The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to host the Detroit Red Wings in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup at Ohio Stadium, with both teams fighting to secure their wild card positions.

The Blue Jackets enter the contest riding a three-game winning streak, including a convincing 5-2 victory over these same Red Wings in their recent encounter, while maintaining an impressive offensive output of 3.32 goals per game.

Detroit, despite holding the top wild card spot with a 30-23-6 record and seven wins in their last ten games, has struggled to find consistent offensive production, averaging just 2.88 goals per game.

The matchup features an intriguing contrast between Columbus's high-powered offense, led by the dynamic duo of Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnston, against Detroit's resilient netminder Cam Talbot, who has posted a solid .904 save percentage this season.

Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, with each allowing more than three goals per game, suggesting this Stadium Series showdown could become a high-scoring affair.

As these Eastern Conference rivals prepare to face off in what could be a preview of a potential playoff matchup, the question remains whether the Blue Jackets can extend their winning streak or if the Red Wings will exact revenge for their recent defeat.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings prediction: who will win?

For tonight's Columbus Blue Jackets vs Detroit Red Wings matchup, our predictive model gives the Blue Jackets a 61% chance of defeating the Wings.

Columbus Blue Jackets: 61% win probability

  • High-scoring offense (200 goals for, ranking among top 10 in league)
  • Strong recent momentum (Recent form: WWWLL - 3 wins in last 5 games)
  • Equal points with opponent (66 points, but with one game less played)

Detroit Red Wings: 39% win probability

  • Poor defensive record (186 goals against, among bottom half of conference)
  • Inconsistent recent form (LWWLL - showing vulnerability in last 5 games)
  • Negative goal differential (-13 goals, indicating defensive struggles)

At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings odds

Here are the latest odds for this NHL matchup as the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Detroit Red Wings at home on Saturday, March 01.

Columbus Blue JacketsDetroit Red Wings
HOME_AWAY-110 (via BetMGM Sportsbook)-105 (via Caesars Sportsbook)

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings are set for an electrifying Stadium Series showdown at Ohio Stadium, just days after their recent 5-2 Blue Jackets victory.

Both teams find themselves in a fierce battle for Eastern Conference wild card positions, with Detroit holding the top spot and Columbus clinching the final berth.

The Blue Jackets enter the contest riding an impressive three-game winning streak, powered by a dynamic offense that's tallied 16 goals during this stretch and averages 3.32 goals per game.

Columbus's offensive firepower is led by the formidable duo of Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnston, who have combined for an impressive 44 goals and 57 assists this season, while defenseman Zach Werenski continues to contribute significantly with 18 goals and 44 assists.

The Red Wings, despite winning seven of their last ten games, have struggled offensively, averaging just 2.88 goals per game, largely relying on their top line of Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat, who have accumulated 73 goals and 94 assists collectively.

Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, with Columbus allowing 3.25 goals per game and Detroit not far behind at 3.15, suggesting this outdoor matchup could feature plenty of scoring opportunities.

The goaltending battle presents an interesting contrast, with Detroit's Cam Talbot posting solid numbers (.904 save percentage) while Columbus's Elvis Merzlikins has faced challenges with an .895 save percentage.

This Stadium Series matchup promises to be a high-scoring affair between two evenly matched teams, with the Blue Jackets slight favorites to extend their winning streak to four games.

Watch for Columbus's balanced offensive attack and Detroit's top-heavy scoring approach to create an entertaining spectacle under the open sky at Ohio Stadium.

Key stats

  • 1
    Both teams are tied at 66 points in the Eastern Conference, with identical positions (7th and 8th)
  • 2
    Columbus has better offensive output with 200 goals scored vs Detroit's 173 goals
  • 3
    Columbus Blue Jackets showing stronger recent form (WWWLL) compared to Detroit (LWWLL)
  • 4
    Detroit has better defensive record allowing 186 goals against vs Columbus's 193

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings form

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
Latest matches
W
W
W
L
L
Victories
3/5 (60%)
Draws
0/5 (0%)
Defeats
2/5 (40%)
Feb 28, 2025
Detroit Red Wings2:5Columbus Blue Jackets
Feb 26, 2025
Dallas Stars4:6Columbus Blue Jackets
Feb 23, 2025
Chicago Blackhawks1:5Columbus Blue Jackets
Feb 9, 2025
New York Rangers4:3Columbus Blue Jackets
Feb 7, 2025
Utah Hockey Club3:2Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
Latest matches
L
W
W
L
L
Victories
2/5 (40%)
Draws
0/5 (0%)
Defeats
3/5 (60%)
Feb 28, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets5:2Detroit Red Wings
Feb 26, 2025
Minnesota Wild2:3Detroit Red Wings
Feb 23, 2025
Anaheim Ducks4:5Detroit Red Wings
Feb 22, 2025
Minnesota Wild4:3Detroit Red Wings
Feb 8, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning6:3Detroit Red Wings

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings head to head

Columbus Blue Jackets

33%

Detroit Red Wings

67%

Feb 28, 2025

Detroit Red Wings

2 : 5

Columbus Blue Jackets

Jan 3, 2025

Columbus Blue Jackets

4 : 5

Detroit Red Wings

Mar 19, 2024

Detroit Red Wings

4 : 3

Columbus Blue Jackets

Nov 11, 2023

Detroit Red Wings

5 : 4

Columbus Blue Jackets

Oct 16, 2023

Columbus Blue Jackets

0 : 4

Detroit Red Wings

Jan 15, 2023

Detroit Red Wings

3 : 4

Columbus Blue Jackets