- Matchup: Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets
- Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
- Broadcast: Fanduel Sports Network
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On Thursday, Nationwide Arena will see the Columbus Blue Jackets (20-19-7) square off against the Vancouver Canucks (16-25-5).
Looking to rebound from their last outing, the Vancouver Canucks fell to the Senators with a score of 2-1. Offensively, the Canucks struggled, managing to score on just 1 out of 20 shots taken. They also had a lone power play opportunity, which went unsuccessful, and accumulated a total of 4 penalty minutes during the game.
Vancouver’s opponents have secured 145 power play opportunities (ranking 10th in the league) and successfully converted 39 of them. The Canucks have faced 1,364 shot attempts against them, resulting in a save percentage of .879. They have taken a total of 1,229 shots, achieving a shooting percentage of 9.9%. While at even strength, Vancouver has allowed 126 goals and scored 91 goals on their offensive plays. With 153 power play attempts, they have netted 30 goals, resulting in a power play success rate of 19.61%. Currently, they hold 37 points with a points percentage of .402. Over the season, the Canucks have scored 121 goals (ranked 27th in the league) and conceded 165 goals.
In this matchup, Kevin Lankinen will be the starting goalie. Throughout his career, Lankinen has notched 89 quality starts, holding a quality start percentage of .520. His save percentage stands at .902 across 8,694 minutes of play. With 5,368 shots on goal against him, he has made 4,842 saves. Opponents have scored 526 goals during his career, leading to an average of 3.08 goals against per game. Lankinen has a career record of 76-70-26, starting in 171 games, and has participated in 186 games overall.
Columbus most recently faced off against the Flames, securing a victory with a 5-3 scoreline. In that match, they capitalized on 1 of 4 power play chances, netting 5 goals from 43 shots on goal.
This season, the Blue Jackets have recorded 114 goals at even strength and 22 goals (ranking 25th in the league) during power plays. Columbus has attempted 1,406 shots (ranking 3rd in the league) with a shooting percentage of 9.67%, while they’ve allowed their opponents a total of 1,423 shots against them. Overall, the Blue Jackets have accumulated 136 goals and gained 47 points, resulting in a points percentage of .511. They have allowed 155 goals, including 122 goals at even strength and 33 while short-handed. With 116 power play chances, their power play conversion rate sits at 18.97%, and they maintain a penalty kill percentage of 74.62% on 130 opponent power plays, along with a save percentage of 89.1%.
On the opposite end, Elvis Merzlikins is expected to guard the net. He has made 7,063 saves from 7,847 shots faced, giving him a save percentage of .900. Merzlikins has a career record of 100-107-36 over 259 games, having started 244 matches and accumulated 12,968 minutes of play. His quality start rate is 47.5%, with 116 quality starts throughout his NHL career. His opponents average 3.21 goals per game against him, contributing to 784 goals conceded overall.
Which team will come out on top in tonight’s NHL battle against the spread or money line?
Pick: Choose Columbus
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