Capitals vs Blue Jackets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game The Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets will conclude their regular-season schedules in a matchup between two teams that have struggled to meet playoff expectations. The game, set for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH, is expected to be a high-scoring affair with both teams looking to finish their campaigns on a positive note. Analyst Todd Cordell, a 12-year veteran betting expert, has predicted the Blue Jackets will emerge victorious, citing their superior performance and motivation to close the season on a strong note. Cordell’s analysis highlights the Capitals’ struggles in recent games, noting that they have controlled only 41.57% of high-danger chances at 5-on-5 over the last 10 contests, ranking 31st in the league. This trend has been exacerbated by their inability to consistently outplay opponents, a challenge that could be further compounded by the presence of Clay Stevenson in net. The 27-year-old journeyman, with a .892 save percentage in four NHL starts, is unlikely to match the performance of Jet Greaves, the Blue Jackets’ starting goaltender. Stevenson’s inexperience and lower save percentage could make it difficult for Washington to contain Columbus’ offensive output. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have shown a marked improvement in their recent outings, with a share of high-danger chances over the same span that is approximately 10% higher than Washington’s. This advantage, combined with their home ice advantage, positions them as strong favorites. The team’s offensive pace, ranking sixth in the league at 5-on-5, further supports the likelihood of a high-scoring game.#columbus_blue_jackets #nationwide_arena #todd_cordell #washington_capitals #clay_stevenson
Capitals Eliminated from Playoffs After Loss to Flyers, Face Blue Jackets in Final Game The Washington Capitals’ playoff hopes were extinguished on April 12, 2025, after a 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout, marking the end of their postseason run. The defeat, which came in the final game of the regular season, was attributed to a critical error by defenseman Rod Brind’amour, whose missed assignment allowed the Flyers to capitalize on a power play and secure the win. This loss not only ended the Capitals’ chances of securing a playoff berth but also highlighted the team’s struggles in key moments during the 2024-25 NHL season. The Capitals’ elimination was a culmination of a challenging campaign, with the team finishing with a record that fell short of the necessary points to qualify for the postseason. Despite a strong start to the season, the Capitals faced inconsistencies in their performance, particularly in high-stakes games. The Flyers’ victory, which included a dramatic shootout goal, underscored the competitive nature of the league and the Capitals’ inability to close out critical matchups. The Capitals’ final game of the regular season was set against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team that had also been eliminated from playoff contention. The matchup, which took place at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, was expected to be a low-stakes affair, but it carried significant weight for both teams. The Capitals, looking to wrap up their season on a positive note, faced the Blue Jackets in a game that would serve as a symbolic end to their campaign. The Capitals’ struggles were further compounded by the uncertainty surrounding captain Alex Ovechkin’s future.#columbus_blue_jackets #philadelphia_flyers #washington_capitals #alex_ovechkin #terik_parascak
Washington Capitals Conclude 2025-26 Regular Season in Columbus The Washington Capitals concluded their 2025-26 regular season with a crucial matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on April 14. The game carried significant playoff implications, as the outcome would determine whether the Caps’ final regular-season contest would hold meaning. The stakes were tied to the results of Monday night’s game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes, which would decide the final Eastern Conference playoff berth. The Capitals, riding a three-game winning streak after sweeping the Pittsburgh Penguins in a pair of home-and-home games, traveled to Columbus with the hope of securing their fourth consecutive victory. However, the game’s significance hinged on the Flyers’ performance. With only one playoff spot remaining, Philadelphia occupied the slot, and a loss by the Flyers would elevate Columbus to the final playoff position. The Flyers, however, had two games left, including a back-to-back set against the Montreal Canadiens, giving them an edge in the race. Caps center Dylan Strome acknowledged the team’s reliance on the Flyers’ result, stating, “We’re just going to obviously scoreboard watch [Monday] and see what happens. Nothing else we can do now, just go into Columbus and try to get two points. Hopefully, we get a good result [Monday] and that’s all we can focus on.” The Caps’ focus was on extending their winning streak, which would mark their first four-game winning streak since December 2025. The Capitals’ recent success was highlighted by goaltender Logan Thompson’s stellar performance against the Penguins.#columbus_blue_jackets #nationwide_arena #washington_capitals #dylan_strome #alexander_ovechkin
