Senators vs Blue Jackets Prediction 1/20/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Senators vs Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, January 20th at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Ottawa Senators Betting Preview

The Ottawa Senators are 22-19-7 this season after they lost to Detroit in overtime by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Ottawa led 2-0 in the first period, but they needed a goal late in the second to tie the game, before losing in overtime. The Senators were out shot by a total of 34-22, won 59.3% of the face-offs, and went 2-3 on the power play in the game. Ottawa got goals from Batherson, Pinto, and Cozens, while Reimer stopped 30 out of 34 shots, which was an .882 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Ottawa lost to the Canadiens by a score of 6-5, but did beat the Rangers by a score of 8-4 before that. The Senators have split their last four games and they are currently last in the Atlantic standings with 51 points. Ottawa has scored 3.25 goals per game and they have allowed 3.40 goals against per game, while also going 24.4% on the power play and 71.5% on the penalty kill this season. Tim Stutzle has led Ottawa with 21 goals and 28 assists, while Drake Batherson has added 19 goals and 25 assists. The projected starting goalie for Ottawa is Leevi Merilainen, who is 8-10-1 with a 3.51 goals against average and an .860 save percentage this season. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 22-19-7 this year after they defeated Pittsburgh in a shootout by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Columbus blew a 3-2 lead with 61 seconds left in the third period, but they were able to rally to get the win in a shootout. The Blue Jackets were out shot by a total of 32-25, won 41.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Heinen, Marchenko, and Aston-Reese, while Merzlikins stopped 29 out of 32 shots, which was a .906 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Columbus defeated the Canucks by a score of 4-1 and the Flames by a score of 5-3. The Blue Jackets have won four games in a row and they are currently sixth in the Metro standings with 51 points. Columbus has scored 2.98 goals per game and they have allowed 3.31 goals against per game, while also going 20.0% on the power play and 74.8% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 18 goals and 34 assists, while Kirill Marchenko has added 18 goals and 23 assists. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Elvis Merzlikins, who is 8-7-1 with a 3.77 goals against average and an .884 save percentage this year. 

Why the Columbus Blue Jackets will win

• The Blue Jackets have won each of their last five games at Nationwide Arena after coming off a shootout.
• The Senators have lost each of their last four games against opponents on a winning streak.
• The Senators have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five night games against opponents on a winning streak.
• The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last four games.
• The Senators have lost the second period in each of their last three road games when tied after the first period.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Blue Jackets’ last eight games following an overtime win have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Six of the Senators’ last seven games against opponents on a winning streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Ten of the last 11 Tuesday night games at Nationwide Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Senators’ last six road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 24 of the Blue Jackets’ last 25 games following a road win.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

• Zach Werenski has scored at least one goal in five of his last six appearances in home games.
• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in each of his last seven appearances against the Senators at Nationwide Arena.

Ottawa Senators Player Prop Facts

• Drake Batherson has scored at least one goal in eight of the Senators’ last 10 road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• David Perron has recorded at least one assist in nine of his last 10 appearances at Nationwide Arena.

Senators vs Blue Jackets Prediction 

Columbus comes into this matchup on a four game winning streak and they have scored at least four goals in three straight games. The Blue Jackets are 11-7-4 at home this year, while the Senators are 11-10-3 on the road. Ottawa is 2-0-2 in their last four games, but they have allowed 14 goals in their last three. Neither team is great defensively, but Columbus is red hot right now and they are at home. Take the Blue Jackets to win here.

David Racey's Pick: Blue Jackets ML