Columbus Blue Jackets vs Colorado Avalanche Pick and Prediction for Saturday January 10 2026
The Columbus Blue Jackets travel to Ball Arena to take on the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, January 10, 2026. This 4:00 PM EST matchup, airing on ESPN+, features a dominant Colorado squad looking to protect their nearly perfect home record (18-0-2) against a Columbus team fighting to climb out of the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. For expert analysis and daily wagering insights on the full slate of NHL action, be sure to check out the latest free NHL picks over at Winners and Whiners.
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Columbus Blue Jackets: Defensive Struggles on the Road
The Blue Jackets (18-18-7) enter this contest following a difficult stretch on their Western road trip. Statistically, Columbus has struggled to keep pucks out of their net, allowing 3.36 goals against per game. While their offense remains respectable at 2.98 goals per game, the lack of defensive consistency has hindered their ability to string together wins.
The roster is currently being tested by significant injuries to their depth. Forward Mason Marchment is OUT and remains on Injured Reserve (IR) with an upper-body injury. The Blue Jackets are also missing Miles Wood (IR, Leg) and Isac Lundestrom (IR, Lower Body), both of whom are not expected back until mid-January. On the blue line, Brendan Smith is sidelined long-term. In net, Jet Greaves is expected to start, carrying a 2.65 GAA and .910 SV% into one of the toughest environments in the league.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Tony Karpinski | +2,976.00 |
| 2 |  Joe Duffy | +2,595.00 |
| 3 |  The Insiders Room | +2,320.00 |
| 4 |  Mark Ruelle | +1,627.00 |
| 5 |  Jackie Mack | +1,451.00 |
Colorado Avalanche: Offensive Juggernaut at Home
The Avalanche (32-4-7) have been the class of the NHL this season, particularly in Denver. Colorado features the league's most potent offense, averaging 3.95 goals per game while maintaining a stifling defense that allows only 2.21 goals against. Their home dominance is anchored by an elite power play and a penalty kill operating at an 85.0% success rate.
Colorado is currently managing a "week-to-week" situation with key personnel. Captain Gabriel Landeskog and top defenseman Devon Toews are both OUT with upper-body injuries, leaving a void in the leadership and top-pairing minutes. With Mackenzie Blackwood on IR, Scott Wedgewood will take the crease; he has been excellent in relief with a 2.20 GAA and .917 SV%. Despite the injuries, the Avalanche continue to overwhelm opponents with their speed and transition game.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche Prediction
The statistical gap between these two teams, especially regarding Colorado's home form and Columbus's defensive metrics, suggests a significant advantage for the hosts.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche ATS Pick
- Pick: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (-145)
Colorado’s offensive efficiency is a nightmare matchup for a Blue Jackets team that surrenders over 3.3 goals per game. Even without Toews and Landeskog, the Avalanche possess enough high-end talent to exploit Columbus's depleted forward lines. Given Colorado's 18-0-2 home record, they should be able to control the pace from the opening faceoff and secure a multi-goal victory.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche Total Pick
- Pick: Over 6.5 (+105)
The Avalanche consistently push the pace at Ball Arena, and their league-leading scoring average often forces opponents into high-event games. While Wedgewood has been solid, Columbus still manages nearly three goals per game and has shown they can contribute to the scoreboard even in losses. Expect Colorado to do the heavy lifting here, pushing the total over 6.5 in a fast-paced affair.
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