Columbus Blue Jackets vs St. Louis Blues Picks and Prediction for Saturday January 31 2026
Use Code WWWC The Columbus Blue Jackets travel to Missouri to take on the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in a Western Conference matchup at the Enterprise Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, and the game will be televised on ESPN+. St. Louis enters the contest as a slight home favorite with the Blues listed at -118 on the moneyline. The total for this matchup is set at 6.5 goals, while the puck line is currently off the board. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights and expert predictions.
Blue Jackets Heating Up at the Right Time
Columbus comes into this matchup with a 25-20-7 overall record and has been competitive away from home this season, posting an 11-12-3 road record. The Blue Jackets have shown improved form in recent games and are starting to generate momentum as the season progresses. Over their last five games, Columbus has recently won over Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Pittsburgh, while suffering a home loss to Ottawa. That stretch highlights a team finding confidence and consistency on both ends of the ice.
From a statistical perspective, Columbus averages 3.04 goals per game while allowing 3.29, often finding itself in high-scoring, fast-paced contests. The Blue Jackets generate 30.3 shots per game and allow 30.6, indicating a willingness to push tempo and trade chances. Their power play has been average at 19.4%, producing 25 goals with the man advantage.
Defensively, Columbus has struggled on the penalty kill, operating at just 76.2% while allowing 35 power play goals. However, the Blue Jackets have not allowed a shorthanded goal this season and have scored three shorthanded goals of their own. If Columbus can stay disciplined and limit power-play opportunities for St. Louis, their even-strength play gives them a chance to control this game.
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Blues Searching for Consistency at Home
St. Louis enters Saturday’s matchup with a 20-25-9 overall record and has been slightly better at home, posting a 13-10-6 record at the Enterprise Center. Despite that, the Blues have struggled to find consistency and come into this game following a difficult stretch. Over their last five games, St. Louis has recently defeated Florida but suffered losses to Dallas twice, Los Angeles, and Winnipeg. That stretch reflects a team that has been competitive but unable to sustain strong performances.
Offensively, the Blues average just 2.43 goals per game while allowing 3.40, making scoring one of their biggest challenges. St. Louis generates 24.8 shots per game and allows 27.9, often spending extended time defending in their own zone. Their power play has been inefficient at 16.9%, producing just 24 goals on the season.
Defensively, St. Louis has struggled mightily on the penalty kill, operating at just 73.9% while allowing 37 power play goals. While the Blues have scored five shorthanded goals, their inability to consistently kill penalties has been costly. Against a Columbus team that thrives in high-event games, St. Louis’ defensive structure will be under pressure.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs St. Louis Blues Pick
Columbus Blue Jackets vs St. Louis Blues Pick
- Columbus Blue Jackets +100 (Moneyline)
Columbus enters this matchup with better recent form and significantly more offensive upside. The Blue Jackets have been generating scoring chances consistently, while St. Louis continues to struggle putting the puck in the net. If Columbus maintains pace and capitalizes on even-strength opportunities, they are well-positioned to earn a road win.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs St. Louis Blues Total Pick
- Over 6.5
I’m backing the over in this matchup because Columbus games tend to open up quickly due to their aggressive offensive style. St. Louis has also struggled defensively, especially on the penalty kill. If special teams factor in or Columbus pushes the pace early, this total has strong over potential.
Final Score Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets 4, St. Louis Blues 3
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Friday.
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