3 Most Intriguing Blue Jackets Games in 2026-27

The game is also being played on New Year’s Eve, which is always a super fun and engaging crowd inside Nationwide Arena. However, usually the game last season was played at 7:00 PM, and in 2024 it was played at 8:00 PM.

This season the game is slated for a 2:00 PM puck drop, which will likely attract a bigger audience as well, and give attendees a chance to get to their holiday plans on time, and not have to leave the game early.

Alongside those festivities, it is also the penultimate game in Nationwide Arena of Alex Ovechkin’s career as well. A player who everyone in the league respects, will get his farewell tour, and in this being his final season, will likely get a tribute in one of the final two games in Columbus.

It also happens to be a massive Metropolitan Division tilt, against a Capitals team the Blue Jackets consistently struggle against. They are 2-6-2 in their last 10 games against the Capitals, and went pointless against them last season. So, this game holds a ton of value, and will be a measuring stick in the season for Columbus.

October 9 – vs Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins fanbase always travels well, but this is another game the Blue Jackets often times will struggle with at home in front of their fans. These have to be the types of games they consistently come away with a win from, and start to build momentum for the rest of the season as well.

This game also marks the first Metropolitan Division opponent of the year, and comes in the midst of the Blue Jackets massive home opening stretch of games. They play each of their first three games at home, and seven of their first nine games at home to open the season.

While this isn’t opening night, this will feel like the first big game of the season, as it also rolls around on a Friday night, and comes on the heels of the Blue Jackets having a five day break after they play the Utah Mammoth on the previous Saturday.

This is one of those games that early in season if it slips away you don’t worry about it too much, but look back at the end of the season and realize you wish you could’ve had that one back. It would be very valuable to get a leg up on the season series and win this one.

Entering 2026-27 it is also the final season of a two-year extension that Sidney Crosby signed with the Penguins. Which doesn’t necessarily mean he is retiring, but he will turn 40-years-old prior to the start of next season, which means the big three in Pittsburgh could be coming to and end.

February 20 – vs Nashville Predators

Star Wars Night is a massive game draw for the Blue Jackets fans, as well it brings in a segment of fans, who are not necessarily hockey fans, and brings them to the game! Which helps Columbus not only grow its fanbase, but also spread the game of hockey around Columbus.

This game won’t mean much more than usual to the players, but for fans it is a fun quirk to help sell tickets. Last season there were all sorts of giveaways, including an exclusive Blue Jackets and Star Wars collab jersey, and player signed items for raffle and to buy. People come out of the woodwork for Star Wars gear.

On top of all of this, the Blue Jackets have to find a way to engage fans to come to games, if the team struggles to compete. The middle of February is the part of the season where some fans may struggle to stay invested, and this is a good way to keep them involved.

However, if the team can become a consistent and perennial playoff competitor, there will be plenty of fan buy-in. They have to compete, and the stars have to be the stars if this team wants to take that next step.

If they can be in thick of the race, each of their games will hold massive significance, but if by the end of the calendar year the team looks to be out of it, then they will have to rely on promotional nights to get fans in the door.