Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, Picks & Odds | 18 Oct 2025

NHL Betting Preview: Lightning vs Blue Jackets

The Tampa Bay Lightning lock horns with the Columbus Blue Jackets in this NHL matchup at Nationwide Arena, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Saturday, October 18. Our betting preview features expert predictions, betting tips, the latest odds, H2H stats, player stats, team news and the starting lineups.

Why We’re Expecting Blue Jackets to Win

The Blue Jackets look great value on the Moneyline and our prediction is that the home team will claim a victory over the Lightning. We’re happy to take the -110 that they win.

Backing Blue Jackets for the win? Take advantage of the current BetMGM promo code and read our comprehensive review for everything you need to know before betting.

7 Wins for Lightning in Past 10 H2H Games

Tampa Bay Lightning have suffered a defeat in back-to-back games including a recent 2-1 (OT) loss. This occurred on the road at Little Caesars Arena against Detroit Red Wings. Janis Jerome Moser was the only player to find the net, with Andrei Vasilevskiy stopping 29 shots (.935).

Columbus Blue Jackets were defeated last time, making it back-to-back losses. Nationwide Arena saw them beaten 4-1 at home to Colorado Avalanche. Blue Jackets managed 23 shots and Ivan Provorov recorded the only goal.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Lightning have beaten the Blue Jackets in their last two meetings, winning by 5-3 and 6-2 scorelines. Both encounters were played at Benchmark International Arena. The Lightning have won seven of the past 10 games that these teams have played.

Starting Goalies

Jonas Johansson (Expected)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	1-0-0	3.1	.909	0
23/24	12-7-5	3.37	.890	2

Jet Greaves (Expected)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	0-2-0	2.1	.932	0
23/24	3-6-0	3.49	.908	0

2 wins, 6 losses and 2 overtime losses, averaging 2.6 goals from 22.9 shots on goal, with a 10.9% powerplay efficiency. The Lightning have been giving up 3.7 goals from 28.6 shots, averaging 4.9 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 87.8%.

Jake Guentzel is the top points scorer with 11 points, 4 goals and 7 assists, with Nikita Kucherov recording 7 points, 2 goals and 5 assists, over the last 10 games. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy have a 3.37 goal against average with a .878 save percentage.

The Blue Jackets have 7 wins and 3 losses, averaging 3.9 goals from 30.1 shots on goal, with a 13.3% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 1.9 goals from 34.3 shots, averaging 3.6 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 77.8%.

The top points scorer is Zach Werenski with 11 points, 4 goals and 7 assists, while Adam Fantilli is next in line after registering 9 points, 8 goals and 1 assist. Goalie Jet Greaves have a 1.15 GAA with a .963 SV%, including two shutouts.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction & Picks

This Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets betting guide features sharp analysis across major markets, including an expert match prediction, correct score bet and a strategic bet builder.

Game Prediction

We’re eager to bet on Columbus Blue Jackets to win this NHL encounter and that leads us to the Moneyline for our pick. It’s difficult to turn down the -110 that they claim the victory.

Our hockey predictions are built after tracking the latest team news and reviewing recent form. We also dive into up-to-date NHL stats, which often serve as a solid barometer for how the action might unfold.

Key Lightning vs Blue Jackets stats:

• Blue Jackets have won 7 of their last 10 games.
• Blue Jackets have won 3 of their last 5 games at home.
• Lightning have lost 8 of their last 10 games.
• Lightning have lost 4 of their last 5 games.
• Lightning have lost their last 2 games.

Blue Jackets Moneyline Probability

The top betting apps are estimating that there is a 52.4% likelihood of this pick winning. Taking all factors into consideration, our experts think there’s a stronger chance of success and estimate the probability to be closer to 60%. That means we’re regarding it as a value bet.

There are many options to simply backing Columbus to win and perhaps Winning Margin could be the way to go. We also recommend the 3-Way Moneyline and Puck Line.

Don’t miss out on extra value. Our comprehensive guide features a wide range of free bets and sign-up bonuses for new bettors.

