NHL · January 11, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Utah Mammoth
Free LineCrush game report for Columbus Blue Jackets @ Utah Mammoth on January 11, 2026, 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
Utah's Offensive Firepower Tests Columbus Defense
The Mammoth bring significant scoring depth to this matchup with Clayton Keller (41 points), Nick Schmaltz (40 points), and Dylan Guenther (37 points, team-high 21 goals) leading the way. Columbus ranks 25th defensively allowing 3.32 goals per game, creating a concerning matchup for a team struggling to protect leads and finish games in regulation.
Jet Greaves Workload Becoming a Concern
Greaves has started eight consecutive games and appeared in 14 of Columbus' last 15 contests, with recent performance fading after allowing 13 goals on 103 shots in his last three outings. The 24-year-old's heavy workload may be catching up as he posted a 2.74 GAA and .907 save percentage in his last 30 appearances, making him vulnerable against Utah's high-octane offense.
Columbus' Inability to Close Out Games
The Blue Jackets have blown late leads in five games this season, requiring overtime to finish off victories against Eastern Conference playoff competitors. This pattern of surrendering third-period advantages could prove costly against a Utah team in the playoff mix, particularly if Columbus builds an early advantage.
Recent Momentum Could Provide Columbus Edge
Columbus posted a 4-1-1 record over their last six games, outscoring opponents 16-9 at 5-on-5 with a 54.3% expected goal share. This uptick in performance offers cautious optimism for a team sitting last place in the Eastern Conference but only six points behind the final playoff spot.
Keller's Consistency vs. Greaves' Vulnerability
Clayton Keller has averaged 84 points over the past three seasons and leads the Mammoth with a balanced 13 goals and 28 assists. Facing a fatigued Greaves working heavy back-to-back games (Colorado on Saturday, Utah on Sunday), Keller and Utah's top-six forwards will have an ideal opportunity to exploit the goaltending situation.
Pick Ideas
Utah Over 3.5 Goals
Columbus allows 3.32 goals per game (tied 25th) while Utah's top three scorers (Keller, Schmaltz, Guenther) combine for 118 points. With Greaves fatigued from heavy workload, expect Utah to cash in on scoring opportunities.
Clayton Keller Over 0.5 Assists
Keller's 28 assists lead Utah and he averages over 1.3 points per game. Against a defensively-challenged Columbus team, expect Keller to generate multiple scoring chances.
Game Goes to Overtime
Columbus is prone to tight third-period finishes with five overtime wins this season. Utah sits in the playoff mix with defensive consistency, setting up another potential overtime scenario.
Under 6.5 Total Goals
While Columbus allows goals, Utah's .500+ points percentage indicates a relatively balanced team defensively. A defensive-minded matchup between a team fighting for playoffs and a visitor needing momentum could stay under the total.