Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks Pick and Prediction for Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Columbus Blue Jackets travel to Northern California to face the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center. The game has a puck drop time of 10:00 PM and will be available for fans to stream on ESPN+. This cross-conference matchup features a Sharks team finding their stride on home ice and a Blue Jackets squad looking to steady their defense in the final game of their current road trip. For more great NHL picks, find our free NHL picks.
Columbus Looks to Shore Up Defensive Gaps
The Columbus Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's game with an overall record of 18-16-7. They are coming off a high-scoring 5-4 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 4. While the offense has been productive, consistency in their own zone remains a challenge. On the road this season, the Blue Jackets have played to a perfectly even record, posting a 9-9-3 mark.
Statistically, the Blue Jackets are averaging 3.00 goals for per game while surrendering 3.32 goals against. Their power play is converting at an 18.4% rate, while the penalty kill has struggled to find its rhythm, currently operating at 75.9%. Columbus averages 30.2 shots on goal per game but allows 31.0, often forcing their goaltenders to face high-quality scoring chances.
In the crease, J. Greaves has been the standout performer, recording 12 wins, 10 losses, and 6 overtime losses with a 2.64 GAA and a strong .910 save percentage. Veteran E. Merzlikins has found the season more difficult, posting 6 wins and 6 losses with a 4.04 GAA and a .877 save percentage.
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Injury Report
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Sean Monahan (C): Day-To-Day – Est. Return Jan 6
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Brendan Smith (D): Day-To-Day – Est. Return Jan 6
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Miles Wood (LW): IR – Est. Return Jan 6
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Isac Lundestrom (C): IR – Est. Return Jan 17
Sharks Riding Momentum of Home Scoring Surge
The San Jose Sharks return home with a 20-18-3 record and a significant amount of momentum. They have won four of their last five games, including a dominant 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 3. The Sharks have been solid at the SAP Center this year, posting an 11-8-3 record, and will look to use their home-ice advantage to push above the .500 mark in the Pacific Division.
From a team stats perspective, San Jose averages 3.05 goals for and 3.54 goals against per game. Their power play is clicking at an 18.8% success rate, and their penalty kill is slightly more reliable than their opponent's at 77.1%. The Sharks focus on efficiency over volume, averaging 25.0 shots per game while allowing 31.2 shots against their own net.
Goaltending duties have been split between Y. Askarov and A. Nedeljkovic. Askarov has earned 15 wins with a 3.46 GAA and a .895 save percentage. Nedeljkovic has contributed 5 wins, 8 losses, and 2 overtime losses with a 3.14 GAA and a .890 save percentage.
Injury Report
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Vincent Desharnais (D): IR – Est. Return Jan 6
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Shakir Mukhamadullin (D): Day-To-Day – Est. Return Jan 6
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Adam Gaudette (RW): Day-To-Day – Est. Return Jan 6
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John Klingberg (D): IR – Est. Return Jan 15
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Logan Couture (C): IR – Est. Return Sep 15
Analysis & Betting Picks
Blue Jackets vs Sharks Pick
- Moneyline: San Jose Sharks (+105)
The Sharks are currently playing their best hockey of the season, fueled by a high-octane offense that has put up 16 goals over their last three games. Columbus has been vulnerable in goal when Greaves isn't playing at an elite level, and the Sharks' ability to capitalize on transition opportunities makes them a dangerous home underdog. With several key Sharks defensemen potentially returning to the lineup, San Jose offers the best value.
Blue Jackets vs Sharks Total Pick
- Total: Over 6.5 (-115)
Both teams feature defensive units that rank in the bottom third of the league for goals against, with San Jose surrendering 3.54 per game and Columbus giving up 3.32. Given the Sharks' recent scoring explosion and the Blue Jackets' tendency to engage in high-event games (as seen in their 5-4 OT loss to Pittsburgh), this matchup is primed to be a track meet that clears the total.
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