Kings vs Blue Jackets Prediction 1/26/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Kings vs Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Monday, January 26th at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Los Angeles Kings Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Kings are 21-16-13 this year after they defeated St. Louis in a shootout by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Los Angeles blew a 4-3 lead late in the third period, but they rallied for the win in a shootout. The Kings were out shot by a total of 29-28, won 53.1% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Los Angeles got goals from Laferriere, Moore, Ward, and Dumoulin, while Kuemper stopped 25 out of 29 shots, which was an .862 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Los Angeles defeated the Rangers by a score of 4-3, but lost to the Ducks by a score of 2-1 before that. The Kings have won two games in a row and they are currently sixth in the Pacific standings with 55 points. Los Angeles has scored 2.60 goals per game and they have allowed 2.74 goals against per game, while also going 15.2% on the power play and 77.3% on the penalty kill this season. Adrian Kempe has led LA with 17 goals and 22 assists, while Kevin Fiala has added 18 goals and 18 assists. The projected starting goalie for Los Angeles is Darcy Kuemper, who is 13-9-9 with a 2.56 goals against average and a .902 save percentage this year. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 24-20-7 this season after they defeated Tampa Bay by a score of 8-5 in their last game. Columbus blew a 4-2 lead in the second period, but they scored four of the last five goals to pull away with the win. The Blue Jackets out shot TB by a total of 31-30, won 39% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Coyle, Fantilli, Marchment (3), Monahan, Sillinger, and Voronkov, while Greaves stopped 25 out of 30 shots, which was an .833 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Columbus defeated the Stars by a score of 1-0, but lost to the Senators by a score of 4-1 before that. The Blue Jackets have won six of their last seven games and they are currently seventh in the Metro standings with 55 points. Columbus has scored 3.00 goals per game and they have allowed 3.29 goals against per game, while also going 19.8% on the power play and 75.4% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 19 goals and 36 assists, while Kirill Marchenko has added 18 goals and 25 assists. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Jet Greaves, who is 16-12-6 with a 2.69 goals against average and a .908 save percentage this season. 

Why the Columbus Blue Jackets will win

• The Kings have lost each of their last four games following a road win.
• The Blue Jackets have won six of their last seven games.
• The Kings have failed to cover the puck line in 11 of their last 12 night games after coming off overtime.
• The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last four games against the Kings at Nationwide Arena.
• The Kings have lost the second period in each of their last four road games when leading after the first period.

Total Goals Facts

• Nine of the Kings’ last 10 road games after coming off a shootout have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Seven of the Blue Jackets’ last nine games as favorites against opponents on a winning streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 14 games as home favorites against opponents on a winning streak.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Kings’ last six games as road underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

• Zach Werenski has scored at least one goal in seven of his last eight appearances with the Blue Jackets as home favorites.
• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in eight of the Blue Jackets’ last nine games as home favorites against Pacific Division opponents.

Los Angeles Kings Player Prop Facts

• Corey Perry has scored a goal in four of his last five appearances at Nationwide Arena.
• Kevin Fiala has recorded at least one assist in each of his last seven appearances at Nationwide Arena.

Kings vs Blue Jackets Prediction 

Los Angeles comes into this matchup on a two game winning streak, but four of their last five games have been decided in overtime or a shootout. The Kings are 13-6-6 on the road this year, while the Blue Jackets are 13-8-4 at home. Columbus has won six of their last seven games and they just erupted for eight goals against a very good TB team. The Blue Jackets have scored four goals or more in three of their last five games and I can’t fade them in their current form. Take Columbus to get another win here.

David Racey's Pick: Blue Jackets ML