Sabres playoff picture is a little clearer after Saturday Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres have been idle Friday and Saturday and also won't play on Sunday. On Saturday the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Boston Bruins 2-1, the Montreal Canadiens lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 while the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-1. The Sabres lead the division with 106 points while Tampa Bay and Montreal both have 104. That means all three teams in the Atlantic Division have two more games left. If Montreal loses on Sunday to the New York Islanders or the Sabres win in Chicago on Monday, the Sabres will clinch home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Sabres can put away the Lightning with one win and a loser point against the Hawks and the Dallas Stars who come to Buffalo on Wednesday. The Stars have clinched second place in the Central Division and will have nothing to play for and may rest some players. Tampa Bay is home vs the Detroit Red Wings who have been eliminated for the 10th straight year and on the road against the New York Rangers. As far as the Eastern Conference goes, Buffalo has to win both of their games and Carolina has to lose in regulation at both Philadelphia against the Flyers and Long Island vs the Islanders. On Saturday the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins clinched the two Eastern Conference Wild Card positions. The Sabres' path to the playoffs remains tightly contested, with their ability to secure home ice advantage hinging on outcomes in the final weeks of the regular season. The team's current position in the Atlantic Division places them in a direct battle with Tampa Bay and Montreal, both of which have the same number of points but different schedules.#tampa_bay_lightning #columbus_blue_jackets #buffalo_sabres #carolina_hurricanes #montreal_canadiens
NHL playoff watch: Will the Penguins catch the Hurricanes? The final stretch of the NHL regular season is shaping up as a critical period for division races, with the Metropolitan Division remaining a focal point. The Pittsburgh Penguins, who were not expected to be a playoff contender in the 2025-26 season, have defied expectations by securing second place in the Metro. Their preseason over/under of 77.5 points has already been surpassed, positioning them as a serious threat to the Carolina Hurricanes, who lead the division by seven points. The two teams will face off on Wednesday in a pivotal matchup that could shift the balance of power in the Metro. The Hurricanes, who have dominated the division all season, hold a commanding seven-point lead over the Penguins. However, the Penguins’ upcoming schedule offers a glimmer of hope. Their next game against the Hurricanes on Wednesday, followed by a rematch on March 22, represents a potential "four-point swing" for either team. If Pittsburgh is to challenge the Hurricanes for the division title, these two games are essentially must-wins, given the current gap. Beyond these matchups, the Penguins have only four remaining games against playoff teams, while the Hurricanes face six such contests in their final 13 non-Pittsburgh games. The Hurricanes’ dominance is further underscored by their 97.2% chance of securing the division title, according to Stathletes projections, while the Penguins’ odds stand at a mere 1.5%. Despite these odds, the Penguins’ strong performance this season has kept their playoff hopes alive. Their 83 points place them in second place, with 15 games remaining before the regular season concludes on April 16.#columbus_blue_jackets #nhl #pittsburgh_penguins #carolina_hurricanes #metropolitan_division
Trophy Tracker: Schaefer of Islanders top choice for Calder as rookie of year At the three-quarter mark of the 2025-26 NHL season, Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders has emerged as the leading contender for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie. The 18-year-old defenseman, selected first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, has been a standout performer, earning NHL.com’s top vote in the race for the honor. With 80 points from a 16-person panel, Schaefer leads all rookies in scoring and has already made a significant impact on his team’s success. Schaefer’s rise to prominence began with a historic milestone: becoming the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score 20 goals in a season. His two-goal performance in the Islanders’ 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers on March 1 marked a pivotal moment, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while excelling in defensive roles. He leads all rookie skaters in goals and is tied for second among defensemen with Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets. His production has not gone unnoticed by teammates and coaches, who praise his skill and work ethic. Islanders center Bo Horvatsaid, “‘Schaef’ is arguably one of the better defensemen in the League. I can’t put into words or remember watching an 18-year-old do what he’s doing, especially as a defenseman. It’s phenomenal.” Captain Anders Lee added, “He puts himself in positions to score and regardless if he gets a bounce or two, he’s getting the puck through to the net. That’s why he’s been so effective lately.” Schaefer’s impact extends beyond individual stats. His leadership and playmaking have transformed the Islanders’ defensive corps, earning him admiration from fans who have embraced him as a rock star.#columbus_blue_jackets #matthew_schaefer #new_york_islanders #calder_trophy #zach_werenski
LA Kings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Odds, Picks, and Predictions The Los Angeles Kings (25-23-14) and Columbus Blue Jackets (32-21-9) are set to face off Monday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, with puck drop scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The matchup features contrasting recent performances, with the Kings struggling to maintain consistency and the Blue Jackets riding a strong offensive surge. BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds and expert analysis provide insight into the game’s potential outcome. The Kings entered the contest having lost 4-3 to the Montreal Canadiens as a -125 home favorite, with the Over (6) cashing. Scott Laughton, acquired in a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs, scored his debut goal, while Anze Kopitar added his seventh goal of the season. Alex Laferriere broke a tie in the third period, but Darcy Kuemper struggled, allowing four goals on 23 shots. Los Angeles has now dropped seven of its last nine games, raising concerns about its recent form. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, ended a three-game win streak with a 5-4 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth as a +100 underdog. Damon Severson, Mathieu Olivier, Adam Fantilli, and Mason Marchment each recorded a goal and an assist, while Kirill Marchenko extended his point streak to four games with two assists. Charlie Coyle added two assists to push his streak to five. Elvis Merzlikins made 18 saves in the loss, though his performance has been inconsistent this month. Betting lines for the game show the Blue Jackets as the favorite, with the moneyline at -135 for Columbus and +110 for Los Angeles. The puck line favors the Blue Jackets at -1.5 (+170) over the Kings at +1.5 (-210). The Over/Under is set at 6 goals, with the Over priced at -115 and the Under at -105.#los_angeles_kings #betmgm_sportsbook #columbus_blue_jackets #nationwide_arena #darcy_kuemper
