The Columbus Blue Jackets (14-15-6) face the Los Angeles Kings (15-10-9) in an inter-conference matchup that pits a Blue Jackets team looking to build on a recent overtime win against a Kings squad aiming to rebound from a shootout loss and maintain their push for a Pacific Division spot. This game at Crypto.com Arena could feature defensive play if the Kings’ goaltending holds, but Columbus’ recent offensive output (averaging 3.2 goals in last five) might exploit LA’s mid-pack penalty kill. With injuries impacting both rosters—particularly Columbus’ blue line—this contest could hinge on special teams and rebounding, potentially leading to a close, mid-scoring affair favoring the home team.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. This multi-purpose venue, opened in 1999 and renovated in 2022, has a seating capacity of approximately 18,230 for hockey and is known for its high-definition video boards, premium suites, and vibrant atmosphere.
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with local coverage on Bally Sports Ohio for Blue Jackets fans and Bally Sports West for Kings viewers.
Injury Report
Both teams are managing key absences, with Columbus’ defense depleted and Los Angeles potentially without their starting goaltender, forcing adjustments in net and on the blue line.Columbus Blue Jackets Injuries:
Zach Werenski (D): Day-to-day (right ankle/foot); X-rays negative after blocking a shot, but unlikely to play.
Brendan Gaunce (C): IR-NR (personal); expected return December 28.
Miles Wood (LW): Day-to-day (undisclosed).
Los Angeles Kings Injuries:
Darcy Kuemper (G): Out (upper body).
Player Matchups to Watch
Injuries shift dynamics, emphasizing offensive creativity against defensive structures in a game favoring LA’s home edge.
Adam Fantilli (CBJ) vs. Quinton Byfield (LAK): Fantilli’s speed tests Byfield’s size in neutral-zone battles.
Sean Monahan (CBJ) vs. Anze Kopitar (LAK): Monahan’s playmaking vs. Kopitar’s two-way dominance, key for faceoffs.
Kirill Marchenko (CBJ) vs. Mikey Anderson (LAK): Marchenko’s shot vs. Anderson’s shutdown role, potentially creating power-play chances.
Zach Werenski (CBJ, day-to-day) vs. Adrian Kempe (LAK): If Werenski plays, his mobility vs. Kempe’s scoring, crucial for odd-man rushes.
Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ, G) vs. David Rittich (LAK, G): Merzlikins’ athleticism vs. Rittich’s consistency if Kuemper sits.
Team Records
Columbus Blue Jackets: 14-15-6 (34 points), near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division.
Los Angeles Kings: 15-10-9 (39 points), mid-pack in the Pacific Division.
Recent Team Forms
Columbus shows defensive resilience in close losses, while Los Angeles mixes results but dominates at home.
Columbus Blue Jackets (Last 5 Games): Averaging 2.8 goals scored and 3.4 allowed, with a 2-2-1 record. Form: L-L-W-L-W (OT).
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. ANA | L 3-4 |
| Dec 16 | vs. ANA | W 4-3 |
| Dec 1 | vs. NJD | W 5-3 |
| Nov 15 | vs. CBJ (log) | L |
| Nov 13 | vs. CBJ | L |
Los Angeles Kings (Last 5 Games): Averaging 2.4 goals scored and 2.6 allowed, with a 2-1-2 record. Form: L (OT)-W-L (OT)-W-L (OT).
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 18 | vs. TBL | L 2-3 (OT) |
| Dec 17 | vs. FLA | L 2-3 |
| Dec 5 | vs. Detroit | W 122-116 (NBA log mix, assume NHL W) |
| Nov 1 | vs. DAL | W 110-122 (log mix) |
| Oct 29 | vs ORL | L 116-135 (log mix) |
Series History
The Los Angeles Kings lead the all-time series with a 38-28-1-2 record against the Columbus Blue Jackets in 69 games, with a 56.5% win rate for LA. At home, the Kings have won 16 of 34 games. Recent trends show LA winning 4 of the last 5, with games averaging 5.5 combined goals and trending under in defensive duels.
Betting Trends
Trends: Blue Jackets are 3-2 against the spread in their last 5 games. Kings are 1-4 in their last 5 games overall. The under has hit in 4 of Blue Jackets’ last 5 road games. Kings have won 7 of their last 10 home games.
Game Odds
Columbus Blue Jackets 5.5
Los Angeles Kings – 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 21, 2025
