Utah Hockey Club vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions January 31st 2025

Utah Looks to End Skid Against Surging Blue Jackets

The Utah Hockey Club is desperate to find a way to close out games as they host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night in Salt Lake City. While Utah has struggled in tight contests, Columbus has been on the rise, winning back-to-back overtime games and climbing into the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

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Utah Searching for Answers in Close Games

Utah (22-25-6) has had trouble sealing victories lately, losing three straight games where they either held a lead or were tied in the third period. Their latest disappointment came in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, where they led 2-1 entering the final frame before allowing the tying goal early in the period and the game-winner in overtime.

With the team sitting below the playoff cutline, defenseman Mikhail Sergachev knows the urgency is high.

“I don’t know what it’s going to take, but I think the leadership group and the coaches are doing everything we can to try to turn it around. We can’t be too negative about it, but we can’t be just whatever.”

Sergachev, who missed five games with an upper-body injury, made an immediate impact in his return against Pittsburgh, scoring a power-play goal to open the scoring. Head coach André Tourigny praised his leadership.

“He takes ownership and he doesn’t shy away from responsibility. He’s a winner. He’s won before so he knows what it takes and he believes in that group. He wants to win.”

Sergachev has quickly built chemistry with his new defense partner John Marino, who has recorded a point in three straight games.

“He’s very easy to play with,” Sergachev said. “He’s very poised with the puck, very good on breakouts. And without the puck, he knows where to put his body and how to play the right way.”

Columbus Building Momentum

The Blue Jackets (27-18-6) are heading in the opposite direction, picking up key wins as they battle for a playoff spot. They won their second straight overtime game on Thursday, edging the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 thanks to Cole Sillinger’s goal just 52 seconds into the extra frame.

Defenseman Zach Werenski emphasized that the team is beginning to hit its stride.

“We know what we’re capable of in here and if we play the right way what can happen. We still have a lot of games left, but if we play that way and play to that standard, there’s going to be a lot of success.”

Columbus has been solid on the road, going 4-2-1 in their last seven away games and earning at least a point in 15 of their past 19 (13-4-2). With a tough road stretch ahead—including stops in Utah and Buffalo—the Blue Jackets want to continue setting a high standard.

“We wanted to raise the bar,” Werenski added. “I think guys that have been here and been leaders on this team, it hasn’t been good enough the last few years. We showed it early in the season how we have to play and that was our standard, and I feel like we’ve just gotten better and better. Now, we have a new standard on how we have to play, and it’s even higher.”

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Goaltending Matchup

Elvis Merzlikins stopped 26 shots in Columbus’ win over Vegas, meaning backup Daniil Tarasov is likely to get the start in Utah. Tarasov will be looking for a bounce-back performance after allowing six goals on 42 shots in a 7-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on January 23.

For Utah, goaltending has been a key factor in their close games. If they can tighten up defensively late in games, they may have a chance to snap their skid against a Columbus team riding high.

What to Expect

Utah has been competitive but unable to finish games, while Columbus has found ways to win in pressure moments. If the Blue Jackets continue their strong road play, they could push their winning streak to three games. But if Utah can finally close out a game the right way, they may be able to end January on a positive note.

Will Utah break its late-game woes, or will Columbus continue its climb in the East? The battle in Salt Lake City will provide the answer.