The NHL Regular Season is heating up as the Tampa Bay Lightning head to Nationwide Arena to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Tampa Bay enters the game with a solid record of 12-4-2, while Columbus is looking to improve on their 7-9-0 start. The game is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
Tampa Bay, under the guidance of head coach Jon Cooper, ranks 3rd in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Atlantic Division. The Lightning have shown strong performances recently, including an 8-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Key players like Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy have been instrumental in their success this season.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets, coached by Rick Bowness, are 15th in the Eastern Conference and 7th in the Metropolitan Division. Despite their recent struggles, Columbus aims to leverage their home advantage, where they hold a 6-4-0 record. With the Lightning being the favorites, the Blue Jackets will need to find ways to halt their two-game losing streak and secure a win on home ice.
Blue Jackets vs Lightning At a Glance
- Location: The game will take place at Nationwide Arena.
- TV Coverage: Fans can tune in to ESPN+ to watch the game.
- Current Records: Tampa Bay Lightning holds a 12-6-0 record, while Columbus Blue Jackets are at 7-9-0.
- Odds Favorite: Tampa Bay Lightning is favored with a MoneyLine of -115.
- Goalie Spotlight: Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to be a key player for the Lightning, coming off a strong performance against the Buffalo Sabres.
- Game Timing: The game is set for Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
Columbus Blue Jackets Seek Redemption in Upcoming Game
Current Season Overview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are navigating through a challenging season with a record of 2-9. Their offensive output has been subpar, ranking 21st in goals and 25th in assists. Defensive efforts have shown some promise with a respectable 6th place in goals against.
Despite having one of the highest faceoffs lost rates in the league, their ability to block shots remains consistent at 19th. The team has struggled to maintain possession, ranking 6th in giveaways.
Top Performers
Kent Johnson has been a bright spot for the Blue Jackets, tallying 8 goals and 8 assists over 16 games. Zach Werenski is proving his worth on defense with 35 blocks and contributing 12 assists.
Charlie Coyle has made a significant impact with 13 points, backed by his 10 assists. Valeri Nichushkin has been a physical presence with 28 hits and also contributed 9 points.
Goaltending Performance
Cam Talbot has been the primary goalie with 5 wins in 9 appearances, showcasing resilience with 210 saves. Jet Greaves, while having only 2 wins, managed a shutout in his 9 games.
Both goaltenders have faced challenging moments, with Talbot allowing 21 goals and Greaves conceding 26. Despite their struggles, they have shown moments of brilliance under pressure.
Injury Report
Conor Garland and Isac Lundeström are both sidelined, impacting the Blue Jackets' depth. Garland's absence due to an upper body injury has been felt on the right wing.
Lundeström's long-term recovery from an Achilles injury leaves a gap in the center position. These injuries have forced the Blue Jackets to adjust their lineup and strategy.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-9 (10.0%)
- SU All Games: 2-9 (18.2%)
- SU as Favorite: 0-2 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 2-7 (22.2%)
- Puckline Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 3-7 (30.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 4-7 (36.4%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 0-2 (0.0%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 4-5 (44.4%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 5-5 (50.0%)
- O/U All Games: 6-5 (54.5%)
Lightning Strike Again: Tampa Bay Takes on the Road Challenge
Key Players to Watch
Nikita Kucherov stands out as a crucial player for the Lightning, racking up 26 points in 18 games. His recent performances have been stellar, including a 3-goal, 1-assist game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Jake Guentzel is another forward to keep an eye on, with 22 points in 18 games. His consistency on the ice is vital for the Lightning's offensive strategies.
Brandon Hagel has also contributed significantly, with 21 points in 18 games. His ability to find the net regularly adds depth to Tampa Bay's attack.
Defensive and Goaltending Insights
John Carlson's role on defense has been instrumental, with 15 points and 18 blocks in 18 games. His defensive play is complemented by his ability to contribute offensively.
In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy has been solid with 9 wins out of 14 games, making 308 saves. His experience and skill are key to Tampa Bay's defensive resilience.
Dennis Hildeby has also shown promise in net with a perfect 3-0 record, providing a reliable backup option. His performance against the Minnesota Wild demonstrated his capability under pressure.
Injury Concerns
Brayden Point's absence due to an undisclosed injury is a significant blow to the team. His scoring ability and playmaking are missed on the ice.
Erik Cernak is listed as questionable, and his return would bolster the defensive line. The Lightning will need to manage their defensive depth carefully in his absence.
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU Last 10: 7-3 (70.0%)
- SU All Games: 10-4 (71.4%)
- SU as Favorite: 9-3 (75.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 7-3 (70.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 9-5 (64.3%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 8-4 (66.7%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
- O/U All Games: 7-7 (50.0%)
Blue Jackets vs Lightning Prediction: Over 6.5
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been a high-scoring team this season, ranking 3rd in goals with 71. Their offensive capabilities are complemented by a solid power play, which has resulted in 14 power play goals, placing them 9th in the league.
On the defensive side, the Lightning have conceded 52 goals, which is 10th in the league, suggesting that while their defense is commendable, there are still opportunities for opponents to find the back of the net. The Columbus Blue Jackets, though struggling overall, have managed to score in high-scoring games before.
Despite the Blue Jackets' lower goal tally of 39, their recent games have seen fluctuating totals, and they have been part of several games exceeding the set total. Given both teams' potential to contribute to high-scoring outcomes, this game is likely to exceed the 6.5 total.
Considering the offensive firepower of the Lightning and the potential for the Blue Jackets to capitalize on scoring opportunities, this matchup appears set to be a high-scoring encounter. Expect a final score with the Lightning coming out on top.
- Blue Jackets vs Lightning Prediction: Over 6.5
- Blue Jackets vs Lightning Score: Lightning 5 - Blue Jackets 3
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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