NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Utah Mammoth Picks and Predictions – January 11, 2026
The Utah Mammoth return home to the Delta Center on Sunday night to host the Columbus Blue Jackets, with puck drop scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. Utah (26-14-3) continues to impress in its inaugural season, sitting firmly in the Western Conference playoff race. Columbus (17-23-5) is still rebuilding, but they’ve shown flashes — especially when their top line gets going.
This is a clear favorite-underdog spot on the board. Utah opened as -179 moneyline chalk, while the Blue Jackets are priced at +149. The puck line has Utah -1.5 at +141, and the total is set at 6.5 with a slight lean toward the Under. It’s a strong situational edge for the Mammoth, but let’s see where the real value lies.
NHL Lines Before the Puck Drops
Beat the Books to Every Number
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Utah Mammoth Odds
These are the current betting lines ahead of puck drop. Always track line movement using the latest NHL odds.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +149 | +1.5 (-174) | O 6.5 (+105) |
| Utah Mammoth | -179 | -1.5 (+141) | U 6.5 (-127) |
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Form
Columbus has lost three of its last four, and goaltending continues to be a glaring issue. The Jackets allow over 3.5 goals per game and rank bottom five in both penalty kill and expected goals against. Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov haven’t been able to hold the fort consistently, putting extra pressure on a young defensive core.
That said, there is scoring talent here. Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine can still turn games with one shift, and the power play is quietly improving. But until they can string together some 5-on-5 consistency, especially on the road, it’s tough to trust them even on the puck line.
To track team trends and recent games, head over to the Columbus Blue Jackets stats and results.
Monitor availability leading up to puck drop on the Columbus Blue Jackets injury report.
Utah Mammoth Betting Form
The Mammoth are looking like more than just a feel-good expansion story — they’re winning games in every style. They’ve won five of their last six and continue to get strong play from the crease out. With a top-10 PK and balanced offense, Utah’s been able to grind out wins or pull away late depending on the matchup.
Their home ice has become a real edge, too. At the Delta Center, Utah is 14-5-2 and has covered the puck line in six of its last eight. Offensively, their top six is clicking, and the second unit is finally producing more secondary scoring. That’s helped stretch leads and create separation late in games.
See full game logs and team data on the Utah Mammoth schedule and stats.
Keep an eye on the Utah Mammoth injury report for any lineup changes.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Utah Mammoth Matchup Breakdown
This matchup has a few clear pressure points. First, Utah has the goaltending edge — no question. They’ve allowed two or fewer goals in four of their last five, while Columbus gives up high-danger looks by the handful. The Mammoth’s defense is structured and closes quickly, which makes it tough for Columbus’s skill players to find space.
Another key edge? Special teams. Utah’s PK is significantly better, and while their power play isn’t elite, it’s opportunistic — especially at home. Columbus, meanwhile, bleeds goals when shorthanded. That could swing things fast if penalties pile up.
- Goaltending: clear edge Utah
- Special teams: Utah advantage
- Form: Mammoth 5-1 last six, Jackets struggling
- Venue: Utah 14-5-2 at home
This doesn’t shape up well for Columbus unless they steal one with a hot goalie or a few early goals. Otherwise, Utah’s consistency should carry.
Want more insight on how to break down NHL matchups? Visit our NHL betting guide.
Data-Driven NHL Picks
Where Ice-Time Turns Into Profit
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Utah Mammoth Predictions and Best Bets
The moneyline is steep for Utah at -179, but it’s justified. They’re at home, in better form, and hold the edge in goaltending, defense, and special teams. Rather than laying that price, I’d lean toward Utah -1.5 at +141. Columbus just doesn’t close the gap when trailing and has allowed too many empty-net covers this season.
The total at 6.5 leans Under, and I agree. Utah games tend to stay controlled unless the opponent is explosive — and Columbus isn’t built that way. The Jackets also struggle to finish, especially against organized defenses. Even if Utah pushes the pace, this feels like a 4-1 or 3-2 kind of game.
Best Bet: Utah Mammoth -1.5 (+141)
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Want full betting board coverage? Check today’s NHL picks for expert breakdowns on every matchup. Our analysts focus on value, matchups, and real betting edges.
You can also follow our top sports handicappers and see who’s winning long term via the live handicapper leaderboard. When you’re ready to take it further, grab premium NHL picks and boost your edge.
