Columbus Blue Jackets Edge Utah Mammoth in Overtime

In a thrilling overtime encounter, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Utah Mammoth 3-2 at the Delta Center. This victory allowed the Blue Jackets to take a 2-0 lead in their season series against the Mammoth, having previously won their earlier meeting 3-2 on February 1, 2025. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Mammoth entering the match on a three-game winning streak, while the Blue Jackets were looking to break a four-game losing streak.

The Utah Mammoth, with a home record of 22-20-4, had been performing well recently, winning six of their last ten games and averaging 3.0 goals scored while allowing only 2.2 goals per game during that stretch. Their last five games had seen them post a record of 4-1, scoring an impressive average of 3.6 goals per game. In their most recent outing, they secured a 4-2 win against the St. Louis Blues on January 10, 2026. However, they were without Barrett Hayton, who was sidelined with an upper body injury, which may have impacted their offensive depth.

On the other hand, the Columbus Blue Jackets came into the game with a record of 19-19-7, struggling with a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games and a concerning streak of four consecutive losses. Their average goals scored per game was 3.0, but they were allowing 3.1 goals, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Their last match ended in a 4-0 defeat against the Colorado Avalanche on January 10, 2026. The Blue Jackets were also missing key players, including goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, who was out with a shoulder injury, and Isac Lundestrom, who was sidelined due to an Achilles injury.

The game began with the Blue Jackets taking an early lead when Mikael Pyyhtia scored a wrist shot goal, assisted by Danton Heinen and Ivan Provorov. The Mammoth quickly responded with a goal from Jack McBain, who deflected a shot to level the score at 1-1. The second period saw the Mammoth take the lead with a snap shot goal from Mikhail Sergachev, assisted by Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. However, the Blue Jackets equalized again with a wrist shot from Charlie Coyle, assisted by Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko.

As the game progressed into overtime, the tension mounted, and it was Dmitri Voronkov who sealed the victory for the Blue Jackets with a tip-in goal, assisted by Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko.

The betting odds from DraftKings reflected the competitive nature of the match, with the Mammoth favored at -175 on the money line and the Blue Jackets at +145. The spread was set at -1.5 for the Mammoth, with a total of 6.5 goals for the game. The odds for the over were +102.0, while the under was priced at -122.0.

Conditions during the game were typical for a winter night in Utah, with the Delta Center providing an electric atmosphere for the fans. With both teams having their share of injuries, the game highlighted the importance of depth and resilience in the NHL.

Fans watching the game were treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides, with the Mammoth looking to extend their winning streak and the Blue Jackets aiming to turn their fortunes around. The outcome of this matchup not only affected the standings but also set the tone for their upcoming encounters in the season.