- What: Tuesday NHL Picks
- Who: Columbus Blue Jackets at Tampa Bay Lightning
- When: Tuesday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.
The Tuesday NHL picks are featuring a clash of two of the hottest teams in the league at the moment, as the Columbus Blue Jackets square off with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Currently holding down the first of two Eastern Conference Wild Card playoff positions, the Blue Jackets are winners of four in a row. Meanwhile, the Lightning, third in the Atlantic Division, are 8-1-1 through the past 10 games.
It's the Lightning who oddsmakers are counting on to shine. Tampa Bay is set as a -180 home favorite.
Let's look at the latest betting line on this game. Odds are subject to change.
 | Puck Line | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +1.5 (-155) | +155 | O 6.5 (-120) |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | -1.5 (+133) | -180 | U 6.5 (EVEN) |
Launching a four-game road trip, the Blue Jackets are just 1-3-2 over the last six road games. Tampa Bay has won five in a row at home.
There are 10 NHL games on the agenda during a busy Tuesday night of action. This is one of the games that we think provides the best bets of the night in the NHL picks.
Best NHL Picks For You
Before we make a deeper assessment of Tuesday's Blue Jackets vs Lightning NHL picks and best bets, why not take a look at our handy NHL betting guide to see where the best NHL betting odds and picks are located, including the latest props and futures wagering. As well, these online sportsbook reviews will also aid in helping you decipher which betting site is the one that's going to service your NHL betting needs on a comprehensive basis. And if you're someone who is living life on the move, these are the best sports betting apps that can help you get your NHL bets down in the midst of your busy day.
Blue Jackets vs Lightning Betting Trends
Generally, this has proven to be a one-sided battle over recent seasons. Tampa Bay has won three out of four, seven out of nine and 11 out of 14 against Columbus. At Tampa Bay, the Blue Jackets have lost eight in a row. The last win by Columbus at Tampa Bay came on March 30, 2021.
Overall, the Blue Jackets are 4-1 straight up over the past five games. Columbus is 9-10 SU in the last 19 games against Eastern Conference opponents. Facing Metropolitan Division opposition, Columbus is 0-4 SU in the past four games.
The Lightning are 8-1 SU in the last nine games. They are also 5-0 SU in the last five home games.
The total is 4-0-1 in the last five games played by Columbus. Seven of the past 10 road games for Columbus have gone under. However, four of the past five games the Blue Jackets have faced Eastern Conference squads have seen the under as the winning play on the total.
The under has won the day on the total in each of Tampa Bay's last five games. In four of the past five games in which the Lightning were facing teams from the Metropolitan Division, the under was also the winning play. However, four of Tampa Bay's past six games against Eastern Conference clubs went over. Ten of the last 15 games between Tampa Bay and Columbus have gone over.
The Blue Jackets are 23-25-5 SU as the betting underdog this season. Columbus is 23-7 against the puck line as a road team. Tampa Bay is 29-14-3 against the puck line on home ice. The Lightning are 17-13 SU as a favorite in the betting line.
Blue Jackets Aren't Road Warriors
The season has been a tale of two vastly different stories for the Blue Jackets. At home, Columbus is 20-6-4. Only Carolina (23) has won more games on home ice among Eastern Conference clubs.
This is an Elvis Merzlikins appreciation post 🤗 #StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/7UeMSy9H7I
— NHL (@NHL) March 2, 2025
However, the Blue Jackets are a disappointing 10-16-4 away from home. No NHL team occupying a playoff position has won fewer road games.
In his last five games, center Kent Johnson has four goals and seven points for Columbus. Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has dealt out seven assists over the same number of games.
Lightning Finally Taste Regulation Setback
A 2-1 loss to their cross-state rivals the Florida Panthers on Monday brought to a halt Tampa Bay's eight-game win streak. The Lightning hurt their own cause by going 0-for-7 on the power play during the setback.
Way to work, Pointer 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Ys9vejcZMe
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 4, 2025
It was Tampa Bay's first loss since a 3-2 OT defeat to the New York Islanders on Feb. 1. Tampa suffered a regulation loss for the first time since Jan. 28.
Left-winger Brandon Hagel has 10-7-17 totals over the past 11 games. His eight-game point streak ended in Monday's loss.
Columbus vs Tampa Bay NHL Picks
If you're looking for a side bet to make on this game, even at a total of 6.5 goals the over might not be a bad option. These two teams have combined for 21 goals in two meetings this season.
As for the game itself, coming home from a two-game road trip, the Lightning are 12-1-1 at home since the beginning of January. We've already documented the road woes of the Blue Jackets. Go with the Lightning to win at home in the Tuesday NHL picks.
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