The Calgary Flames travel to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in an inter-conference clash on January 13, 2026. The Flames are mired in a tough season, sitting low in the Pacific Division standings after a recent mix of results, while the Blue Jackets are clinging to the fringes of the playoff race in the Metropolitan Division. With both teams dealing with injuries and inconsistent play, this matchup could hinge on goaltending and special teams. Columbus enters as the home favorite, looking to build on a recent win.
Venue Location
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. This 18,500-capacity venue, opened in 2000, is known for its energetic atmosphere and has been the Blue Jackets’ home ice since their inception.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT). The game will be available on ESPN+, with potential regional broadcasts and streaming via Fubo or NHL Network.
Injury Report
Injuries are mounting for both squads, potentially leading to depleted lineups and increased reliance on depth players. This could result in a gritty, low-event game.
Calgary Flames:
F Blake Coleman (upper body): Day-to-day; missed recent practices but could return for this game.
D Zayne Parekh (upper body): Day-to-day; participated in optional skate but status uncertain.
D Jake Bean (undisclosed): Out indefinitely following surgery.
C John Beecher (upper body): Week-to-week; placed on IR and expected to miss at least a few more games.
F Sam Honzek (upper body): Out for six months post-surgery; long-term absence.
Columbus Blue Jackets:
F Mason Marchment (upper body): Week-to-week; on IR and expected out until at least January 13.
D Zach Werenski: Recently missed several games after blocking a shot; status day-to-day but could return.
F Miles Wood (undisclosed): On injured reserve since early January.
F Smith (knee): Out following meniscus surgery; expected to make a full recovery but timeline extended.
Multiple others: Reports indicate additional nagging injuries impacting depth, contributing to recent struggles.
These absences may force adjustments, with Calgary thin up front and Columbus vulnerable on the blue line.
Key Player Matchups
With injuries altering lines, these battles could decide the game, focusing on offensive threats versus defensive stalwarts.
Nazem Kadri (CGY F) vs. Zach Werenski (CBJ D): Kadri’s playmaking (leading Flames in points) will test Werenski’s shutdown skills, especially if Werenski returns from injury. Kadri thrives in high-danger areas, but Werenski’s puck-moving could spark Columbus transitions.
Mikael Backlund (CGY F) vs. Sean Monahan (CBJ F): A center matchup where Backlund’s goal-scoring (team-high) meets Monahan’s two-way presence. Faceoffs will be key, with Backlund at around 52% this season.
Rasmus Andersson (CGY D) vs. Kirill Marchenko (CBJ F): Andersson’s assists lead the Flames’ blue line; he’ll need to contain Marchenko’s sniping ability, especially on the power play.
Connor Zary (CGY F) vs. Columbus Goaltending: Zary is heating up amid injuries; his speed could exploit Columbus’ backups if starters falter.
Expect physical play, with Columbus’ forecheck challenging Calgary’s depleted defense.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have been inconsistent, with Calgary snapping a losing streak and Columbus alternating wins and losses.
Calgary Flames (Last 10 Games): 5-5-0
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 10 | vs PIT | W 2-1 |
| Jan 8 | vs BOS | L 4-1 |
| Jan 7 | vs MTL | L 4-1 |
| Jan 5 | vs SEA | L 5-1 |
| Jan 3 | vs NSH | L 4-3 |
| Dec 30 | @ ARI | W 3-2 |
| Dec 28 | vs VAN | L 2-4 |
| Dec 26 | @ EDM | W 4-3 OT |
| Dec 23 | vs ANA | W 5-2 |
| Dec 20 | @ LAK | L 1-3 |
The Flames ended a four-game skid with a tight win over Pittsburgh, but they’ve been outscored 18-9 in their last five. Road form is weak (2-3 in last five away), with goaltending at .890 save percentage recently.
Columbus Blue Jackets (Last 10 Games): 5-4-1
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 11 | vs UTA | W 3-2 |
| Jan 8 | vs VEG | L 3-4 OT |
| Jan 6 | @ PIT | L 4-5 OT |
| Jan 4 | vs SJS | L 2-5 |
| Jan 2 | @ NYR | W 4-3 |
| Dec 30 | vs PHI | W 5-1 |
| Dec 28 | @ WSH | L 2-4 |
| Dec 26 | vs NJD | W 3-2 SO |
| Dec 23 | @ NYI | L 1-3 |
| Dec 20 | vs CAR | W 4-2 |
Columbus has a +2 goal differential in this stretch, with strong home play (3-1-1 in last five at Nationwide). However, injuries have led to defensive lapses, allowing 3.3 goals per game.
Series History
Calgary holds a slight all-time edge with a 34-31-3-2 record against Columbus (52.1% win rate). In the last 20 meetings, the Flames are 11-8-1, including a 6-4-0 mark in the most recent 10. Columbus has fared better at home lately, winning three of the last five in Nationwide Arena. Goals have trended high, with the over hitting in six of the last eight encounters.
Betting Trends
Moneyline: Blue Jackets favored at home amid Calgary’s road woes.
Puck Line: Flames are 4-6 ATS in last 10; Blue Jackets 5-5.
Over/Under: Over has hit in 15 of Calgary’s 45 games and in Columbus’ last four home contests.
Other Trends: Calgary 1-4 SU in last five road games; Columbus 3-2 SU vs. Pacific teams this season. Series often goes under at home for Columbus (4-1 in last five).
Game Odds
Calgary Flames 6.5
Columbus Blue Jackets – 148
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 12, 2026
