Blue Jackets host Flyers in key Metro matchup

Columbus looks to extend winning streak to four games on Military Appreciation Night

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Columbus Blue Jackets, winners of three straight games, will host the Philadelphia Flyers on Military Appreciation Night at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets are looking to continue their recent strong play under new head coach Rick Bowness, who has implemented a high-tempo, pressure-focused style. The Flyers have struggled lately, going just 4-7-2 in their last 13 games, but remain in the playoff hunt in the Metropolitan Division.

Why it matters

This is an important divisional matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Blue Jackets are surging and looking to solidify their playoff position, while the Flyers are trying to stay in the race. The game also serves as Military Appreciation Night, honoring those who have served.

The details

The Blue Jackets are coming off a convincing 8-5 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. Mathieu Olivier noted the team's high-pressure style has been a key factor in their recent success. Offensively, the Blue Jackets have been led by Zach Werenski, who has points in 15 of the last 17 games, and Mason Marchment, who recently set franchise records for most goals and points by a player in their first nine games with the team. The Flyers, meanwhile, have struggled lately and are looking to get back on track under first-year head coach Rick Tocchet. Trevor Zegras leads the team in scoring, while goaltender Dan Vladař is close to returning from injury.

  • The Blue Jackets and Flyers will meet for the first time this season on Military Appreciation Night at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.
  • The Blue Jackets have won four of the last six games against the Flyers at home.

The players

Rick Bowness

The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who has implemented a high-tempo, pressure-focused style that has led the team to three straight wins.

Mathieu Olivier

A Blue Jackets player who noted the team's high-pressure style has been a key factor in their recent success.

Zach Werenski

A defenseman for the Blue Jackets who has been a key offensive contributor, with points in 15 of the last 17 games.

Mason Marchment

A Blue Jackets forward who recently set franchise records for most goals and points by a player in their first nine games with the team.

Rick Tocchet

The first-year head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, who is looking to get the team back on track after a recent rough patch.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think the pressure of our game in those two games was very consistent and very high. In talking to people that we know throughout the league and on those other teams, a few guys on Tampa, they felt like we gave them no time, no space out there. When you have guys telling you that, that tells you what we're doing is really good.”

— Mathieu Olivier, Blue Jackets player (nhl.com)

“Just having a little fun out there. They're great athletes. Make them switch hands and you see the coordination isn't as easy. That's just a fun way to get practice going. It gets them into it. It does. It gets them ready for practice because we have fun out there, and it shows them how hard it is to switch those hands and everything. They had fun, we got them ready, and then we had a really good practice.”

— Rick Bowness, Blue Jackets head coach (nhl.com)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to extend their winning streak to four games, while the Flyers will try to get back on track and stay in the playoff hunt in the Metropolitan Division.

The takeaway

This game showcases the Blue Jackets' recent resurgence under new head coach Rick Bowness, who has instilled a high-pressure, up-tempo style that has the team playing its best hockey of the season. Meanwhile, the Flyers are trying to regain their footing after a rough patch, making this an important divisional matchup with playoff implications.