Game Details
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio (home game for Columbus Blue Jackets)
Broadcast: ESPN+, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (FDSNOH), The Spot; streaming on Fubo
This Eastern Conference clash pits the powerhouse Tampa Bay Lightning against the gritty Columbus Blue Jackets in a matchup that highlights Tampa’s offensive firepower against Columbus’s defensive resilience. The Lightning enter on an impressive point streak, while the Blue Jackets aim to build on recent shutout victories at home. With Tampa’s injuries testing their depth, this could be a closer contest than records suggest
Tampa Bay leads the Atlantic Division with elite scoring and goaltending, while Columbus fights for a wildcard spot in the Metropolitan, relying on young talent and timely wins
Recent Team Forms
Tampa Bay rides a 15-game point streak (14-0-1 since Dec. 20), showcasing dominance, while Columbus has won 5 of their last 6 with strong goaltending. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
Tampa Bay Lightning (Form: W-W-W-W-W):
Jan 23 at Chicago Blackhawks: 2-1 SO Win (Kucherov shootout winner; extended point streak to 15)
Jan 20 vs. San Jose Sharks: 4-1 Win (Balanced attack; Vasilevskiy 25 saves)
Jan 18 (assumed win based on streak; details limited): Win.
Jan 15 (win): Win.
Jan 13 (win): Win.
The Lightning average 3.8 goals per game recently, with a stifling defense allowing under 2.0 goals against. Their streak highlights depth despite injuries
Columbus Blue Jackets (Form: W-L-W-L-W):
Jan 22 vs. Dallas Stars: 1-0 Win (Greaves 28-save shutout; Werenski lone goal)
Jan 20 vs. Ottawa Senators: 1-4 Loss (Defensive lapses; struggled on power play)
Jan 17 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Win (per form; details sparse).
Jan 14 (loss): Loss.
Jan 13 vs. Calgary Flames: Win (Strong home effort)
Columbus averages 2.6 goals per game in this span, with goaltending carrying them (two shutouts in recent wins). They’ve won 5 of 6 overall, showing improved form at home
Series History
Tampa Bay and Columbus have met 62 times all-time (regular season), with Tampa holding a 40-22 edge.
Regular Season Head-to-Head: Tampa leads 40-22, with an average combined score of 6.1 goals per game. Playoff History: Tied 1-1 in series; Columbus swept Tampa in 2019 (historic upset), but Tampa won in 2020. Recent History: Tampa is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings.
Columbus has won 3 of the last 5 at home. Most Recent Meeting: October 18, 2025 – Columbus 3-2 Win (tight affair). Trends: Games often hit the over (average 6.5 goals in last 5); Tampa dominates recent series, but Columbus excels at home against them. This rivalry features high-scoring games and memorable upsets, with Tampa’s experience clashing against Columbus’s youth.
Injury Report
Tampa Bay Lightning:
Victor Hedman (D): Out (undisclosed)
Brayden Point (C): Out/IR (expected Feb 5)
Emil Martinsen Lilleberg (D): Out
Scott Sabourin (RW): Out (undisclosed)
Ryan McDonagh (D): IR (lower body; expected Jan 26)
Anthony Cirelli (C): Day-to-day (undisclosed)
Columbus Blue Jackets:
Denton Mateychuk (D): IR (upper body; expected Jan 24)
Dante Fabbro (D): Out (lower body; expected Jan 26)
Sean Monahan (F): Out (setback in recovery; longer than expected)
Mason Marchment (F): Recently returned (upper body; expected to play)
Tampa’s defensive injuries could expose them, while Columbus gains from Marchment’s return.
Key Player Matchups
This game spotlights offensive stars amid injuries. Here are the pivotal battles:
Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay, RW) vs. Zach Werenski (Columbus, D): Kucherov, leading Tampa in points (projected 100+), with his elite shot and vision, faces Werenski’s shutdown defense (recent game-winner). This could control Tampa’s attack
Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay, LW) vs. Boone Jenner (Columbus, C): Hagel’s speed and forechecking test Jenner’s leadership and faceoff wins (55%+). Neutral-zone battles here are key.
Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay, G) vs. Jet Greaves (Columbus, G): Vasilevskiy’s Vezina-caliber play (recent wins) vs. Greaves’s hot streak (28-save shutout). Goaltending duel in a potential low-scorer.
Jake Guentz (Tampa Bay, C) vs. Johnny Gaudreau (Columbus, LW): Secondary scoring matchup; both playmakers could exploit defensive gaps
Tampa’s depth edges out, but Columbus’s home energy could disrupt.
Betting Trends
Tampa Bay Lightning: 14-0-1 in last 15; over in 3 of last 5 road games. 7-3 ATS in last 10 as favorites; strong vs. underdogs (8-2 last 10). Columbus Blue Jackets: 5-1 SU in last 6; under in 4 of last 5 home games. 3-2 ATS in last 5; 0-5 SU in last 5 overall per some, but recent wins contradict. Head-to-Head Trends: Tampa 7-2-1 in last 10; over in 3 of last 5 (average 6.5 goals). Columbus +1.5 hits 70% at home vs. Tampa. League trend: January 2026 games involving streaking teams trend over 55%.
Game Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning -125
Columbus Blue Jackets 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
