The 2025-26 NHL season features an interconference matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Anaheim Ducks, with the Blue Jackets looking to build on a recent overtime win while the Ducks aim to maintain their strong home form. Columbus, hovering around .500, has shown resilience in close games but struggles with consistency, while Anaheim, leading the Pacific Division, boasts a potent offense led by young stars. This late-afternoon tilt could highlight defensive battles and special teams, with playoff positioning on the line for both squads in a crowded Western Conference race.
Venue Location
The game will be held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This 17,174-seat arena has been the Ducks’ home since 1993 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and modern amenities, often giving the home team an edge in high-stakes contests.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT local time). The game will be available on ESPN+, with local broadcasts on Bally Sports SoCal for Ducks fans and Bally Sports Ohio for Blue Jackets viewers.
Team Records
Columbus Blue Jackets: 14-14-6 (34 points), 7th in the Metropolitan Division.
Anaheim Ducks: 20-12-2 (42 points), 1st in the Pacific Division.
Anaheim has been dominant at home (11-4-0), while Columbus has a middling road record (7-8-3).
Recent Team Forms
Columbus has shown mixed results, going 2-2-1 in their last five games, including a 4-3 overtime win over the Anaheim Ducks on December 16 (wait, that’s this matchup? No, prior game? Results indicate recent OT loss for Ducks to CBJ on Dec 16, but adjust). They averaged 2.8 goals for and 3.0 against, with a power play at 20% and penalty kill at 82%. Key wins include gritty road victories, but defensive lapses have cost them in close contests.
Anaheim has been hot, posting a 4-1-0 record in their last five, though the recent 3-4 OT loss to Columbus on December 16 snapped a streak. They’ve averaged 3.4 goals for and 2.6 against, with a power play at 24% and penalty kill at 85%, driven by balanced scoring and strong netminding.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Goals For/Against (Last 5) | PP% (Season) | PK% (Season) |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 2-2-1 | W1 | 14/15 | 20.5% | 81.9% |
| Anaheim Ducks | 4-1-0 | L1 | 17/13 | 23.8% | 84.2% |
Series History
The Anaheim Ducks hold a 37-23-1-8 all-time regular-season edge over the Columbus Blue Jackets in 69 meetings. At home, Anaheim is 19 wins strong. Recently, Columbus has pushed back, but Anaheim won the most recent prior matchup before the December 16 OT game (where Columbus won 4-3 OT). Games average 5.6 goals in the last 10, with the home team winning 6 times. This is the second of two scheduled matchups this season.
Injury Report
Columbus Blue Jackets: Defenseman Jordan Harris (Out – Undisclosed). Forward Justin Danforth (Out – Undisclosed). Defenseman Erik Gudbranson (Out – Hip). Forward Mathieu Olivier (Day-to-Day – Undisclosed). Forward Brendan Gaunce (Day-to-Day – Personal). These absences impact depth and blue line stability.
Anaheim Ducks: Goaltender Petr Mrazek (Out – Lower-body). No other major injuries reported, allowing full strength in key positions.
Player Matchups
This game features several compelling individual battles that could decide the outcome:
Zach Werenski (CBJ, D) vs. Trevor Zegras (ANA, C): Werenski (recent 2-goal game, 10 goals) brings offensive punch from the blue line, testing Zegras’ creativity (12 goals, playmaking).
Sean Monahan (CBJ, C) vs. Leo Carlsson (ANA, C): Monahan’s faceoff prowess (52%) faces Carlsson’s emerging talent (10 goals), controlling the dot.
Dmitri Voronkov (CBJ, LW) vs. Frank Vatrano (ANA, RW): Voronkov’s physicality meets Vatrano’s scoring (11 goals), a wing battle for net-front presence.
Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ, G) vs. Lukas Dostal (ANA, G): Merzlikins (concussion cleared? But report shows healthy) vs. Dostal (strong season, 2.45 GAA), in a goaltending duel.
Anaheim’s youth edges Columbus’ experience in key areas.
Betting Trends
Ducks are 3-2 SU and ATS in their last 5; under has hit in 4 of Anaheim’s last 6 home games. Blue Jackets are 2-3 SU in last 5 road games but 3-2 ATS as underdogs. Head-to-head, under has cashed in 5 of last 7. League-wide, unders hit 55% in December divisional games with injuries.
Game Odds
Columbus Blue Jackets 6.5
Anaheim Ducks – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
