The Columbus Blue Jackets (1-3) take on the Tampa Bay Lightning (1-2-2) at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The Blue Jackets were defeated by the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 in their most recent outing, while the Lightning are coming off a 2-1 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
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Ahead of watching this matchup, here is a glimpse at which squad we pick to emerge with the victory in Saturday's action on the ice.
Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Predictions for Saturday
Our computer projections model for this encounter predicts a final result of Blue Jackets 4, Lightning 3.
- Moneyline Pick: Blue Jackets (-120)
- Total Pick: Under 6.5 (computer predicts 6.2 goals on average)
- Spread Pick: Lightning (+1.5)
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Blue Jackets Splits and Trends
- The Blue Jackets were 40-33-9 overall and 10-9-19 in overtime games last season.
- Columbus was 7-7-8 (22 points) in its 22 games decided by one goal.
- In the seven games last season the Blue Jackets recorded just one goal, they finished 0-5-2 (two points).
- Columbus scored exactly two goals in 15 games last season (4-10-1 record, nine points).
- The Blue Jackets scored three or more goals in 51 games (36-11-4, 76 points).
- In the 28 games when Columbus scored a single power-play goal, it picked up 38 points by finishing 18-8-2.
- In the 34 games last season when it outshot its opponent, Columbus was 18-12-4 (40 points).
- The Blue Jackets' opponent had more shots in 41 games last season. The Blue Jackets went 19-17-5 in those contests (43 points).
Lightning Splits and Trends
- The Lightning have earned a record of -2-2 in overtime games to contribute to an overall mark of 1-2-2.
- Tampa Bay has earned four points (1-1-2) in its four games that finished with a one-goal margin.
- This season the Lightning scored only one goal in one game and they lost in overtime.
- Tampa Bay lost in overtime in its only game this season when it has scored two goals.
- The Lightning have scored at least three goals three times, posting two total points across those games.
- Tampa Bay has scored a lone power-play goal in one game this season and lost in overtime.
- When it outshoots opponents, Tampa Bay is 0-0-1 (one point) this season.
- The Lightning have been outshot by opponents four times this season, and earned three points in those games.
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Team Stats Comparison (2024-25)
| Blue Jackets Rank | Blue Jackets AVG | Lightning AVG | Lightning Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th | 3.26 | Goals Scored | 3.56 | 1st |
| 25th | 3.26 | Goals Allowed | 2.63 | 4th |
| 10th | 29 | Shots | 28.5 | 12th |
| 28th | 29.9 | Shots Allowed | 28.1 | 14th |
| 23rd | 18.92% | Power Play % | 25.86% | 5th |
| 22nd | 76.96% | Penalty Kill % | 81.55% | 6th |
Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
- Where: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
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