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Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions – Thursday, January 22, 2026
The Dallas Stars head to Nationwide Arena on Thursday looking to stack a second straight strong effort after snapping their skid in a big way last time out. Dallas has been searching for consistency for weeks, but that Bruins game looked like the version of the Stars that can control play with pace, layers, and a power play that changes the math.
Columbus is trying to bounce back after a flat home loss, and the matchup sets up in a very specific way. The Jackets’ special teams have been a problem, and Dallas is built to punish that. If this game tilts toward whistles and extended zone time, the edge shifts hard to the visitors.
Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets Odds
These are the current betting lines, and bettors should monitor the latest NHL odds in case goalie confirmation or late availability nudges the moneyline or total.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Stars | -135 | -1.5 (+185) | 6.0 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +115 | +1.5 (-225) | 6.0 |
Dallas Stars Betting Form
Dallas has been volatile, and that matters when you’re betting them as a road favorite. The floor has shown up in long stretches where they’re not generating enough second looks, and the power play went cold for a bit. Then they flipped it with one of their cleanest 60-minute games in weeks, and the key detail was shot control. When Dallas is keeping the puck, they can keep their defense out of scramble mode and force opponents to defend longer shifts.
The betting angle is still special teams. Dallas’ power play remains a top-tier weapon even when the 5v5 results wobble, and that gives them a path to win games where the flow is not perfect. The other swing is who’s actually in the lineup, especially if a top scorer is questionable or limited. Check Dallas Stars stats and results to track recent performance and how their scoring is showing up across lines.
For the final availability picture, use the linked Dallas Stars injury report before you bet, because Dallas’ edge gets sharper when their top unit is intact.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Form
Columbus has been competitive lately, but the profile can swing quickly when they start slow. That’s the risk in this spot. If the Jackets chase the game, they tend to take more penalties and open up the middle, and that’s exactly the script Dallas wants. Columbus does have play-driving talent, especially from the back end, and they can create offense in bursts, but they’ve also shown games where the shot volume dries up and it becomes hard to create clean looks.
The biggest betting variable is in net. If Elvis Merzlikins is not ready and Columbus has to go to Jet Greaves, the market usually reacts, and totals can move too. Goalie uncertainty matters a lot when you’re deciding between a side and a total. For matchup context and recent results, use Columbus Blue Jackets schedule and stats.
Before locking anything in, check the linked Columbus Blue Jackets injury report, because special teams efficiency and lineup depth are connected, especially for a team that can get stretched on the penalty kill.
Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets Matchup Breakdown
At 5v5, Dallas wants a controlled game with layered entries and sustained zone time. That’s where they can wear down a defense, force hook-and-hold penalties, and turn a normal game into a special teams game. Columbus can skate with them, but the Jackets can’t afford loose neutral-zone turnovers, because Dallas is good at turning those into immediate pressure the other way.
The special teams gap is the headline. Dallas’ power play is built to create high-quality looks, and Columbus’ penalty kill has been vulnerable. If this game has a typical NHL whistle rate, Dallas is more likely to get the higher-leverage chances, even if the 5v5 shot share is close.
Goaltending is the other hinge. Dallas is also on a back-to-back with a home game Friday, so the Stars could split starts between Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith. If Dallas starts the struggling goalie, or if Columbus gets a strong performance from whoever is in net, that can flatten the scoring environment and make puck-line bets less appealing.
Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets Predictions and Best Bets
Dallas is the side I want, but it’s not because I think they’re suddenly fixed. It’s because the matchup gives them a cleaner advantage than usual. If Dallas can create a couple of early power plays, Columbus is forced into a defensive posture that doesn’t suit them, and that’s how road favorites cash without needing perfect 5v5 dominance.
I’m less interested in laying a puck line here. Columbus has enough skill to hang around, and Dallas has shown stretches of inconsistency that make margin bets uncomfortable. If you like Dallas, the moneyline is the more practical way to play it, especially with goalie uncertainty and the possibility of a tighter third period.
The total is tricky. Dallas can absolutely score, and Columbus can contribute, but if Dallas gets a lead and the game becomes more controlled, you can get stuck needing late goals. For me, the cleaner position is on the Stars to win, with special teams being the deciding edge.
Best Bet: Dallas Stars Moneyline
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re building a full slate card, the NHL picks page helps you compare market lines with betting leans across the board, then narrow in on games where special teams and goalie news can move numbers fast.
For bettors who want to track proven performance, check the best handicappers and verify who’s actually delivering right now on the leaderboard. If you prefer premium access for daily volume, you can find packages through buy picks, and keep all matchups organized on the NHL previews hub. For tightening process, the NHL betting guide is useful for pricing fundamentals, and the Stanley Cup betting guide becomes more valuable as futures, schedule density, and motivation start driving markets.
