Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings Picks & Predictions Monday December 22 2025
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The Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings showdown arrives at a critical point in the 2025-26 NHL season. Both clubs are grinding for positioning, with the Blue Jackets seeking road value and the Kings looking to snap home inconsistencies. Bettors can find deeper insights and game-day breakdowns through our Free NHL picks before placing their wagers.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Offensive Volume Meets Defensive Struggles
The Columbus Blue Jackets head into this road matchup with a 14-15-6 record overall and 7-9-3 away. Their last five games show mixed results: a 4-3 overtime loss at Anaheim on December 20, a 5-2 loss versus Minnesota on December 18, a 4-3 overtime win versus Anaheim on December 16, a 3-2 loss versus Vegas on December 13, and a 6-3 loss versus Ottawa on December 11. They're averaging 2.89 goals for per game while allowing 3.51, with 30.1 shots for and 31.0 against.
Zach Werenski dominates with 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists), including 1 power-play goal and 9 power-play assists on 132 shots. The power play is at 18.8% (16 goals), and the penalty kill at 72.9%. Goaltending includes Jet Greaves (8-9-5, 2.77 GAA, .904 SV%) and Elvis Merzlikins (6-6-1, 4.04 GAA, .877 SV%). Injuries: Wood day-to-day (December 22), Gaunce IR-NR (December 22).
Road play (7-9-3) with high shot volume (30.1 S/G) offers upside, but high goals-against (3.51) exposes vulnerabilities. Recent overtime games highlight competitiveness.
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Los Angeles Kings: Home Inconsistencies with Goaltending Concerns
The Los Angeles Kings sit at 15-10-9 overall and 4-6-4 at home. Their last five: a 2-1 win at Tampa Bay on December 18, a 3-2 loss at Florida on December 17, a 4-1 loss at Dallas on December 15, a 2-1 overtime win versus Calgary on December 13, and a 3-2 overtime loss at Seattle on December 10. They're averaging 2.56 goals for per game while allowing 2.50, with 28.1 shots for and 26.9 against.
Adrian Kempe leads with 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists), including 1 power-play goal on 99 shots. The power play is at 14.6% (15 goals), and the penalty kill at 79.9%. Goaltending includes Darcy Kuemper (10-6-6, 2.19 GAA, .917 SV%, but IR until December 27) and Anton Forsberg (5-4-3, 2.69 GAA, .901 SV%).
Home struggles (4-6-4) with low scoring (2.56 GF/G) worsened by Kuemper IR. Recent wins show resilience, but offense limited.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings: Volume vs. Structure Clash
This game contrasts Columbus' shot volume (30.1 S/G) and scoring potential against Kings' low goals-against (2.50) but home inconsistencies (4-6-4) and Kuemper out. Columbus leaky D (3.51 GA/G) faces Kings' suppression.
Goaltending edges Forsberg if Kuemper sits, but Greaves solid. Special teams middling both sides.
Betting Trends and Over/Under Outlook
Stats lean Under with Kings' low 2.50 GA/G and home suppression, despite Columbus' 3.51 GA/G. Combined averages (5.45 total goals) low-mid. Lines imply Kings home favorites (+2 on Blue Jackets), total likely 5.5-6.0.
Trends: Kings home low-scoring, Columbus road higher but recent mixed.
Game-Changing Factors
Kuemper IR hurts Kings depth. Columbus minor injuries. Home Kings (4-6-4) vs. road Blue Jackets (7-9-3). Goaltending and low offense key.
Key Players to Watch
Werenski (40P, 14G) carries Blue Jackets. Kempe (30P, 13G) leads Kings. Greaves/Merzlikins vs. Forsberg (Kuemper IR).
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Los Angeles Kings Pick and Prediction
I'm taking the Columbus Blue Jackets as big road underdogs. Kings home poor (4-6-4) and without Kuemper (IR), their low offense (2.56 GF/G) struggles against Columbus' volume (30.1 S/G) led by Werenski (40P). Blue Jackets road average but recent games competitive, and Kings inconsistencies tip value. Betting on sports and on the Kings is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Blue Jackets with the Novig promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Blue Jackets vs Kings you are using the BetMGM bonus code.
My top play is Blue Jackets moneyline + whatever—I'd take up to +140. Prop lean: Zach Werenski over 3.5 shots on goal; high volume.
Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets Moneyline
Lean: Zach Werenski Over 3.5 Shots on Goal
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