Kings vs Blue Jackets Prediction 3/9/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Kings vs Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Monday, March 9th 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 25-23-14 this season after they lost to the Canadiens by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Los Angeles led 3-2 late in the third period, but they allowed two goals in the last six minutes for the loss. The Kings out shot Montreal by a total of 39-23, won 48.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Los Angeles got goals from Kopitar, Laferriere, and Laughton, while Kuemper stopped 19 out of 23 shots, which was an .826 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Los Angeles defeated the Islanders by a score of 5-3, but lost to the Avalanche by a score of 4-2 before that. The Kings have split their last four games and they are currently sixth in the Pacific standings with 64 points. Los Angeles has scored 2.56 goals per game and they have allowed 2.90 goals against per game, while also going 16.8% on the power play and 75.3% on the penalty kill this season. Adrian Kempe has led LA with 23 goals and 30 assists, while Brandt Clarke has added 8 goals and 26 assists. The projected starting goalie for LA is Darcy Kuemper, who is 15-13-9 with a 2.72 goals against average and an .896 save percentage this season. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 32-21-9 this year after they lost to the Mammoth in overtime by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Columbus erased a 4-2 deficit in the third period, but they ended up with the overtime loss. The Blue Jackets out shot Utah by a total of 31-23, won 52.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Fantilli, Marchment, Severson, and Olivier, while Merzlikins stopped 18 out of 23 shots, which was a .783 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Columbus defeated the Panthers by a score of 4-2 and the Predators by a score of 3-2. The Blue Jackets have won three of their last four games and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 73 points. Columbus has scored 3.15 goals per game and they have allowed 3.18 goals against per game, while also going 19.6% on the power play and 77.2% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 20 goals and 45 assists, while Kirill Marchenko has added 22 goals and 32 assists. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Jet Greaves, who is 20-12-7 with a 2.63 goals against average and a .909 save percentage this year. 

Kings vs Blue Jackets Prediction 

Columbus comes into this matchup after winning three of their last four games and they have scored at least four goals in three of their last four. The Blue Jackets are 17-8-6 at home this year, while the Kings are 15-8-7 on the road. Los Angeles has alternated wins and losses over their last five games, but they have allowed four goals or more in three of those five. LA is coming off of a heartbreaking loss in their last game and they are too inconsistent with their scoring. Take Columbus at home here.

David Racey's Pick: Blue Jackets ML