Tampa Bay Lightning at Columbus Blue Jackets 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Eastern Conference hockey takes center stage Thursday evening when the Tampa Bay Lightning travel to Columbus to face the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.

Tampa Bay enters 11-4-2 following a 4-3 loss to Winnipeg, while Columbus stands at 7-9-0 after suffering a 4-1 defeat against Florida.

The Lightning enter as slight -118 favorites behind Nikita Kucherov, Jake Guentzel and Brandon Hagel. Columbus counters with Kent Johnson, Zach Werenski and Adam Fantilli.

With Tampa Bay pursuing another playoff appearance and Columbus attempting to climb the Metropolitan Division standings, Thursday’s matchup presents an intriguing Eastern Conference showdown.

Game Information

• Matchup: Tampa Bay Lightning at Columbus Blue Jackets
• Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
• Puck Drop: 7:00 PM ET
• TV/Streaming: Blue Jackets Hockey Network / The Spot / ESPN+ (out-of-market)
• Venue: Nationwide Arena — Columbus, Ohio
• Tickets: As low as $17
• Records: Tampa Bay 11-4-2 | Columbus 7-9-0
• Moneyline: Tampa Bay -118 | Columbus -102
• Over/Under: 6.5 Goals

Tampa Bay’s -118 moneyline requires risking $118 to win $100. Columbus at -102 requires risking $102 to win $100.

The 6.5 total requires at least seven combined goals for an over wager. Six or fewer goals produce an under.

Tampa Bay: Lightning Looking to Continue Strong Start

Tampa Bay enters Thursday among the Eastern Conference’s stronger teams, averaging 3.71 goals per game.

Nikita Kucherov leads the Lightning with 22 points, including five goals and 17 assists.

Jake Guentzel has contributed 10 goals and eight assists, while Brandon Hagel has accumulated nine goals and nine assists.

Hagel leads Tampa Bay with 65 shots on goal, providing consistent offensive pressure.

However, Brayden Point’s undisclosed injury creates uncertainty after he exited Sunday’s game against Winnipeg.

Point’s absence could increase offensive responsibilities for Kucherov, Guentzel and Hagel.

Defensively, Tampa Bay allows approximately 2.9 goals per contest.

Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy remains an important part of the Lightning’s defensive structure.

Tampa Bay must maintain offensive pressure, capitalize on power-play opportunities and manage fatigue while completing back-to-back road games.

Columbus: Blue Jackets Looking to Rebound at Home

Columbus enters Thursday attempting to end a two-game losing streak following defeats against Buffalo and Florida.

The Blue Jackets average just 2.44 goals per game, making offensive consistency their greatest concern.

Kent Johnson leads Columbus with eight goals and eight assists for 16 points.

Defenseman Zach Werenski has contributed two goals and 12 assists, providing valuable offensive production from the blue line.

Charlie Coyle adds 13 points, while Adam Fantilli has accumulated four goals.

Columbus has demonstrated occasional offensive explosiveness, including a 7-2 victory over Colorado.

However, the Blue Jackets have struggled to maintain that production consistently.

Defensively, Columbus allows approximately 3.19 goals per game.

Goaltenders Cam Talbot and Jet Greaves provide options in net, although Thursday’s starter remains unconfirmed.

Columbus must establish offensive pressure early, limit turnovers and prevent Tampa Bay’s dangerous forwards from controlling possession.

Four Prop Bets to Consider

These are suggested betting targets, not verified sportsbook player-prop lines. Confirm availability, starting goaltenders, injuries and odds before wagering.

Prop Bet #1: Nikita Kucherov Over 0.5 Assists

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Kucherov Over 0.5 Assists

• 17 Season Assists
• 22 Points
• Tampa Bay Offensive Leader

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Kucherov remains Tampa Bay’s primary playmaker.

His outstanding vision and ability to create scoring opportunities make him particularly dangerous against a Columbus defense allowing more than three goals per game.

Prediction: Nikita Kucherov — 2 assists

Prop Bet #2: Brandon Hagel Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Hagel Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

• 65 Season Shots
• 9 Goals
• Nearly 4 Shots Per Game

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Hagel has consistently generated offensive opportunities throughout the season.

His aggressive shooting approach should create favorable opportunities against Columbus.

Prediction: Brandon Hagel — 4 shots on goal

Prop Bet #3: Zach Werenski Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Werenski Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

• 50 Season Shots
• 12 Assists
• Columbus Offensive Defenseman

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Werenski plays an important offensive role from the blue line.

His heavy workload and involvement in Columbus’ power play should generate shooting opportunities.

Prediction: Zach Werenski — 4 shots on goal

Prop Bet #4: Kent Johnson Over 0.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Johnson Over 0.5 Points

• 8 Goals
• 8 Assists
• Columbus Leading Scorer

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Johnson remains Columbus’ most productive offensive weapon.

His scoring ability and involvement in the Blue Jackets’ offensive attack give him opportunities to contribute despite Tampa Bay’s strong defense.

Prediction: Kent Johnson — 1 point

Players to Watch

Nikita Kucherov — Tampa Bay: His playmaking ability drives the Lightning’s offensive production.

Jake Guentzel — Tampa Bay: His goal-scoring touch creates difficult defensive assignments.

Kent Johnson — Columbus: His offensive consistency will be critical.

Zach Werenski — Columbus: His defensive responsibilities and offensive production could influence the outcome.

Keys to the Game

Tampa Bay must control possession, generate sustained offensive pressure and exploit Columbus’ defensive weaknesses.

The Lightning should emphasize puck movement and capitalize on special-teams opportunities.

Columbus must limit turnovers, establish its forecheck and prevent Kucherov from creating dangerous scoring chances.

Goaltending, power-play efficiency and defensive-zone execution could determine the outcome.

Betting Prediction

Tampa Bay -118 presents an attractive opportunity considering the Lightning’s superior offensive production and stronger overall record.

However, Columbus possesses home-ice advantage, while Tampa Bay faces its second game in consecutive nights.

The 6.5 total presents another interesting decision.

Tampa Bay averages 3.71 goals per game, but Columbus has struggled offensively.

The Blue Jackets’ limited scoring production could keep the contest below the total.

Best Bet: Tampa Bay Moneyline -118

The Verdict

Columbus’ best opportunity comes through Johnson generating scoring chances and Werenski creating offense from the blue line.

However, Tampa Bay possesses significantly more offensive firepower.

Expect Kucherov to create opportunities for Guentzel and Hagel while the Lightning generate consistent pressure.

Columbus remains competitive behind its home crowd, but Tampa Bay’s offensive depth eventually proves decisive.

Final Score Prediction

Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Picks Summary

Betting Category Pick Best Bet Tampa Bay Money line -118 Moneyline Tampa Bay -118 Puck Line Columbus +1.5 Over/Under Under 6.5 Top Prop Brandon Hagel Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

Final Prediction: Tampa Bay 4, Columbus 2

Tampa Bay wins by two goals, improving to 12-4-2, while Columbus falls to 7-10-0.

The projected six combined goals finish under the 6.5 total.

The Lightning strengthen their Atlantic Division position with another important road victory, while Columbus continues searching for offensive consistency.