- Matchup: Nashville Predators vs Columbus Blue Jackets
- Event Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
- Broadcast: Fanduel Sports Network
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The Columbus Blue Jackets (29-21-8) are gearing up to host the Nashville Predators (27-24-8) at Nationwide Arena this Tuesday.
In their last contest, the Nashville Predators suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against the Stars. The Predators accrued 11 penalty minutes in that game and struggled offensively, converting just 1 out of 3 power play opportunities while managing to fire 27 shots on goal, resulting in 2 goals.
This season, the Nashville Predators have netted a total of 172 goals (ranking 22nd in the league) while allowing 203 goals. Currently, they sit with 62 points, boasting a points percentage of .525. Nashville has had 174 power play chances and scored 39 goals, resulting in a power play success rate of 22.41%. At even strength, they have allowed 167 goals while scoring 133. With a total of 1,682 shots taken, their shooting percentage stands at 10.2%. However, Nashville has faced 1,726 shots against, with a save percentage of .882. Opponents have capitalized on 178 power play opportunities (13th in the league), scoring 36 goals during those chances.
The Predators are expected to have Justus Annunen guarding the net. Over his pro career, Annunen has faced 190 goals against, and his goals against average is 3.28. He has participated in 71 NHL games, achieving a save percentage of .893 over 2,796 minutes. Annunen holds a record of 31 wins, 27 losses, and 5 overtime losses, with 58 starts. In his tenure, he has compiled 29 quality starts, yielding a quality start rate of .500. Annunen has faced 1,772 shots, making 1,582 saves.
On the other side, the Columbus Blue Jackets recently faced a setback against the Islanders, losing 4-3. They managed to score 3 goals from 30 shots, but struggled with power plays, failing to convert their only opportunity.
This season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have recorded 179 goals and accumulated 66 points, which translates to a points percentage of .569. They have allowed 184 goals, with 147 conceded at even strength and 37 while shorthanded. Columbus has found the back of the net 152 times at even strength but only managed 27 goals (29th in the league) during power plays, converting 19.57% of their 138 power play chances. With a competitive shooting percentage of 10.31% from 1,737 shots taken, the Blue Jackets have allowed an equivalent number of 1,741 shots against them. Their penalty kill percentage stands at 77.44% against 164 power play opportunities, while their overall save percentage is currently at 89.4%.
The Blue Jackets are anticipated to start Elvis Merzlikins in goal. With a career record of 105 wins, 109 losses, and 36 overtime losses, Merzlikins has participated in 266 games. He boasts a quality start percentage of 47.8%, completing 120 quality starts. His save statistics include 7,216 saves from 8,014 shots taken, resulting in a save percentage of .900. Opponents average 3.18 goals per game against him, and he has surrendered a total of 798 goals over his career, with 12,984 minutes played and 251 starts.
Which team will secure the win against the spread or moneyline tonight in the NHL?
Expert Pick: Go with Nashville
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