By: Kim Smith Published 01/24/2026, 05:15 AM ET 
The Tampa Bay Lightning travel to Nationwide Arena to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in an Eastern Conference matchup with playoff implications. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with coverage available on ESPN+, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, and The Spot – MTN. At the time of this writing, Tampa Bay is listed as a -125 road favorite on the moneyline, while Columbus is priced at +105 at home. The total is set at 6.5 goals, with the Over at -105 and the Under at -115. The puck line shows Tampa Bay -1.5 at +195 and Columbus +1.5 at -238. For more daily analysis across the league, be sure to check out our free NHL picks before placing your wagers.
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Terms & Conditions Lightning Striking with Precision on the Road
Tampa Bay Lightning enter this matchup with a 31-13-4 overall record and have been one of the most dangerous road teams in the NHL, posting an impressive 18-4-4 mark away from home. Tampa Bay has won four of its last five games, recently picking up victories over San Jose, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, while also recently losing to St. Louis in a shootout. That stretch reflects a veteran group that knows how to close out games in hostile environments.
From a statistical perspective, Tampa Bay continues to excel at both ends of the ice. The Lightning average 3.50 goals per game while allowing just 2.48, placing them among the league’s elite in goal differential. They generate 27.3 shots per game and allow only 26.1, and their special teams remain a major strength. Tampa Bay’s penalty kill operates at an elite 84.2%, while the power play sits at 20.7% with 31 goals on the season.
What separates Tampa Bay is its ability to control high-leverage moments. The Lightning have allowed just 24 power-play goals against all season and have not surrendered a single shorthanded goal. Their structure, discipline, and experience allow them to protect leads and grind out wins, especially against teams that rely on transition offense.
Blue Jackets Competitive but Inconsistent at Home
Columbus Blue Jackets come into Saturday night with a 23-20-7 overall record and a respectable 12-8-4 home mark at Nationwide Arena. Columbus has won four of its last five games, recently picking up victories over Dallas, Pittsburgh in a shootout, Vancouver, and Calgary, while also recently losing to Ottawa. That run suggests the Blue Jackets are playing some of their best hockey of the season.
Statistically, Columbus averages 2.90 goals per game while allowing 3.26, a margin that reflects defensive lapses despite solid effort. The Blue Jackets generate 30.2 shots per game but allow 30.7, often engaging in wide-open contests. Their power play has struggled at 19.4%, and the penalty kill has been inconsistent at 75.7%, creating vulnerability against teams with strong special teams.
Columbus thrives when it can dictate pace and get contributions throughout the lineup. However, defensive breakdowns and penalty issues remain a concern, especially against disciplined opponents. Against a structured team like Tampa Bay, those weaknesses are more likely to be exposed.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets PickTampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets Pick Tampa Bay Lightning -125 (Moneyline)
I’m backing Tampa Bay on the moneyline in this matchup. The Lightning’s road dominance, superior defensive metrics, and elite penalty kill give them a clear edge over a Columbus team that still struggles with consistency. Tampa Bay’s ability to limit high-danger chances should neutralize Columbus’ recent offensive surge.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets Total Pick
I’m taking the Under here. Tampa Bay prefers structured, lower-event games, especially on the road, and Columbus will have difficulty sustaining offense against an elite penalty kill and disciplined defensive system. This sets up as a controlled game that stays below the posted total.
Final Score Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Friday.
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