Columbus Blue Jackets vs St. Louis Blues Prediction | NHL 31.01.26

Columbus Blue Jackets vs St. Louis Blues Game Analysis | 31-01-2026 | NHL

This upcoming regular-season matchup on January 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM CST at Enterprise Center in St. Louis pits the Columbus Blue Jackets (26-20-7) against the St. Louis Blues (20-25-9). The Blue Jackets arrive with a more favorable record, indicating a competitive season, while the Blues are looking to rebound from a challenging campaign.

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Performance

The Columbus Blue Jackets have demonstrated a solid, if not spectacular, season thus far, maintaining a winning record. Their offense is significantly driven by their dynamic defenseman, Zach Werenski, who has been an exceptional offensive force. This reliance, while effective, could be a double-edged sword, potentially exposing a lack of diverse scoring depth. The team’s ability to capitalize on Werenski’s playmaking and goal-scoring will be crucial. With players like Mason Marchment and Dmitri Voronkov providing a physical presence, Columbus can also play a heavy, forechecking game.

Columbus Blue Jackets Key Players

• Points: Zach Werenski (59)
• Goals: Zach Werenski (19)
• Assists: Zach Werenski (40)

St. Louis Blues Team Performance

The St. Louis Blues have struggled to find consistent footing this season, reflected in their sub-.500 record. While Pavel Buchnevich leads in overall points, the team’s offensive production appears more spread out but less potent overall. Their defensive structure and goaltending will need to be at their absolute best to contain the Blue Jackets. Compounding their challenges are significant injuries to key forwards, which will test their depth and ability to generate offense, particularly against a team with momentum.

St. Louis Blues Key Players

• Points: Pavel Buchnevich (30)
• Goals: Jake Neighbours (13)
• Assists: Pavel Buchnevich (21)

Injury Report St. Louis Blues

• Robert Thomas (Injured reserve): Thomas (lower body) is still regarded as day-to-day, so it’s possible he’ll return before the Olympic break, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports Friday.
• Dylan Holloway (Injured reserve): Holloway (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets vs St. Louis Blues

Considering the Blue Jackets’ stronger overall record and the significant offensive contributions from Zach Werenski, coupled with the Blues’ current injury woes affecting key playmakers like Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway, the Columbus Blue Jackets are predicted to emerge victorious. The Blues’ struggles to generate consistent offense, especially with depleted ranks, will likely lead to a tighter, lower-scoring affair. Therefore, the total goals prediction is under 6.5.