Florida Panthers @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Florida is missing key forwards

Barkov and Marchand are on injured reserve, Gadjovich is out indefinitely, and Vilmanis is out, thinning Florida’s forward options. Maurice said Vilmanis’s absence created more ice time for other forwards.

Markstrom is the projected starter

Florida Hockey Now projects Jacob Markstrom to start; the start is unconfirmed, though Maurice said Nov. 8 that Markstrom was in net.

Florida took the first meeting

Florida beat Columbus 7-3 on Oct. 13, and Columbus can even the series at home.

Florida’s penalty volume stands out

The Panthers lead the NHL with 105 penalties and average 5.8 per game, so discipline could give Columbus more power-play chances.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Columbus moneyline

At roughly -111, Columbus is near a pick’em despite a 6-3 home record and a three-game home winning streak; the home side is worth considering at that price.

Over 5.5 goals

The listed season goals-against averages total about 5.8 per game (Florida 2.89, Columbus 2.93), giving Over 5.5 a modest case at -125.