play Florida.

Columbus had a big win over Tampa Bay, but then lost a tough 2-1 decision at Washington although Elvis Merzlikins stopped 25 of 27 shots and improved his goals-against average to 2.86 with a .905 save percentage this season. He had 27 saves against the Lightning and he is likely in net tonight for the Blue Jackets. Florida is 5-4-1 and second-to-last in the Atlantic Division and it comes off a 5-2 loss at Chicago with Anthony Stolarz taking the loss. Sergei Bobrovsky is probable for this game and he is 4-3-1. Both teams have had trouble scoring and Florida is No. 25 with 2.60 goals per game. The Panthers are 1-6 their past seven games playing with one day of rest and 1-4 after scoring two or fewer goals their previous game. Take the Blue Jackets as a Max Play.

Columbus came up just short while playing one of its best games of the season and the Blue Jackets lost 2-1 to league-leading Boston in overtime on Thursday night. Michael Hutchinson had 29 saves and he will be in net tonight for Columbus and Alex Lyon could get the call for Florida and he owns a 3.61 goals-against average in nine appearances for the Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky is questionable with an illness. Florida has lost eight of 11 versus the Metropolitan Division and the Panthers are only 5-15 their past 20 games at Columbus. The teams have split two meetings this season. Take the Blue Jackets as a Max Play.