Los Angeles Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions for Monday January 26 2026
Use Code WWWC The Los Angeles Kings head east to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night, January 26, 2026, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with the game available exclusively on ESPN+. This matchup features two teams sitting in the middle of their respective playoff races, each looking to gain ground as the second half of the season unfolds. Los Angeles enters as a slight road favorite at -102 on the moneyline, while Columbus is priced at -118 at home. The total is set at 6.5 goals, with the Over offered at +110 and the Under at -130, while the puck line lists the Kings +1.5 (-250) and the Blue Jackets -1.5 (+205). Before diving into the matchup, make sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights.
Kings Trying to Convert Close Games Into Wins
Los Angeles comes into this contest with a 21-16-13 overall record and has been one of the more reliable road teams in the Western Conference, posting a strong 13-6-6 mark away from home. The Kings have played a high number of tight games, often seeing points decided beyond regulation. Over their last five outings, Los Angeles has recently won over St. Louis in a shootout and beaten the Rangers at home, while also recently losing to Anaheim twice and falling to Vegas in overtime. That stretch reflects a team that is competitive nightly but still searching for consistency in finishing games.
From a statistical standpoint, the Kings average 2.60 goals per game while allowing 2.74, numbers that point to a defense-first identity. They generate 27.8 shots per game and allow just 27.1, showing their ability to control pace and limit quality chances. Special teams have been a concern, as Los Angeles owns a 15.2 percent power play and a 77.3 percent penalty kill. Despite those issues, the Kings have excelled short-handed, scoring seven short-handed goals while not allowing any against.
One area where Los Angeles continues to stand out is discipline in structure. They rarely get caught in wide-open games and prefer grinding, low-scoring affairs where defensive positioning and goaltending matter most. Their ability to survive penalty trouble and capitalize on short-handed opportunities has helped keep games close. If the Kings can tighten up their special teams and continue limiting shots against, they are well-equipped to frustrate Columbus on home ice.
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Blue Jackets Looking to Build Momentum at Home
Columbus enters Monday night with a 24-20-7 overall record and has been solid at Nationwide Arena, posting a 13-8-4 home mark. The Blue Jackets have shown flashes of offensive explosiveness, particularly in recent games, and will be looking to continue that trend. Over their last five games, Columbus has recently won over Tampa Bay, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Vancouver, while suffering a loss to Ottawa. That stretch includes both high-scoring and defensive performances, highlighting their versatility.
Offensively, Columbus averages 3.00 goals per game while allowing 3.29, making them a more aggressive but less defensively consistent team than Los Angeles. They generate 30.3 shots per game and allow 30.7, often relying on pace and pressure rather than structure. Their power play has been more productive, converting at a 19.8 percent rate, though the penalty kill sits at 75.4 percent. Like the Kings, Columbus has not allowed a short-handed goal against this season.
What stands out for the Blue Jackets is their willingness to push the tempo, especially at home. They’ve shown they can overwhelm teams with sustained offensive pressure, as evidenced by their eight-goal performance against Tampa Bay. However, that aggressive style can leave them vulnerable defensively against patient opponents. Against a structured Kings team, Columbus will need to balance attack with responsibility to avoid giving up costly counter chances.
Los Angeles Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Pick
Los Angeles Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Side Pick
- Pick: Los Angeles Kings +1.5 (Puck Line)
This feels like another tight, grind-it-out game for Los Angeles, making the puck line attractive. The Kings have played extremely well on the road and have taken a large number of games into overtime or shootouts. Columbus may have the home-ice edge, but Los Angeles’ defensive structure and ability to keep games close gives them strong value getting the extra goal and a half.
Los Angeles Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Total Pick
- Pick: Under 6.5
I’m taking the Under here. Los Angeles prefers slower, lower-scoring games, and their recent results show a pattern of one-goal margins. While Columbus can score in bunches, they’re facing a Kings team that limits shots and forces opponents to earn goals. I expect a controlled pace and fewer high-danger chances than the total suggests.
Final Score Prediction: Kings 3, Blue Jackets 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Sunday.
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