{"id":482365,"date":"2026-01-20T07:22:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T12:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=482365"},"modified":"2026-01-20T10:23:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T15:23:39","slug":"nhl-predictions-ottawa-senators-columbus-blue-jackets-january-20th-matchup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/20\/nhl-predictions-ottawa-senators-columbus-blue-jackets-january-20th-matchup\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions January 20th Senators Edition Ottawa at Columbus Blue Jackets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to another Senators edition of NHL Predictions as Ottawa<\/a> visits the Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>. Ottawa is firmly in the grey matter. Are they buyers, are they sellers? Meanwhile, Columbus comes into this one with the exact same record (22-19-7) as Ottawa. However, they didn’t come into 2025-26 with lofty expectations. So, let’s discuss who we think prevails in this Eastern Conference matchup.<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions Blue Jackets and Senators<\/h2>\n
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Season Series: <\/strong>The two teams split a pair of regulation away victories in December, with this being the rubber match, and the third and final meeting between the two clubs in 2025-26.<\/p>\n

Puck Drop:<\/strong> 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/a>:\u00a0RDS2, TSN5, FDSNOH<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

It is interesting, at this time, what both teams will do at the trade deadline. Ottawa could essentially be buyers or sellers. From adding someone like\u00a0Artemi Panarin<\/a> to subtracting the likes of Claude Giroux<\/a> or Lars Eller<\/a>, it isn’t difficult to see how much of swing there could possibly be.<\/p>\n

Columbus continues to grow for the future. Kent Johnson<\/a> and Adam Fantilli<\/a> are still waiting to completely hit their stride. When they do, Columbus should be competitive for years to come. The might not reach the level of Stanley Cup contenders, but even games into May becomes a huge step, big picture.<\/p>\n

Overall, like Columbus is adapting. They only recently added Rick Bowness<\/a> as their head coach. In addition, joining general manager Don Waddell<\/a>, they have years dealing in the business of hockey. It is paying off dividends, you can tell.<\/p>\n

The Story in Sens Land<\/h3>\n

For the Ottawa Senators<\/a>, let’s talk about a couple of difference makers. What makes them even more noteworthy is that they will be applying their craft at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in less than a month’s time.<\/p>\n

The first that comes to mind is Jake Sanderson<\/a>, the Sens star defenceman that will second as a blueliner for Team USA<\/a>. Sanderson puts the Sens on his back at times. Furthermore, he is one of the fastest skaters in the world right now. Look for him to be on top of his game in Milan. On the year, Sanderson has ten goals, 29 assists, and plays over 25 minutes a night.<\/p>\n

And what about, Tim Stutzle<\/a>, he of the Germany nationality. Can we get a Jimmy Stu? Stutzle leads the team in goals (21), points (49), and his 28 assists are only second to the aforementioned Sanderson. If Ottawa looks to get back in contention, look for those two to power them through.<\/p>\n

Going On Through Ohio<\/h3>\n

What about for the crew assembled by not Rick, but a Don. Zach Werenski<\/a> is the one guy that truly jumps off the page. Dude plays with high velocity, and an equally impressive ability to finish off plays. He, along with Sandy for that matter, have the opportunity to be difference makers for the Americans at the Olympics. Coming into action today, Werenski is second among defencemen in points (52), while Sanderson’s total has him tied for seventh.<\/p>\n

The other player we want to call out for the Jackets, is the Russian attacker Kirill Marchenko<\/a>. His game of speed and playmaking, along with an ability to use his big frame, is an example of a very nice skill set. Marchenko is tied for the team lead in goals with Werenski at 18. In addition, he leads their forwards in points with 41.<\/p>\n

So, with all this collective fire power coming together, this will be a back-and-forth game.<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions<\/h3>\n

The goaltending matchup appears to be a toss up, leaning towards a veteran of over 500-career NHL games, James Reimer<\/a> versus Elvis Merzlikins<\/a>. Linus Ullmark<\/a> is supposed to be on the road trip with Ottawa, so that’s a good sign. However, it sounds like it is Reimer tonight. This makes a good time for our disclaimer to please check social media before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.<\/p>\n

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James Reimer likely starts against tonight. Leevi Merilainen has been sent to Belleville and Hunter Shepard has been recalled to backup tonight in Columbus. #Sens<\/a><\/p>\n

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) January 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n