LA Kings Aim to Regain Momentum After Montreal Loss The Los Angeles Kings are set to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in a crucial matchup as they seek to rebound from a recent defeat against the Montreal Canadiens. The game marks another opportunity for the Kings to reset their season's trajectory, following a challenging loss that left them searching for a win to regain confidence. The Kings' struggles have been evident in their recent performances, with a loss to the Canadiens highlighting their ongoing challenges. Coach Jim Hiller, who was recently dismissed from his position, had been under pressure throughout the season as the team failed to secure consistent results. The firing of Hiller on March 1st signals a significant shift in the organization's approach, with new leadership expected to implement changes aimed at improving the team's fortunes. Looking ahead, the Kings have several key games scheduled to test their resilience. A matchup against the St. Louis Blues presents a chance to climb closer to the playoff picture, while a game against the Colorado Avalanche offers an opportunity to showcase their new coaching strategy. The team's recent acquisition of Artemi Panarin has also raised expectations, as the Russian forward aims to contribute to a much-needed victory. The Kings' schedule also includes a high-stakes encounter with the Seattle Kraken, where extending their point streak could be vital for their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the team's players are also making their mark on the international stage, with several athletes representing their countries in the 2026 Winter Olympics. This dual focus on domestic and international competition underscores the Kings' broader ambitions for the season.#los_angeles_kings #st_louis_blues #columbus_blue_jackets #montreal_hauntains #colorado_avalanche
Crunch Time In Columbus The Los Angeles Kings begin a challenging five-game road trip on Monday, March 9, as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The game, originally scheduled for January 26, was postponed due to severe weather in Ohio. The matchup marks the start of a critical stretch for both teams, with the Kings aiming to capitalize on their recent momentum while the Blue Jackets seek to maintain their strong performance. The Kings, with a record of 25-23-14, will be looking to build on their recent improvements under interim head coach D.J. Smith. However, their recent 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens has left them at 1-2-0 since the coaching change, dropping them further from playoff contention. The defeat, which saw Montreal score two goals in 49 seconds late in the third period, highlighted the gap between the team’s strong statistical performance and actual results. Despite generating a season-high 26 high-danger chances and 46 scoring chances against Montreal, the Kings failed to convert their opportunities, leaving them three points behind a playoff spot. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have been dominant in the NHL over the past two months, leading the league with a .789 points percentage and a 14-3-2 record. Their recent acquisition of forward Mason Marchment, who has scored 11 goals and 19 points in 20 games since joining the team, has bolstered their offensive capabilities. Columbus also welcomed forward Conor Garland, who made his debut with the team after being acquired from Vancouver. For the Kings, the challenge lies in translating their strong play into wins.#los_angeles_kings #columbus_blue_jackets #nationwide_arena #d_j_smith #mason_marchment
Boston Bruins' Playoff Push Faces Challenges After NHL Trade Deadline The Boston Bruins entered Friday with a narrow one-point edge over the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. However, their path to the postseason has grown more difficult after failing to make significant trades before the NHL trade deadline. The team’s decision to hold onto their playoff position, despite lacking upgrades, has sparked debate about their long-term strategy. The Bruins made two trades on deadline day, acquiring two minor league forwards from the Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks left wing Lukas Reichel in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and other assets. All three players will join the AHL’s Providence Bruins. While these moves add depth, they do little to address the team’s roster weaknesses, which could have been addressed with more aggressive trades. Many analysts and fans had doubted the Bruins’ playoff chances this season after they traded away key veterans last summer. The Original Six franchise is in a retooling phase, prioritizing long-term development over short-term success. General manager Don Sweeney acknowledged the team’s desire to improve but emphasized that their current approach aligns with their long-term goals. “We stayed committed to the process we started,” Sweeney said, noting that the team’s focus remains on building a competitive roster rather than making last-minute upgrades. Sweeney admitted the Bruins missed opportunities to acquire impact players, such as St. Louis’ Robert Thomas, who remained with his team. While adding high-end talent would be ideal for a playoff push, Sweeney argued that the team’s current roster, though lacking elite players, has shown promise.#nhl_trade_deadline #don_sweeney #boston_bruins #columbus_blue_jackets #providence_bruins
