The Columbus Blue Jackets head into Saturday’s road game against the Florida Panthers with momentum after a dramatic 6–5 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Florida is reeling, losers of four straight games. As these two clubs meet for the first time this season at Amerant Bank Arena on December 6, I get you ready for this Eastern Conference contest with my Blue Jackets vs Panthers prediction.
Our Blue Jackets vs Panthers Pick
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Florida Panthers
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Storylines
Recent Form
The Panthers’ slump has been tough to watch lately. They have suffered four straight losses and five straight home games without a win (0-4-1 inside Amerant Bank Arena). They have been held to just one goal in each of their last two games and will try to pick things up on the attack here.
Columbus arrives with some momentum. Their shootout win over Detroit was their second win in a row. Over their last 10 outings, they are 4–2–4, picking up at least a point in 8 of those 10 games. Notably, when Columbus hits at least three goals, they’ve been very successful this season, going 12–1–3 in those games.
Goaltending
Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky figures to be under pressure. With the Panthers in a rut and giving up above three goals per game on average this season, their goaltender has a save percentage under .900 for the year. Columbus is projected to have Elvis Merzlikins in net for this game. He has struggled this season with a 3.61 GAA.
Key Skaters
On Florida’s side, veteran forward Brad Marchand leads the club with 15 goals and 12 assists. He’ll be the go-to threat to break through the Blue Jackets’ defense and help Florida get its confidence back. Also, Sam Reinhart has been active recently, contributing six goals and nine assists over his last 10 games.
On Columbus’ side, defenseman Zach Werenski has tallied 9 goals and 20 assists this season, anchoring both the defense and offense. Forward Adam Fantilli has shown flashes of brilliance with a team-high 11 goals for the year.
Best Player Props
| Player | Prop |
|---|---|
| Brad Marchand | |
| Sam Reinhart | |
| Zach Werenski | |
| Adam Fantilli |
Betting Trends & H2H
- This is the first meeting between these teams so far this season.
- Columbus is 12–1–3 in games this season when they score at least three goals.
- The Panthers are 7-19 in the puckline market for the season.
- Columbus is 13-13 on the puckline for the year.

