St. Louis Blues vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

Blue Jackets, Blues face off again in potential high-scoring affair

The Columbus Blue Jackets and St. Louis Blues are poised for a high-octane rematch Saturday night in St. Louis, following their thrilling 6-4 showdown just a week ago. With both teams in peak offensive form, fans can expect another action-packed clash.

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Blue Jackets: Riding a Hot Streak

The Blue Jackets have been on fire, winning six of their last eight games and scoring four or more goals in each victory. Their recent 6-2 domination of the Seattle Kraken on Thursday showcased their potent offense and growing team cohesion.

“The most important thing to this group is earning the two points,” Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason said. “This team plays for the win, not individual milestones, and that’s what makes them special.”

Young Stars Shine Bright

Columbus is benefiting from the contributions of its AHL prospects, with Denton Mateychuk and Luca Del Bel Belluz stepping up in style. Both scored a goal and added an assist against Seattle, bringing energy and skill to the lineup.

“They’ve got swagger and confidence,” Evason remarked about the young players. “They’ve had success in Cleveland, but they play the right way, which sets them up to contribute immediately.”

Veteran Leaders Deliver

Defenseman Zach Werenski continues to lead from the back, tallying two goals and seven assists during his current five-game point streak. Center Adam Fantilli, another standout performer, has two goals and three assists over the last four games.

Blues: Offense on the Rise

The St. Louis Blues opened their four-game homestand with a resounding 6-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. Their offense has been clicking, scoring 37 goals across their last eight games, where they’ve gone 5-3-0.

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Confidence Breeds Success

Blues captain Brayden Schenn credits the team’s recent success to improved defensive play and attention to detail. “We’re doing the little things right – defending better, winning puck battles, and focusing on hard work,” Schenn said. “Confidence is key. When guys feel rewarded, they see the next play more clearly.”

Stars Stepping Up

• Jordan Kyrou: Three goals and three assists in his last three games.
• Pavel Buchnevich: Two goals and four assists during a five-game point streak.
• Robert Thomas: Three goals in his last two games.
• Dylan Holloway: A consistent force with 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in his last eight games.

Game Plan Adjustments

A consistent theme for the Blues this season has been embracing a north-south playing style, avoiding risky east-west passes in favor of grinding down opponents and creating chances through relentless puck battles.

“Grinding teams down low and winning battles in the offensive zone is what’s driving our success,” said forward Dylan Holloway. “We’re keeping it simple and getting rewarded.”

Key Storylines for the Rematch

• Sibling Moment: Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger missed Thursday’s game due to illness, creating a special opportunity for his older brother Owen Sillinger to make his NHL debut. Owen, 27, was called up from the AHL after Sean Monahan landed on injured reserve with a wrist injury.
• Offensive Fireworks: With both teams averaging nearly five goals per game in their recent stretches, fans should expect a thrilling offensive display.
• Momentum Battle: The Blues will look to leverage their home-ice advantage and tighten up defensively, while the Blue Jackets aim to maintain their scoring momentum.

Prediction: Another High-Scoring Affair

Given both teams’ current form, Saturday’s rematch has all the ingredients for another high-scoring spectacle. The Blue Jackets’ blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy will clash with the Blues’ disciplined, confident approach. It’s anyone’s game, but one thing is certain: fans are in for a treat.

Final Thoughts

As the Columbus Blue Jackets and St. Louis Blues prepare to face off, the stakes are high for both teams to continue their winning ways. With star players performing at their peak and both sides boasting lethal offenses, this game promises to be an unforgettable showdown.

Don’t miss the action this Saturday night as these two dynamic teams collide once more.