The Dallas Stars (28-13-9) face the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-20-7) in a cross-conference matchup at Nationwide Arena. Dallas, second in the Central Division, is coming off a strong 6-2 win over Boston and looks to build momentum despite a recent 3-5-2 skid. Columbus, seventh in the Metropolitan, has been inconsistent but holds a 5-4-1 record in their last 10, including a 5-1 victory over Dallas earlier this season. This game could be high-scoring, given both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities, with Dallas’s star power potentially overwhelming Columbus’s injury-hit lineup.
Venue Location
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (broadcast on ESPN+, FDSNOH, Victory+)
Recent Team Forms
Dallas has struggled lately with a 3-5-2 record in their last 10, outscored by opponents 32-28. Columbus has fared better at 5-4-1, with a +2 goal differential.
Dallas Stars Last 10 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goals For | Goals Against |
| Jan 20 | vs. BOS | W 6-2 | 6 | 2 |
| Jan 18 | vs. TBL | L 1-4 | 1 | 4 |
| Jan 15 | vs. UTA | L 1-2 | 1 | 2 |
| Jan 13 | @ LAK | L 1-3 | 1 | 3 |
| Jan 12 | @ SJS | W 3-1 | 3 | 1 |
| Jan 10 | @ SJS | L 4-5 OT | 4 | 5 |
| Jan 8 | @ CAR | L 3-6 | 3 | 6 |
| Jan 6 | vs. MTL | L 3-4 | 3 | 4 |
| Jan 4 | vs. MTL | L 3-4 OT | 3 | 4 |
| Jan 1 | @ CHI | L 3-4 | 3 | 4 |
Record: 3-5-2
Avg. Goals: 2.8 for, 3.2 against
Power Play: 29.2% (1st in NHL); Penalty Kill: 79.6% (18th)
Columbus Blue Jackets Last 10 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goals For | Goals Against |
| Jan 20 | vs. OTT | L 1-4 | 1 | 4 |
| Jan 17 | @ PIT | W 4-3 SO | 4 | 3 |
| Jan 15 | vs. VAN | W 4-1 | 4 | 1 |
| Jan 13 | vs. CGY | W 3-2 | 3 | 2 |
| Jan 11 | @ UTA | W 3-2 OT | 3 | 2 |
| Jan 10 | @ COL | L 0-4 | 0 | 4 |
| Jan 8 | @ VGK | L 3-5 | 3 | 5 |
| Jan 6 | @ SJS | L 2-5 | 2 | 5 |
| Jan 4 | vs. PIT | L 4-5 OT | 4 | 5 |
| Jan 3 | vs. BUF | W 5-1 | 5 | 1 |
Record: 5-4-1
Avg. Goals: 2.9 for, 3.2 against
Power Play: 19.5% (18th in NHL); Penalty Kill: 75.4% (29th)
Injury Report
Dallas is dealing with key absences up front and on defense, while Columbus has multiple defensemen out, impacting their blue line depth.
Dallas Stars:
Mikko Rantanen (RW): Day-to-day (illness) – Expected back Jan 22
Lian Bichsel (D): Out (lower body) – Expected back Feb 2
Tyler Seguin (C): Out (knee/ACL) – Expected back May 16
Columbus Blue Jackets:
Elvis Merzlikins (G): Day-to-day (illness) – Expected back Jan 22
Dante Fabbro (D): Out (lower body) – Expected back Jan 26
Mason Marchment (LW): Out (upper body) – Expected back Jan 24
Denton Mateychuk (D): Out (upper body) – Expected back Jan 24
Brendan Smith (D): Out (leg) – Expected back Feb 4
Miles Wood (LW): Out (undisclosed) – IR, no timeline
Projected Starting Goalies:
Dallas: Jake Oettinger (19-9-6, 2.53 GAA, .911 SV%)
Columbus: Jet Greaves (12-10-4, 2.78 GAA, .915 SV%) – If Merzlikins is out
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights offensive stars against defensive anchors. Dallas’s high-scoring forwards will test Columbus’s depleted blue line, while the Blue Jackets’ snipers could exploit any Dallas lapses.
Jason Robertson (DAL) vs. Zach Werenski (CBJ): Robertson (23G, 33A) leads Dallas in points with dynamic playmaking. Werenski (18G, 34A) is Columbus’s top defenseman and offensive contributor from the blue line. This matchup could control transitions and power plays.
Mikko Rantanen (DAL) vs. Ivan Provorov (CBJ): Rantanen (19G, 44A) is Dallas’s goal-scoring threat, potentially returning from illness. Provorov (D) anchors Columbus’s defense with strong shutdown play. Expect battles in the slot.
Wyatt Johnston (DAL) vs. Boone Jenner (CBJ): Johnston (26G) provides secondary scoring and speed for Dallas. Jenner (C, captain) leads Columbus with physicality and faceoff wins (52%). Neutral-zone possession will be crucial.
Roope Hintz (DAL) vs. Kirill Marchenko (CBJ): Hintz (14G, strong two-way) adds depth for Dallas. Marchenko (18G) is Columbus’s top sniper with a quick release. Watch for odd-man rushes.
Matt Duchene (DAL) vs. Adam Fantilli (CBJ): Duchene brings veteran setup skills. Fantilli (young center) adds energy for Columbus. This could influence special teams.
Series History
All-time: Dallas leads 43-26-8 (77 games). Recent: Columbus won the first meeting 5-1 on Oct. 21, 2025. Dallas has won 8 of the last 12 (8-4-0) since March 2021. At Nationwide Arena: Dallas 21-12-6 vs. Columbus, with points in 5 of last 8 visits (4-3-1). Trends: Over has hit in 6 of the last 10 head-to-heads; average combined goals: 6.2.
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Blue Jackets have covered in 6 of last 8 as underdogs. Total: Over has hit in 5 of Columbus’s last 7 home games; Under in 4 of Dallas’s last 6 road games. Team Trends: Dallas 3-5-2 last 10; 21-17 as favorites. Columbus 5-4-1 last 10; 0-5 SU last 5 overall but 11-8-4 at home. Dallas 8-4-0 last 12 vs. CBJ; Over in 6 of last 10 series games.
Game Odds
Dallas Stars – 120
Columbus Blue Jackets 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026
