Los Angeles Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions for Monday January 26 2026
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The Los Angeles Kings travel to Nationwide Arena to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. This matchup will be broadcast on ESPN+, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, and FanDuel Sports Network West. Columbus is listed as a slight home favorite at -118 on the moneyline, while Los Angeles is priced at -102. The total for this game is set at 6.5 goals, with the over at +110 and the under at -130. Before we get into the breakdown, be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily hockey betting insight.
Road-Tested Kings Look to Finish Chances
The Los Angeles Kings enter this matchup with a 21-16-13 overall record and an impressive 13-6-6 mark on the road, showing they are comfortable playing away from home. In their last five games, the Kings have recently won over St. Louis and the Rangers, while losing close overtime or shootout games to Anaheim twice and Vegas, a stretch that highlights how often they play tight, one-goal contests.
Statistically, Los Angeles has leaned heavily on defense. They are averaging just 2.60 goals per game while allowing 2.74, keeping scores low and relying on structure rather than offensive firepower. The Kings generate 27.8 shots per game and allow 27.1, numbers that suggest balanced puck possession without a clear edge either way.
One area that continues to hold Los Angeles back is special teams. Their power play is converting at only 15.2 percent, and the penalty kill sits at 77.3 percent. Despite those issues, the Kings have found ways to stay competitive through disciplined five-on-five play and timely scoring, which has been especially effective on the road.
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Blue Jackets Riding Momentum at Home
The Columbus Blue Jackets come into Monday night with a 24-20-7 overall record and a strong 13-8-4 mark at home. Columbus has recently won over Tampa Bay, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Vancouver, with their only loss in the last five coming against Ottawa, showing solid form heading into this matchup.
Offensively, Columbus averages 3.00 goals per game but gives up 3.29 goals against, making them one of the more volatile teams in the league. They push the pace with 30.3 shots per game, though they also allow 30.7 shots against, which can lead to wide-open, high-event games. Their power play has been effective at 19.8 percent, while the penalty kill has struggled at 75.4 percent.
What stands out most for the Blue Jackets is their willingness to trade chances. Columbus plays an aggressive, up-tempo style that can overwhelm opponents when things are clicking, especially at home. However, that same style can leave them vulnerable defensively if they fail to control the puck.
Los Angeles Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Pick
Los Angeles Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Moneyline Pick
- Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets -118
I am backing Columbus in this spot. The Blue Jackets are playing with confidence at home and bring a more aggressive offensive approach than Los Angeles. With the Kings struggling to generate consistent scoring, Columbus’s ability to push the pace should give them the edge in a close but competitive game.
Los Angeles Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Total Pick
- Pick: Under 6.5
I am taking the under here. Los Angeles tends to slow games down and force opponents into low-scoring affairs, especially on the road. Even with Columbus’s offensive upside, the Kings’ structured style points toward this game staying below the total.
Final Score Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets 3, Los Angeles Kings 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Sunday.
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