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Lightning vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Why Tampa Bay is favored to win Saturday's NHL matchup [1/24/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets predictions for NHL Saturday.
NHL action continues on Saturday at 7:00 PM ET as the Tampa Bay Lightning lock horns with the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.
Based on the latest simulation results, Dimers' advanced NHL model projects the Lightning as the most likely winner of the Lightning vs. Blue Jackets game.
This article offers a closer look at Saturday's matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Lightning vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Saturday's NHL game between the Lightning and Blue Jackets 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model currently gives the Lightning a 56% chance of beating the Blue Jackets.
According to our model, the Blue Jackets (+1.5) have a 66% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 6.5 goals has a 54% chance of staying under.
Lightning vs. Blue Jackets odds
We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Lightning | Blue Jackets |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | -1.5 (+205) | +1.5 (-235) |
| Moneyline | -115 | +100 |
| Total | o6.5 (+102) | u6.5 (-118) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Lightning vs. Blue Jackets picks and best bet
After matching our probabilities against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | Lightning -1.5 | +205 |
| Moneyline | Lightning | -115 |
| Total | Under 6.5 | -118 |
According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Lightning to win.
Lightning vs. Blue Jackets player props
Who will score a goal in Lightning vs. Blue Jackets?
According to our model, Nikita Kucherov is most likely to score an anytime goal in Lightning vs. Blue Jackets.
Our projections give Kucherov a 41.3% chance of scoring a goal at Nationwide Arena, while the star is an 8.8% chance of netting the first goal the game.
Anytime goal scorer predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Nikita Kucherov | 41.3% |
| Jake Guentzel | 39.8% |
| Brandon Hagel | 39.0% |
| Anthony Cirelli | 21.1% |
| Darren Raddysh | 19.3% |
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Mason Marchment | 31.3% |
| Kirill Marchenko | 27.7% |
| Zach Werenski | 24.8% |
| Adam Fantilli | 24.5% |
| Kent Johnson | 22.9% |
First goal scorer predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Nikita Kucherov | 8.8% |
| Jake Guentzel | 8.1% |
| Brandon Hagel | 7.7% |
| Anthony Cirelli | 4.2% |
| Oliver Bjorkstrand | 3.3% |
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Mason Marchment | 5.9% |
| Kirill Marchenko | 5.6% |
| Kent Johnson | 4.3% |
| Zach Werenski | 4.1% |
| Adam Fantilli | 4.1% |
Lightning vs. Blue Jackets game-day updates and essential details
Saturday's game between the Blue Jackets and Lightning at Nationwide Arena is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Nationwide Arena
Conclusion
We predict the Lightning, with a 56% win probability, will likely beat the Blue Jackets on Saturday.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Lightning vs. Blue Jackets insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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