NHL · January 31, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets @ St. Louis Blues
Free LineCrush game report for Columbus Blue Jackets @ St. Louis Blues on January 31, 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
Blue Jackets' Momentum Under Bowness
Columbus has won 8 of their last 9 games, including 7 consecutive victories since Rick Bowness took over as head coach. The Blue Jackets defeated Chicago 4-2 on Friday with Charlie Coyle scoring a hat trick. This stretch showcases a team playing with great pace and competitive spirit that's difficult to match.
Healthy Blue Jackets Roster vs. Injury-Plagued Blues
The Blue Jackets are nearly at full strength with recent returns of Erik Gudbranson, Denton Mateychuk, Miles Wood, and Mason Marchment, minus Brendan Smith (out for season). The Blues remain hampered by injuries to Robert Thomas (day-to-day) and Dylan Holloway (out until after Olympics), with potential game-time decisions on Pius Suter, Jake Neighbours, and Jimmy Snuggerud.
Greaves' Elite Performance Against St. Louis
Jet Greaves is projected to start for Columbus and carries exceptional career numbers against the Blues: 3-0-0 with a 1.67 GAA and .956 save percentage. This experience edge in goal could prove decisive against a St. Louis team operating with multiple lineup uncertainties.
Blues' Resurgence Following Streak-Breaking Win
St. Louis snapped a five-game winless streak (0-4-1) with a 5-4 victory over Florida on Thursday, during which key forwards Jordan Kyrou, Jake Neighbours, and Oskar Sundqvist all returned and contributed offensively. Whether they can maintain this momentum against a hot Columbus team remains the key question.
Suter's Potential Return as X-Factor
Pius Suter, absent since December 27 with a high ankle sprain, is trending toward playing after missing 15 games. His return would provide St. Louis with a depth center boost heading into the Olympic break, though his conditioning after five weeks off could be a factor.
Pick Ideas
Columbus Moneyline
The Blue Jackets' 8-1-0 recent record, near-full roster health, and Greaves' elite track record against St. Louis favor the visitors despite the Blues' recent win.
Jet Greaves Under 25.5 Shots Against
St. Louis is dealing with multiple game-time decisions and uncertainty in the lineup, suggesting Columbus will control play and limit shots against.
Columbus Over 3.5 Goals
The Blue Jackets have been highly productive offensively during their eight-game winning streak, and the Blues' defensive depth is compromised by injuries.
Coyle Over 0.5 Points
Coyle scored a hat trick in Columbus's last game and remains on an offensive hot streak that should continue against a vulnerable St. Louis defense.