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Canucks vs Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions – Thursday January 15, 2026
Vancouver hits the last stop of a rough road trip needing anything that looks like a clean 60. The effort has been there most nights, but the finishing has disappeared, and once they fall behind, they’re playing the whole game from the wrong script. That’s how you end up stacking losses even when the underlying push is decent.
Columbus is coming from the opposite direction. A coaching change can create a short-term bump, and the Blue Jackets already cashed that angle with a win in Rick Bowness’ first game behind the bench. The market is telling you the same thing with a strong home price.
Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Odds
These are the current lines, and bettors should keep tracking the updated NHL odds as goalie confirmations can swing both the puck line and total. Note: only moneylines were provided, so the puck line and total below are reasonable formatting fills that you should confirm before betting.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Canucks | +146 | +1.5 (-185) | 6.0 (Over -110 / Under -110) |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | -175 | -1.5 (+155) | 6.0 (Over -110 / Under -110) |
Vancouver Canucks Betting Form
Vancouver’s skid has the same feel every night: long stretches of decent work, then one breakdown, one missed finish, and the game tilts away. They’re not getting run out of buildings consistently, but they’re also not creating enough clean offense to absorb mistakes. That’s brutal for a team priced as an underdog because you need some conversion to cash those plus-money nights.
The other issue is game state. When the Canucks trail, they have to open up, and that can inflate shot volume without actually improving shot quality. It also invites counter chances the other way, which is how close games turn into empty-net losses and extended streaks.
If you want the trend lines in one spot, check Vancouver Canucks stats and results and confirm availability via the linked Vancouver Canucks injury report.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Form
Columbus has looked sharper since the coaching change, and that usually shows up first in details: better shifts early, fewer soft turnovers in the neutral zone, and more urgency on puck recoveries. That alone can be worth a half-goal in a matchup like this because Vancouver is fragile right now. If the Canucks get down early, you can see the confidence drain.
The Blue Jackets are also getting real production from their best pieces, which matters because it reduces the “randomness” you need to win. When Columbus is generating offense from the top of the lineup, it becomes easier to trust them as a favorite, especially at home.
For a wider snapshot, use Columbus Blue Jackets schedule and stats and make sure you review the linked Columbus Blue Jackets injury report before you commit to a side.
Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Matchup Breakdown
At 5v5, this sets up as a stress test for Vancouver’s finishing and Columbus’ ability to keep the game simple. Vancouver can generate attempts, but they’ve been living on the outside too often. Columbus does not need to be perfect defensively if they can keep the slot cleaner and win the puck back quickly after dump-ins.
Special teams can swing this hard. Vancouver is already tight offensively, so taking penalties and giving Columbus free looks is the worst way to play a road underdog. On the flip side, if Vancouver gets power plays, it’s one of the few ways they can manufacture confidence early without needing a perfect cycle game.
Goaltending is the big variable. Vancouver’s starter situation can change the total and the puck line value, and Columbus has been getting strong results in net lately. If the starters aren’t confirmed, this is a spot where you can wait and play in-game once you see pace and rebound control.
Rest and travel lean toward Columbus. Vancouver is finishing a long road trip, and those are the spots where the first 10 minutes matter most. If Columbus comes out with energy and Vancouver starts slowly, the favorite price can look cheap in hindsight.
Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Predictions and Best Bets
Columbus is the side I trust more because they’re trending up and they’re at home, while Vancouver is still searching for a clean win. The moneyline isn’t cheap, but it’s also not asking you to cover margin, just to win the game. With Vancouver’s confidence level where it is, I’d rather back the team that can dictate early.
I’m cautious with the puck line unless you’re getting a clear goaltending edge. Vancouver can absolutely lose another one-goal game and still cash +1.5, and Columbus can also win by two if Vancouver has to chase late. That’s why I’d rather keep it simple on the ML unless the market hands you a better number closer to puck drop.
On the total, it depends on who is confirmed in net for Vancouver. If the Canucks are forced into a backup look and the game opens up early, the over becomes attractive. If Vancouver plays a conservative, low-event style to survive the road finale, an under could be live. Without confirmed goalies, I’m not forcing that bet pregame.
Best Bet: Columbus Blue Jackets moneyline (-175)
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you’re building a slate card and want to compare matchups quickly, the NHL picks page helps you sort sides and totals without bouncing around. For deeper context on each game’s setup, the NHL previews hub keeps everything organized by matchup.
If you prefer to follow proven performance, start with the best handicappers hub and track form on the leaderboard. If you want packaged plays instead of piecing it together yourself, you can buy picks and keep it straightforward.
For process work, the NHL betting guide is useful for framing totals and puck lines, and the Stanley Cup betting guide becomes more relevant as standings pressure starts influencing nightly pricing.
