2025-10-18 Tampa Bay at Columbus Matchup Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets aim to leverage home-ice advantage against a Tampa Bay Lightning team seeking to find its footing early in the playoff race.
Team Records and Recent Performance
The Columbus Blue Jackets welcome the Tampa Bay Lightning, with both teams looking to improve their records. Columbus enters the game with a record of one win and three losses, whereas Tampa Bay comes in with one win, two losses, and two overtime losses. Both teams need to improve their standing and put together some consistency to stay in the playoff hunt in the long term.
Offensive Outlook for Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay's offense has produced an average of 28.55 shots for per game. The Lightning's power play percentage is at 23.08 percent. Tampa Bay has demonstrated some skill in winning faceoffs, securing victory in 50.08 percent of their faceoff attempts.
Defensive Outlook for Columbus
Columbus needs to address its shots against per game, as they allow 29.91. The Blue Jackets will need to tighten up defensively if they want to slow down the Lightning offense.
Offensive Outlook for Columbus
Columbus has managed an average of 29.05 shots for per game. The Blue Jackets' power play percentage stands at 9.09 percent, which needs significant improvement if they plan to capitalize on opportunities. Columbus's faceoff win percentage is 47.78 percent, which may put them at a disadvantage in puck possession.
Defensive Outlook for Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay allows 28.18 shots against per game. If Tampa Bay can limit Columbus's opportunities and clear pucks effectively, they'll reduce the strain on their goaltender.
Keys to the Game
For Tampa Bay, converting on the power play will be a key factor. Sustained offensive zone time can create scoring chances and wear down the Columbus defense. Defensively, the Lightning need to minimize turnovers in their own zone and limit second-chance opportunities for the Blue Jackets. For Columbus, generating more high-quality shots will be crucial to overcoming Tampa Bay's defense. Staying disciplined and avoiding penalties will prevent Tampa Bay from exploiting their power play advantage.
Goaltending Matchup
The goaltending matchup will be a critical aspect of this game. The ability of either team's goaltender to make timely saves and control rebounds will greatly influence the outcome. Strong goaltending can provide a significant confidence boost for the team and frustrate the opposition's offensive efforts.
Special Teams Battle
The special teams battle will be a key determinant in this game. Tampa Bay's power play has a clear statistical advantage over Columbus's penalty kill and Columbus's powerplay needs to improve to take advantage of opportunities that are given to them. A strong penalty kill for Columbus will be essential to neutralizing Tampa Bay's power play.
Predicted Outcome
Columbus's improved defense and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities on their home ice will give them an edge. Columbus will need to win the special teams battle to succeed as well. Tampa Bay will have a tough time dealing with the home crowd. The predicted final score is Columbus 3, Tampa Bay 2.