Best Bet

Blue Jackets Moneyline @ -110 Watch Live Bet Now

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Correct Score Prediction

Lightning 2 - 4 Blue Jackets

We’re taking a chance on the Blue Jackets to achieve a 4-2 winning scoreline. Odds of +1500 means we can place a smaller stake and still achieve a nice return.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Lightning

Blue Jackets

1-0

Lightning

+5500

Blue Jackets

+6000

2-0

Lightning

+5500

Blue Jackets

+5500

2-1

Lightning

+1500

Blue Jackets

+1600

3-0

Lightning

+4000

Blue Jackets

+3500

3-1

Lightning

+2200

Blue Jackets

+2000

3-2

Lightning

+850

Blue Jackets

+850

4-0

Lightning

+5000

Blue Jackets

+4500

4-1

Lightning

+1900

Blue Jackets

+1600

4-2

Lightning

+1700

Blue Jackets

+1500

4-3

Lightning

+950

Blue Jackets

+950

5-0

Lightning

+9000

Blue Jackets

+7000

5-1

Lightning

+3000

Blue Jackets

+2500

5-2

Lightning

+1900

Blue Jackets

+1600

5-3

Lightning

+2400

Blue Jackets

+2000

5-4

Lightning

+1800

Blue Jackets

+1700

6-0

Lightning

+12500

Blue Jackets

+10000

6-1

Lightning

+6600

Blue Jackets

+5500

6-2

Lightning

+3500

Blue Jackets

+2900

6-3

Lightning

+3000

Blue Jackets

+2500

6-4

Lightning

+4500

Blue Jackets

+4000

6-5

Lightning

+4000

Blue Jackets

+4000

7-1

Lightning

+11000

Blue Jackets

+9000

7-2

Lightning

+9000

Blue Jackets

+7000

7-3

Lightning

+6000

Blue Jackets

+5000

7-4

Lightning

+6600

Blue Jackets

+5500

7-5

Lightning

+10000

Blue Jackets

+9000

7-6

Lightning

+10000

Blue Jackets

+10000

8-1

Lightning

+10000

Blue Jackets

+14000

8-2

Lightning

+15000

Blue Jackets

+12000

8-3

Lightning

+14000

Blue Jackets

+12000

8-4

Lightning

+11000

Blue Jackets

+10000

8-5

Lightning

+13000

Blue Jackets

+12000

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Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets Odds

The odds and lines are updated on a frequent basis. You might therefore find that they are different to the ones listed for the above betting predictions.

Books Predicting a Close Encounter

Columbus Blue Jackets have been given Moneyline odds of -120 against Tampa Bay Lightning who are -100. If you want to know the probability of the road team winning this game, it’s 50% according to the most popular sportsbooks.

There is a puck line of 1.5 and total goals has a line of 6.5. A Totals wager is always available and can often provide value selections. If you want to back Over 6.5, it’s -106.

If you’re wagering on National Hockey League clashes, we recommend heading to the top sportsbooks and scanning through the hundreds of team props and game lines. There’s the opportunity to bet pre-game and in-game.

Moneyline

Lightning

-100

Blue Jackets

-120

3-Way Moneyline

Lightning

+163

Tie

+320

Blue Jackets

+130

Puck Line

Lightning +1.5

-250

Blue Jackets -1.5

+198

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-114

Over 6.5

-106

Player Props & Micro Betting

If you have a view on Goals, Assists, Points, Blocked Shots or Saves, then the goalie and player props could be an option. It’s a fantastic way of betting on a player to perform well and the gambling sites provide many options.

It’s good to consider all wagering options when it comes to NHL and micro betting can be an exciting way to get involved in the action. When everything goes in-game, bet on the Next Goalscorer or Next Goal.

