Columbus Blue Jackets vs Utah Mammoth Pick and Prediction for Sunday January 11 2026
Use Code WWWC The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their road trip as they visit the Utah Mammoth at the Delta Center on Sunday, January 11, 2026. This 7:00 PM EST matchup, airing on ESPN+, marks the first-ever meeting between these two franchises. Utah looks to capitalize on their strong home form (11-7-1) against a Columbus team that has struggled defensively on the road. 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.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Seeking a Defensive Spark
The Blue Jackets (18-19-7) are looking to snap a four-game skid, most recently falling 4-0 to Colorado on Saturday. Columbus has found it difficult to prevent high-danger chances, allowing 3.40 goals against per game. While the offense averages nearly three goals per game, the absence of key depth players has hurt their ability to sustain pressure late in games.
Columbus continues to deal with significant injuries. Forwards Miles Wood (Leg) and Isac Lundestrom (Lower Body) remain on IR and are not expected back until next week. Defensemen Brendan Smith and Erik Gudbranson also remain sidelined. In net, Elvis Merzlikins is the projected starter; he carries a 4.04 GAA and a .877 SV%, though the team may consider Jet Greaves (2.74 GAA) depending on the morning skate.
Utah Mammoth: Defending the Delta Center
The Mammoth (22-20-3) enter this contest with momentum, having won three of their last five games, including a 4-2 win over St. Louis on Friday. Utah has been remarkably disciplined at home, allowing only 2.82 goals against per game while utilizing a balanced scoring attack led by Clayton Keller (41 points) and Dylan Guenther (21 goals).
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Utah is monitoring the status of center Alexander Kerfoot, who is Day-To-Day after leaving Friday’s game with an upper-body injury. With Logan Cooley already on IR, the Mammoth’s center depth is being tested. However, Karel Vejmelka has been a standout in goal, posting a 20-11-2 record with a 2.63 GAA and a .900 SV%, giving Utah a distinct advantage in the crease.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Utah Mammoth Prediction
The statistical contrast favors Utah, particularly in goal. While Columbus has offensive weapons like Zach Werenski, their defensive vulnerabilities on the second half of a back-to-back are a major concern.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Utah Mammoth ATS Pick
- Pick: Utah Mammoth -1.5 (+136)
Utah has been dominant at home against teams with a losing road record. Columbus is playing their second game in as many nights and their third game in four days, which often leads to defensive fatigue. The Mammoth’s ability to suppress shots (25.4 SA/G) should limit a tired Blue Jackets attack. Expect Utah to control the pace and secure a multi-goal victory, likely aided by a late empty-netter.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Utah Mammoth Total Pick
- Pick: Under 6.5 (-130)
While Columbus has trended toward the Over this season, Utah’s system at home is designed to slow the game down. The Mammoth have seen the Under hit in four of their last five home games. With Vejmelka playing at an elite level and Columbus likely focusing on a "defense-first" approach to break their losing streak, this game projects to be a 4-2 or 3-1 result for the hosts.
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