The NHL regular season is underway, and the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to host the Colorado Avalanche at Nationwide Arena. This early-season matchup is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN+. As the Avalanche sit comfortably at the top of the Western Central Division with a 3-0-1 record, they are the favorites heading into this game.
Colorado comes into this contest with a strong start, having secured three wins and a single overtime loss. Under the guidance of head coach Jared Bednar, they have already made a significant impression by leading their division and conference. Meanwhile, Columbus, led by Dean Evason, is looking to rebound from a challenging start, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 1-2-0 record.
Recent performance indicates a potential edge for the Avalanche, as they are coming off a 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. In contrast, the Blue Jackets are regrouping after a narrow 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. With the puck line favoring Colorado at -1.5, this game provides a crucial opportunity for both teams to cement their positions early in the season.
Blue Jackets vs Avalanche At a Glance
- Game Location: Nationwide Arena
- Game Date & Time: Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Avalanche Record: 3-0-1, ranked 1st in Western Central Division
- Blue Jackets Record: 1-2-0, ranked 7th in Eastern Metropolitan Division
- Odds Favorite: Colorado Avalanche with a MoneyLine of -164
Columbus Blue Jackets Gear Up for Challenging Game Against the Avalanche
Blue Jackets’ Recent Performance
The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a mixed start to their 2026 campaign. They began with a win against the Minnesota Wild, securing a 7-4 victory in an away game. However, recent losses to the Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils highlight their struggle to maintain consistency.
In their recent home opener against the Devils, the Blue Jackets fell short with a 3-2 loss. Despite outshooting New Jersey 33-28, Columbus couldn’t convert their chances, especially on the power play where they went 0-for-5.
Key Players to Watch
Kirill Marchenko has been a standout performer for Columbus, scoring four goals in just three games. His offensive prowess will be critical as the Blue Jackets look to bounce back in their upcoming games.
Dmitri Voronkov has also made significant contributions, tallying two goals and two assists so far. His ability to find the net provides a much-needed spark for the team.
Injury Updates
The Blue Jackets face some challenges with injuries affecting their roster. Erik Gudbranson remains questionable due to an upper-body injury, while Luca Marrelli is on the injured reserve list with a shoulder issue.
Additionally, Miles Wood is out with a face injury after being struck by a high stick in the recent game against the Devils. These absences could impact Columbus’s depth in upcoming games.
Goaltending Insights
Jet Greaves has shown promise in goal, recording a .932 save percentage across his two starts this season. His performance against the Devils included 25 saves, providing a solid backbone for the Blue Jackets’ defense.
Elvis Merzlikins also contributed with a win against the Wild, stopping 48 shots. His experience and skill will be vital as Columbus seeks to improve their record.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
Overall, the Blue Jackets are looking to capitalize on their home-ice advantage in the upcoming games. Despite recent setbacks, key players like Marchenko and Voronkov offer hope for a turnaround in their performances.
Avalanche’s Momentum: Colorado Takes on the Blue Jackets
Team Overview
The Colorado Avalanche are off to a strong start this season, currently holding a 3-0-1 record. Their recent games have shown their potential, with victories over teams like the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings. The Avalanche’s performance has been bolstered by key players such as Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who have each contributed significantly to the team’s success.
The upcoming game against the Columbus Blue Jackets marks the continuation of a two-game road trip for Colorado. Their recent triumphs have positioned them well, as they aim to maintain their winning momentum against the Blue Jackets. Despite a recent 5-4 loss to the Dallas Stars, the Avalanche remain a formidable opponent.
Star Players
Nathan MacKinnon has been a standout player for the Avalanche, recording four goals and four assists in four games. His offensive capabilities are a significant asset to the team, providing the Avalanche with an edge in scoring opportunities. MacKinnon’s chemistry with Martin Necas has been noteworthy, as the duo has combined for a total of 16 points early in the season.
Martin Necas has also been a key contributor, with three goals and five assists. His role in assisting MacKinnon’s goals has highlighted his playmaking abilities, making him an invaluable player for the Avalanche. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Necas’s performance could impact his future contract negotiations.
Defensive and Goaltending Insights
On the defensive side, Cale Makar has been instrumental with one goal and four assists. His contributions have been crucial in maintaining the Avalanche’s defensive stability while also adding to their scoring depth. However, the team is currently dealing with injuries to defensemen like Samuel Girard, which could impact their lineup.
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood has been reliable, with 101 saves and only seven goals against in four games. His performances have been essential in securing victories for the Avalanche, providing a strong presence in the net. The absence of Mackenzie Blackwood, due to a conditioning stint, places more responsibility on Wedgewood to maintain his form.
Emerging Talents
Gavin Brindley, a recent acquisition, scored his first NHL goal against the Dallas Stars. His debut has been promising, and his presence on the fourth line adds depth to the Avalanche’s roster. Brindley’s ability to adapt quickly to the NHL environment showcases his potential as a rising star.
Brindley’s transition from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Avalanche has been smooth, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming game against his former team. His performance will be closely watched as he continues to develop within the Avalanche’s system.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 3-0 (100.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- Puckline Last 5: 3-0 (100.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 3-0 (100.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 3-0 (100.0%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-3 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-3 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-3 (0.0%)
Blue Jackets vs Avalanche Prediction: Over 6.5
The Colorado Avalanche have shown strong offensive capabilities early in the season, spearheaded by Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, who have each accumulated eight points in four games. This offensive prowess has contributed to the Avalanche scoring consistently, as seen in their 5-4 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, despite their struggles, have shown offensive flashes with Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov leading the charge. Their special teams have been a concern, allowing numerous goals while shorthanded, indicating potential for high-scoring games against teams with potent offenses like Colorado.
In previous meetings, games between these two teams have tended to go over the total, and with Columbus’s shaky penalty kill, it’s likely that the Avalanche will capitalize on power-play opportunities. Colorado’s defense is also missing key players like Samuel Girard, which may lead to defensive lapses.
Taking into account both teams’ tendencies and the Avalanche’s offensive depth, this matchup is poised to surpass the total of 6.5 goals. I predict a final score of Colorado Avalanche 5 – Columbus Blue Jackets 3, ensuring the game hits the over.
- Blue Jackets vs Avalanche Prediction: Over 6.5
- Blue Jackets vs Avalanche Score: Avalanche 5 – Blue Jackets 3