Last 5 & H2H

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Tampa Bay Lightning Stats

Columbus Blue Jackets Stats

Moneyline

• 2 wins and 8 defeats in the last 10 games
• 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 6 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 4 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.30 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 5.00 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 6.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 1 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.60 goals and allowed 3.70 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 2.60 pts and allowed 2.40 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 5.80 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 7.20 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.90 goals and allowed 1.90 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 4.20 goals and allowed 3.00 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.5
• Shots: 22.9
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4.9
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 11.5
• Blocks: 14.6
• Faceoff Wins : 26.4
• Hits: 26.8
• Giveaways: 16.7
• Takeaways: 3.9

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.4
• Shots: 24.7
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 9.1
• Blocks: 15.5
• Faceoff Wins : 25.5
• Hits: 16.3
• Giveaways: 14.2
• Takeaways: 4.5

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.4
• Shots: 30.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 3.6
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 8.9
• Blocks: 17.1
• Faceoff Wins : 30.8
• Hits: 18.4
• Giveaways: 14.4
• Takeaways: 5.5

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.5
• Shots: 30.3
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 3.2
• Empty Net Goals: 0
• Penalty Minutes: 8.1
• Blocks: 15.2
• Faceoff Wins : 31.8
• Hits: 20.2
• Giveaways: 16
• Takeaways: 5.5

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Team News

Tampa Bay Lightning Player Stats & Roster

#	Player	GP	MIN	G	A	P	+/-
21	Brayden Point	5	19.9	2	3	5	-6
59	Jake Guentzel	5	22.14	1	4	5	-3
77	Victor Hedman	5	25.1	0	4	4	-1

43	Darren Raddysh	3	17.03	1	2	3	-4
22	Oliver Bjorkstrand	5	14.16	1	2	3	1
24	Maxwell Crozier	4	13.13	0	3	3	2
86	Nikita Kucherov	4	20.48	2	1	3	-8
71	Anthony Cirelli	5	18.92	2	1	3	0
93	Gage Goncalves	5	13.2	0	3	3	2
90	Janis Jerome Moser	3	23.73	1	1	2	0
29	Pontus Holmberg	5	12.34	1	1	2	2
27	Ryan McDonagh	5	21.8	1	1	2	0
37	Yanni Gourde	5	16.14	2	0	2	0
38	Brandon Hagel	5	19.66	0	1	1	-4
14	Conor Geekie	5	9.26	0	1	1	1
78	Emil Lilleberg	5	15.2	0	0	0	-3
41	Mitchell Chaffee	5	9.52	0	0	0	0
	Curtis Douglas	4	5.85	0	0	0	0
81	Erik Cernak	5	19.76	0	0	0	-1
62	Jack Finley	2	8.45	0	0	0	0

#	Goalies	GP	GAA	SV%
31	Jonas Johansson	1	3.02	0.909
88	Andrei Vasilevskiy	4	3.5	0.884

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Columbus Blue Jackets Player Stats & Roster

#	Player	GP	MIN	G	A	P	+/-
86	Kirill Marchenko	4	19.55	4	1	5	3
10	Dmitri Voronkov	4	15.83	2	2	4	4
38	Boone Jenner	4	17.78	1	2	3	-2

9	Ivan Provorov	4	24.43	1	2	3	2
8	Zach Werenski	4	27.08	1	2	3	4
19	Adam Fantilli	4	16.03	1	1	2	1
3	Charlie Coyle	4	16.9	0	1	1	-2
11	Miles Wood	3	7.97	1	0	1	1
5	Denton Mateychuk	4	14.75	0	1	1	0
4	Cole Sillinger	4	13.75	0	1	1	2
27	Zach Aston-Reese	4	10.03	0	1	1	0
78	Damon Severson	4	19.93	0	1	1	3
23	Sean Monahan	4	19.25	0	0	0	4
15	Dante Fabbro	4	19.1	0	0	0	1
24	Mathieu Olivier	4	14.15	0	0	0	-1
21	Isac Lundestroem	4	11.65	0	0	0	0
91	Kent Johnson	4	15.58	0	0	0	0
44	Erik Gudbranson	2	13.85	0	0	0	0
2	Jake Christiansen	2	7.7	0	0	0	0
59	Yegor Chinakhov	1	9	0	0	0	-1

#	Goalies	GP	GAA	SV%
90	Elvis Merzlikins	2	3.54	0.92
73	Jet Greaves	2	2.06	0.932

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Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.