NHL · December 20, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Anaheim Ducks
Free LineCrush game report for Columbus Blue Jackets @ Anaheim Ducks on December 20, 2025, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
CBJ Searching for Consistency After Rough Stretch
Columbus has lost six of their last seven games and sits 8th in the Metropolitan Division at 14-14-6. Despite this skid, they defeated Anaheim 4-3 just four days ago on December 16, showing they can compete against this opponent when clicking. The key for CBJ will be preventing another letdown performance like the 5-2 loss to Minnesota on December 18.
Zach Werenski Continuing Elite Home Performance
The defenseman has been extraordinary at Nationwide Arena, recording nine goals and 22 points in his last 12 home games. Leading the team with 38 points (13G, 25A), Werenski will be critical to generating offensive chances. Expect the Ducks' gameplan to include limiting his scoring opportunities and keeping him off the power play when possible.
Jet Greaves' Opportunity to Solidify Starter Role
The 24-year-old netminder has earned the trust of the coaching staff with back-to-back starts and a 5-4-2 record with a .904 save percentage. After recording 23 saves in the recent loss to Minnesota, Greaves needs a strong performance against Anaheim to stabilize his position as the primary goaltender and keep the team's playoff hopes alive.
Recent Head-to-Head Advantage for CBJ
Columbus' 4-3 victory over Anaheim on December 16 provides recent blueprint success and potential confidence boost. Playing the same opponent within a short window can provide familiarity, though the Ducks will undoubtedly adjust their approach after the loss. CBJ must replicate their offensive execution while tightening defensive gaps.
Pick Ideas
Zach Werenski Over 0.5 Goals
With Werenski's exceptional home form (9 goals in last 12 home games) and recent two-goal performances, backing the star defenseman to score represents solid value against an Anaheim squad CBJ just defeated 4-3.
Game Total Over 6.5 Goals
The teams combined for 7 goals in their December 16 matchup and recent CBJ games have trended toward offensive production. Both teams' recent scoring patterns suggest another high-scoring affair.
CBJ Moneyline
Columbus owns a recent head-to-head victory and plays at home with Werenski's elite form, despite their current slump. The short turnaround and familiarity make this a solid play even with the team's recent struggles.
Jet Greaves Over 27.5 Saves
Greaves has been consistent in workload and the Ducks will likely generate offensive chances. With CBJ's defensive inconsistencies, expect Greaves to see significant volume in goal.