Welcome to another NHL Predictions. Each day, here at Last Word On Hockey, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games. For this edition, we take a look at the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets.
NHL Predictions January 28t Columbus Blue Jackets vs Philadelphia Flyers
Season Series 2025-26: First meeting (Philadelphia: 2-1-1, Columbus: 2-1-1 in 2024-25)
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, SN+
Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
Flyers’ Storylines
The roller-coaster ride continues for the Flyers. An excellent road trip with five out of a possible six points restored some hope that the Flyers were right back in the thick of the playoff race. With a chance at third place in the Metropolitan Division, they followed up their best victory of the season with one of their poorest performances in a 4-0 loss to the New York Islanders at home.
The Flyers get back on the road for the next couple of games, which may be a good thing based on recent results. They also get their starting netminder back, as Daniel Vladar is expected to be activated off of injured reserve.
With essentially a fully-healthy roster back in play after Rasmus Ristolainen returned on Monday, the Flyers need to dig deep to get back to where they’ve been for most of the season. Another loss and the prolonging of a stretch with eight losses in 10 games could send them to the bottom of the standings in a hurry.
Transaction: We have activated defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen off injured reserve.
Additionally, we have loaned defenseman Hunter McDonald to the @LVPhantoms (AHL). pic.twitter.com/I5mHucQdRe
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 26, 2026
Blue Jackets’ Storylines
The Blue Jackets made the decision to fire Dean Evason and bring in Rick Bowness just over two weeks ago. The results have been immediate. Columbus has won five of six games since the coaching change, and are now hot on the heels of several teams in the Eastern Conference. Their scheduled game for Monday night was also postponed due to weather, so the Blue Jackets have received some unexpected extra time off from game action.
A lot of the recent success has been due to leadership. Zach Werenski leads the way this season with 19 goals and 55 points. Recent acquisition Mason Marchment has injected some life into the Columbus lineup. Marchment has eight goals and 11 points in nine games since the trade, including a hat trick on Saturday in a win over Tampa Bay.
MARCHMENT’S FEELIN’ TRICKY 🧢🧢🧢
CBJ x @FanaticsBook pic.twitter.com/m1U3cDmnZZ
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 25, 2026
Prediction and Best Bets
The message seems to have worked for Columbus with the coaching change, and a team that was once sitting at the bottom of the East has moved into position to possibly challenge the current playoff teams. With the Flyers scuffling, that run of success should continue on Wednesday.
Prediction: Blue Jackets 4, Flyers 2
For best bets for the Flyers, take Trevor Zegras to get on the scoresheet. Zegras has struggled lately, just five points in his last 10 games, and Monday was one of his poorer showings this season.
For the Blue Jackets, take a Marchment goal and a Werenski point. Werenski has always fared well against the Flyers, and Marchment is riding an undeniable hot streak.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images