Columbus Blue Jackets @ Tampa Bay Lightning Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 3/4/2025 7:00 PM EST

We have your Columbus Blue Jackets @ Tampa Bay Lightning prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Blue Jackets visit the Lightning in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup.

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Tampa Bay Lightning Pick

Best Moneyline Odds: Tampa Bay Lightning -175 (via ESPN BET), Columbus Blue Jackets +155 (via BetRivers).
Best Spread Odds: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.0 (-125, via BetRivers), Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 (-160, via Caesars).
Best Total Odds: Over 6.5 (+106, via BetRivers), Under 6.5 (+105, via Caesars).

Game Info

Date: March 4, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa Bay, FL
TV: ESPN+

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Tampa Bay Lightning Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets enter this game on a four-game winning streak, scoring 21 goals during this stretch. They currently hold the top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 30-22-8 record. The Blue Jackets' offense has been on fire, averaging 3.35 goals per game, led by Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson, who have combined for 44 goals and 58 assists this season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, with a 35-21-4 record, are third in the Atlantic Division and have been dominant at home with a 21-7-2 record. Their offense, led by Nikita Kucherov, Brandon Hagel, and Brayden Point, is one of the most potent in the NHL, averaging 3.56 goals per game. Andrei Vasilevskiy has been stellar in goal, boasting a .923 save percentage. However, with Tampa Bay playing on a back-to-back, backup Jonas Johansson may start, which could impact their defensive performance.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

The season series between these teams is tied at one win each. The Blue Jackets won the first meeting 7-6 in overtime on November 21, 2024, while the Lightning won the second matchup 5-3 on December 17, 2024. Historically, Tampa Bay has dominated this matchup, winning six of the last eight meetings. The Lightning also have a strong home record against Columbus, making them the favorites in this contest.

Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.0 (-125, via BetRivers)

The Tampa Bay Lightning are the stronger team overall, with a potent offense and solid defense. While Columbus has been hot recently, their road record (10-16-4) is one of the worst in the Metropolitan Division. Tampa Bay's home dominance (21-7-2) and their ability to bounce back after a loss make them the pick to cover the -1.0 spread. If Jonas Johansson starts in goal for Tampa, this could lead to a higher-scoring game, but the Lightning's offensive firepower should prevail.

Top Player Prop Picks

1. Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 Points

Kucherov has been a consistent offensive force for Tampa Bay, with 87 points this season. Given Columbus's defensive struggles (3.25 goals allowed per game), Kucherov is poised for a big night.

2. Kirill Marchenko Over 0.5 Goals

Marchenko has been a key contributor for Columbus, with 24 goals this season. With Tampa Bay potentially starting their backup goalie, Marchenko has a good chance to find the back of the net.

3. Andrei Vasilevskiy Over 29.5 Saves

If Vasilevskiy starts, he will likely face a high volume of shots from Columbus, who average 28.73 shots per game. His recent form (.952 save percentage in his last seven games) makes this a strong pick.

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