The Seattle Kraken are set to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in a regular season showdown. With a record of 31-28-9, the Kraken, under the leadership of head coach Lane Lambert, currently hold the 9th position in the Western Conference. Their recent form has been shaky, as they are coming off a 3-1 loss against the Nashville Predators.
On the other side, the Columbus Blue Jackets have been showcasing a stronger performance this season, standing with a 36-21-11 record and ranking 3rd in the Eastern Metropolitan Division. Led by head coach Rick Bowness, they have recently achieved a 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers. Elvis Merzlikins has been solid in goal, contributing to their recent winning streak.
As the favorite for this encounter, Columbus holds the upper hand in the betting odds, with a moneyline of -169 compared to Seattle’s +144. The puck line also favors Columbus at -1.5 with +144 odds, while the Kraken are at +1.5 with -176 odds. Hockey fans can catch all the action on ESPN+ at 5:00 PM on March 21, 2026.
Blue Jackets vs Kraken At a Glance
- Game Location: Nationwide Arena
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Seattle Kraken Record: 31-28-9
- Columbus Blue Jackets Record: 36-21-11
- Game Odds: Blue Jackets favored with a MoneyLine of -169
Blue Jackets Ready to Challenge Their Next Opponent
Team Overview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to compete again, bringing their recent momentum into the upcoming game. With a solid record of 9-1 in their last ten games, they aim to maintain their high performance level. Their ability to rack up shots on goal, evidenced by their 6th place rank with 2042 shots, will be a key factor in the matchup.
Goals have been another strong point for the Blue Jackets, as they stand 13th with 217 goals this season. Their power play unit has contributed 35 goals, ranking them 16th in the league, showing they can capitalize when given opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
Zach Werenski has been a standout defenseman for the Blue Jackets, with 20 goals and 52 assists in 61 games. His contribution is not limited to offense, as his 78 blocks highlight his defensive skills.
Adam Fantilli continues to impress with his offensive prowess, tallying 21 goals and 30 assists over 68 games. Known for his physical play, Fantilli leads the team with 107 hits, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Goaltending Dynamics
In the net, Jet Greaves has been a reliable presence for Columbus. With 23 wins in 44 games, his performance has been crucial to the team’s success.
Though Elvis Merzlikins has played fewer games, he has contributed 13 wins in 27 appearances. Both goaltenders have been essential in keeping the Blue Jackets competitive this season.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 5-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 9-1 (90.0%)
- SU All Games: 25-21 (54.3%)
- SU as Favorite: 14-2 (87.5%)
- SU as Underdog: 11-19 (36.7%)
- Puckline Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- Puckline Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 8-2 (80.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 27-19 (58.7%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 10-6 (62.5%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 17-13 (56.7%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 3-7 (30.0%)
- O/U All Games: 17-29 (37.0%)
Kraken Set to Sail: Seattle’s Upcoming Battle
Offensive Overview
The Seattle Kraken have been a mixed bag offensively this season. With a total of 193 goals, they rank 17th in the league, indicating a decent but not overwhelming scoring ability.
Their power play has been slightly more effective, netting 40 goals to rank 13th. This shows they can capitalize on opportunities when given the man advantage.
Defensive Breakdown
Defensively, the Kraken have shown prowess in blocking shots, with 1083 blocks ranking them 5th overall. This suggests a commitment to defensive play, keeping their goalies shielded from excessive pressure.
However, with 1280 hits, they rank 27th, showing a less physical style compared to other teams. Their takeaway numbers are moderate, ranking 15th with 318, indicating a balanced but not dominant defensive strategy.
Key Players to Watch
Jordan Eberle stands out with 49 points in 66 games, showcasing his importance to Seattle’s offense. Matty Beniers adds depth with 44 points in 68 games, being a consistent performer.
On the defensive side, Vince Dunn has contributed significantly with 67 blocks and 40 points, making him a dual threat on both ends of the ice.
Goaltending Insights
Philipp Grubauer, Seattle’s mainstay in goal, has made 659 saves over 27 games. His experience and ability to perform under pressure are vital for the team’s success.
Meanwhile, Joey Daccord has been a reliable backup with 1038 saves in 41 games, highlighting the depth in Seattle’s goaltending roster.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- SU Last 10: 4-6 (40.0%)
- SU All Games: 25-28 (47.2%)
- Puckline All Games: 29-24 (54.7%)
- O/U All Games: 20-33 (37.7%)
Blue Jackets vs Kraken Prediction: Blue Jackets -169
The Columbus Blue Jackets have shown impressive form recently, with a strong record in their last ten games, winning 9 out of 10. Their dominance as favorites is evident with a remarkable 87.5% success rate. Given their home advantage and consistent performance, they are likely to secure a win against the Seattle Kraken.
On the other hand, the Seattle Kraken have been struggling to find consistency this season. Despite a decent division record, they have not been able to translate that success into overall victories. Their away performance against a formidable opponent like the Blue Jackets could prove challenging.
Considering the Blue Jackets’ current momentum and their ability to deliver under pressure, betting on them seems like a prudent choice. Their defense is solid, ranking 7th in goals against, which could stymie the Kraken’s offensive efforts.
Expect the Blue Jackets to control the game’s tempo, leveraging their home advantage to outplay the Kraken. The projected final score leans in favor of Columbus, with a likely outcome of Blue Jackets 4 – Kraken 2.
- Blue Jackets vs Kraken Prediction: Blue Jackets -169
- Blue Jackets vs Kraken Score: Blue Jackets 4 – Kraken 2
