Dallas Stars Face Columbus Blue Jackets in Primetime NHL Matchup

Dallas enters as the favorite after a big win over Boston; Columbus aims to bounce back at home.

The Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets are set to clash on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Nationwide Arena. This matchup fits into the broader picture of how teams are shaping up league-wide, as outlined in the full 2025–26 NHL season preview covering contenders, expectations, and early-season storylines: Puck drop is at 7 p.m. ET—so mark your calendars and maybe set an extra reminder, because this one’s shaping up to be a barn burner. You can catch all the action live on ESPN+ or stream it on Fubo, though keep an eye out for those pesky regional restrictions that sometimes sneak up like an unexpected slapshot.

According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Stars are skating in as favorites at -124 odds, while the Blue Jackets are the underdogs at +104. Those moneyline prices align closely with the latest projected NHL standings and playoff odds, which use large-scale simulations to estimate team strength and postseason probability. The over/under for total goals is set at 6.5, so if you like your hockey with a side of fireworks, this might be your night.

Dallas has posted a 21-17 record this season when favored on the moneyline. Form trends like this are a key factor in weekly NHL power rankings, where rising players and shifting team momentum are highlighted across the leagu. But lately, they’ve been riding a bit of a rollercoaster—three wins, five losses, and two overtime defeats in their last ten games. They’re averaging 2.9 goals for and 3.0 goals against per game, so you never quite know which Stars team will show up. It’s like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates—full of surprises.

Columbus, on the other hand, has been cast in the underdog role with a 10-22 record this season. But don’t count them out just yet. In their last ten games, they’ve gone 5-4-1, averaging 3.0 goals for and 3.0 goals against per game. Sometimes, the underdog bites back—and the Blue Jackets are looking to do just that on home ice.

Dallas is coming off a statement 6-2 win over Boston, so they’ll be strutting into Columbus with some swagger. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are licking their wounds after a 4-1 loss to Ottawa, but as any hockey fan knows, there’s nothing like a home crowd to help a team bounce back.

This matchup is brimming with storylines and the promise of high-scoring action. So grab your lucky jersey, settle in, and get ready for a night of hockey that could have you on the edge of your seat—or maybe even jumping off it.