Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Prediction for Thursday November 5 2026

Dallas heads to Columbus on Thursday night for a 7 PM ET game against the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Stars just beat Washington 6-5 on Tuesday, while Columbus surprised Colorado with a 7-2 victory that same night. Thirteen goals from Dallas and Columbus in their last games. You’d think the over would be an automatic play, wouldn’t you? I’m not so sure. These teams just met last Saturday, and Dallas won that one 3-1. There’s a pretty good argument that Thursday looks more like that game than Tuesday’s scoring festivals. The NHL season is starting to pick up in action and you should make sure you are in on the action with our free NHL picks.

Dallas Stars Need to Tighten Things Up

Dallas is 9-5-1 after beating Washington 6-5 on Tuesday. The Stars also beat Columbus 3-1 on Saturday, so they’ve picked up a couple of useful victories. But giving up five goals to the Capitals isn’t exactly something I’d be celebrating. Dallas got the win, and that’s what matters most, but the defensive effort needs to improve.

The Stars have enough offense to beat teams in different ways. They can get into a high-scoring game, as we saw against Washington, or they can make things difficult defensively, like they did against Columbus. That’s what I like about Dallas. The Stars aren’t completely dependent on one kind of game to win.

What I want to see Thursday is Dallas doing a better job limiting second chances. Columbus just scored seven against Colorado, and that’s going to give the Blue Jackets some confidence. Dallas can’t assume the same three-goal performance from Saturday will automatically be enough. The Stars need to make Columbus work for its scoring opportunities instead of giving away easy looks.

Columbus Blue Jackets Finally Had Something to Celebrate

Columbus entered Tuesday at 5-7 and then hammered Colorado 7-2. That’s quite a result against an Avalanche team that had been playing good hockey. The Blue Jackets needed a night like that, especially after losing 3-1 to Dallas last Saturday. Scoring seven against Colorado is going to make the locker room feel a lot better.

But here’s where I’m hesitant to jump on Columbus. One seven-goal performance doesn’t mean the offense has suddenly solved everything. The Blue Jackets managed only one goal against Dallas in their previous meeting, and now they’re facing the same opponent five days later. The Stars know what worked Saturday, and I’d expect them to try something similar.

Columbus has the home ice and some momentum, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this is close. The Blue Jackets should be more confident after beating Colorado, and Dallas just played a demanding game against Washington. But I still think the Stars are the more reliable team. Columbus has to prove it can string together good performances rather than delivering one impressive night followed by another disappointing one.

Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Prediction

Moneyline Pick: Dallas Stars

I’m taking Dallas. Columbus just scored seven goals, and I understand why that might make somebody nervous about betting against the Blue Jackets. But Dallas beat Columbus 3-1 on Saturday, and the Stars have been better overall. I trust Dallas to make the adjustments it needs after giving up five to Washington. The Blue Jackets have the home ice and could make this close, but I think the Stars are more likely to get the important goal late. Give me Dallas.

Total Pick: Under 5.5 Goals

I’ll take the under 5.5 if that’s the available number. I know both teams just played games that went way over, and that’s the obvious argument against this pick. But they also just played each other, and Dallas won 3-1. I expect the Stars to be more careful defensively after allowing five against Washington, and Columbus isn’t likely to score seven every night. The risk is both offenses carrying over Tuesday’s momentum. I’m betting on Dallas slowing things down and making this a more controlled game. A 3-2 finish would do nicely.

Final Picks: Dallas Stars Moneyline | Under 5.5 Goals (if available)

Disclaimer: This preview was completed on November 4, 2026. Betting odds, injuries, and starting goaltenders may change before puck drop.