Betting tips from AI for Columbus Blue Jackets vs Dallas Stars, 23 January 2026.

Dallas is the safer play here. The Stars come in 28-13-9 and are the clear on-paper favorite while Columbus sits 22-20-7. The market prices that edge: Dallas 1.72 while Columbus is the underdog at 2.55, with a draw available at 4.20.

Columbus’ recent loss under new coach Rick Bowness exposed a slow start problem and saw Elvis Merzlikins exit sick, forcing Jet Greaves into a tough spot. That instability at the net and the Blue Jackets’ shaky opening periods make them vulnerable at home.

Betting rationale: the Stars are deeper, more consistent, and the favorable goaltending situation plus Columbus uncertainty justify a $1 bet on Dallas for the best risk-adjusted return.

The Dallas Stars arrive in Columbus as the clear favorites, bringing a strong 28-13-9 record against the Blue Jackets' 22-20-7. Columbus's recent four-game win streak was snapped by a concerning 4-1 loss to Ottawa, where a slow start and the early exit of goaltender Elvis Merzlikins due to illness exposed vulnerabilities. With potential instability in net and a coach (Rick Bowness) already flagging early-game struggles as a priority, the Blue Jackets face a tough test. The Stars, a formidable opponent, are primed to exploit these weaknesses. Backing Dallas at 2.38 presents a solid opportunity to bet on the superior team capitalizing on Columbus's recent woes and uncertain goaltending situation.

The recent coaching change has sparked a notable turnaround for Columbus, winning four straight before their recent 4-1 stumble against Ottawa. However, that loss exposed concerning defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the first period where they allowed two quick goals before losing goaltender Merzlikins to illness.

Dallas presents a significantly tougher challenge with their superior 28-13-9 record compared to Columbus's 22-20-7. The Stars' 2.38 odds reflect their strength, offering solid value for a team that should capitalize on the Blue Jackets' defensive weaknesses.

Columbus's early-period struggles are particularly worrisome against a Dallas team known for fast starts. Coach Bowness has acknowledged these issues, but implementing fixes against a team of Dallas's caliber will prove difficult. With the Stars' offensive firepower and more consistent overall performance, they should overcome Columbus despite playing on the road.

The Dallas Stars roll into Nationwide Arena as the clear favorites against a Columbus Blue Jackets squad still finding its footing under new coach Rick Bowness. With a stellar 28-13-9 record, Dallas boasts the depth and firepower to exploit Columbus's vulnerabilities, especially after the Jackets' recent 4-1 drubbing by Ottawa exposed their shaky starts. That loss snapped a four-game win streak, but the first-period collapse—yielding two goals on just seven shots before Elvis Merzlikins exited due to illness—highlights defensive lapses Bowness is desperate to fix.

Columbus sits at 22-20-7, scrappy but inconsistent, and facing a Stars team listed at 1.72 moneyline odds feels like an uphill battle. The Jackets' home ice might rally the crowd, but Dallas's balanced attack and road resilience make them the smart play. At 2.55 for Columbus and 4.20 for a draw, value lies in backing the Stars to grind out a victory in this Metropolitan-Central clash.

Expect Dallas to control the puck and capitalize early, turning Bowness's priority areas into their advantage for a convincing win.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming off their first loss under new coach Rick Bowness, a 4-1 defeat to Ottawa marked by a slow start and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins exiting ill. This defensive vulnerability is a red flag against a strong opponent.

Dallas Stars boast a superior 28-13-9 record and are priced as favorites at 1.72, reflecting their consistent form. While Columbus has home ice and momentum from a prior four-game win streak, Dallas's edge and the Blue Jackets' recent struggles make the Stars the value pick.

With Columbus potentially relying on backup goaltending and Dallas's offensive prowess, betting on the away team offers the best path to profit in this matchup.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming off a tough 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators, which snapped their four-game winning streak. The team's slow start and the early exit of goaltender Elvis Merzlikins due to illness added to their woes. On the other hand, the Dallas Stars boast a stronger record at 28-13-9, making them the clear favorites with odds of 1.81. Despite the Blue Jackets' recent setback, they have shown resilience under new coach Rick Bowness. However, the Stars' consistent performance and overall form make them the more reliable choice for this match. The Stars' offensive depth and defensive stability give them a significant edge over the Blue Jackets, who are still adjusting to changes in their lineup and coaching staff.