The Blue Jackets will have a terrific opportunity to move up the standings on Monday night, as they host the LA Kings at Nationwide Arena. That is, if the game doesn't get postponed due to the weather emergency in Central Ohio.
The Jackets won their second straight on Saturday night, out-gunning the Tampa Bay Lightning en-route to an 8-5 final score. Mason Marchment continued his stellar play with a hat-trick (and an assist), while Adam Fantilli and Charlie Coyle each scored three points.
Suddenly, this team finds themselves just four points out of third place in the Metropolitan Division. Tonight, they have a chance to make up even more ground, against a Kings team that has had its own share of struggles this season.
The Opponent
The Kings are one of just three teams with fewer regulation wins (13) than the Blue Jackets (15). They sit at 21-16-13 (55 points), just outside of the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles has one of the lowest event teams in the NHL. They are 28th in offense, averaging just 2.60 goals per game. But, they are in almost the exact same spot the other way, surrendering the fourth fewest goals against per game (2.74).
This is a team that relies on being big, heavy, and tough to get through-especially in the neutral zone. They want to lock the game down, especially when they get the lead; and even more so on the road, where they don't care how boring it gets.
It's worth noting that the Kings are a much better road team (13-6-6) than their record might first indicate. For these reasons, it's crucial that the Blue Jackets don't fall behind tonight. They have to stay ahead of this team.
The Kings are led in scoring by Adrian Kempe, who has 17 goals and 39 points in 50 games thus far. Kevin Fiala (18-18-36) leads the team in goals, and after him there are no players with more than 30 points.
They have just one player who will be out of the lineup due to injury, but it's a big one. Long-time superstar Anze Kopitar is currently on IR with a lower body injury.
In goal, there are a couple of reliable veterans that lead the charge. Darcy Kuemper is their regular starter (13-9-9, .902% save percentage, 2.56 goals against average), but former CBJ draft pick Anton Forsberg has given them quality starts as well (8-6-4, .907%, 2.56GAA).
The Kings are in the first half of a back-to-back tonight, so we will have to wait until closer to game time to see who will start in goal.
The Good Guys
The Jackets have won their last two games in very different ways. On Thursday night, they locked the game down and shut out the Dallas Stars by a 1-0 final. On Saturday, they had to bail their goaltender out with a big offensive outburst.
This is an encouraging sign for this young team. It seems like they are finding their way under Rick Bowness, and not a moment too soon. They need all of the points they can get, if they want to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
Our own Mike Stump is keeping track of the required pace on X, updating every day:
31 games left. #CBJ sit 4 back of NYI for 3rd in the Metro at 55 points, finally pushing into the playoff mix.
— Mike Stump (@Mr_UnionBlue) January 25, 2026
Target’s ~96 points, so about 41 more needed.
Clinch paths: 21‑10‑0, 20‑10‑1, 18‑8‑5.
Obviously, if the Metro begins to slump even more, I’ll adjust the points target.
With the winter emergency in Columbus, the Jackets didn't practice yesterday. So, we will have to wait and see if there are any lineup changes tonight, and who will start in goal.
Update: there will be lineup changes, with Denton Mateychuk set to make his return. Elvis Merzlikins will start in goal.
Per Rick Bowness:
— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) January 26, 2026
Merzlikins starts.
Mateychuk in for Christiansen. #CBJ
Three Keys to Success
1. Score first. As mentioned, the Kings will lock this game down if they get a lead. It's vital that the Blue Jackets don't fall behind in this game.
2. Win the middle. The Blue Jackets are deeper down the middle than the LA Kings. Winning the center ice battle would be a great way to open up the Kings and beat their stingy defense.
3. Stick with the plan. Tonight's game will have to be a patient one. Don't cheat for offense, but take advantage when your chances come.
This is the final matchup between these two teams this season, with the Jackets taking the first one 3-1 in Los Angeles. Both teams are on two-game winning streaks, so it could be a fun one.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 Eastern. If you're heading to the Arena, travel safely. Let's go Jackets!