Columbus Blue Jackets @ Detroit Red Wings Hockey Game Preview: Prediction & 4 Prop Bets

Saturday, September 26, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM ET Location: Little Caesars Arena — Detroit, Michigan TV: Detroit SportsNet Tickets: As low as $7–$8 on the secondary market Game: NHL Preseason Finale

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings Prediction & Matchup Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings close out their 2026 preseason schedules Saturday night at Little Caesars Arena in the second meeting between the clubs this week. Detroit officially lists the matchup for 7:00 p.m. ET, while secondary-market tickets are available for less than $10.

Columbus won the first preseason meeting 1-0 in a shootout on September 21 at Nationwide Arena. The game was scoreless through regulation and overtime, with Detroit goaltenders Daniil Tarasov and Michal Postava combining to stop all 25 Columbus shots before the shootout decided it.

The Blue Jackets enter the rematch playing their best hockey of the preseason. Columbus followed a 5-1 loss at Buffalo with a 4-0 victory over Pittsburgh on Thursday. Zach Werenski, Valeri Nichushkin, Danton Heinen and Kirill Marchenko scored in that win as Columbus limited Pittsburgh to only 15 shots.

Detroit has also gained momentum. After the shootout loss in Columbus, the Red Wings defeated Pittsburgh 7-4 and then beat Buffalo 3-2 in overtime Thursday. Alex DeBrincat scored the overtime winner against Buffalo, while Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Sheldon Dries also found the net.

Because this is the final preseason game for both teams, the matchup carries added importance for players still competing for roster spots before opening-night rosters must be submitted. Columbus trimmed its training-camp group to 34 players earlier this week, while Detroit opened camp with 49.

The first meeting was dominated by goaltending and defensive structure. Saturday could produce more offense if both teams dress more NHL regulars, but Columbus has now posted two shutouts in three preseason games while Detroit’s goaltending has also been solid.

🔥 Top 4 Expanded Prop Bets

Preseason player props are often limited or unavailable. The player numbers below are recommended target lines and should only be used if the listed player is confirmed in the lineup.

Prop Bet #1: Zach Werenski Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Werenski Over 2.5 Shots

• Elite Offensive Defenseman
• Scored vs. Pittsburgh
• Power-Play Threat

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Werenski remains one of Columbus’ most important offensive weapons from the blue line and scored in Thursday’s 4-0 victory over Pittsburgh.

His willingness to jump into the play and fire from the point makes three shots a reasonable target if he dresses.

Detroit should also give Werenski opportunities on the power play, where his puck movement and shooting ability can generate multiple attempts.

Prop Bet #2: Alex DeBrincat Anytime Goal

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: DeBrincat Anytime Goal

• Elite Finisher
• OT Winner Thursday
• Home Ice

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DeBrincat scored Detroit’s overtime winner against Buffalo on Thursday, finishing a one-timer from the left circle on the power play.

He remains one of Detroit’s premier finishers and should be especially dangerous if paired with Lucas Raymond or another high-end playmaker.

If DeBrincat is included in Saturday’s lineup, an anytime-goal wager deserves consideration.

Prop Bet #3: Under 5.5 Total Goals

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Under 5.5 Goals

• First Meeting 1-0
• Strong Goaltending
• Columbus Defensive Form

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The first meeting between these teams produced zero goals through 65 minutes, and Columbus has allowed only six goals through its first three preseason games, with two shutouts.

Detroit has also received solid goaltending and enters after holding Buffalo to two goals.

Preseason line combinations can create mistakes, but both clubs have shown enough defensive structure to make under 5.5 attractive.

Prop Bet #4: Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 Puck Line

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Columbus +1.5

• Beat Detroit Monday
• Two Shutouts
• Close Matchup

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Columbus already defeated Detroit once this week and has shown the ability to keep games low-scoring.

The Blue Jackets have posted shutouts against both Detroit and Pittsburgh, while their only preseason loss came at Buffalo.

Taking Columbus +1.5 provides protection in another game that could remain within one goal deep into the third period.

Players to Watch

Zach Werenski — Columbus: Elite offensive defenseman coming off a goal against Pittsburgh.

Kirill Marchenko — Columbus: Dangerous scorer who added an empty-net goal in Thursday’s 4-0 victory.

Dmitri Voronkov — Columbus: Big-bodied forward who recorded two assists against Pittsburgh and can create problems around the crease.

Alex DeBrincat — Detroit: Proven goal scorer who delivered the overtime winner against Buffalo.

Lucas Raymond — Detroit: Detroit’s top young playmaker and the player who set up DeBrincat’s overtime goal Thursday.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka — Detroit: Young defenseman who has already scored during the preseason and continues competing for an important role on Detroit’s blue line.

The Verdict

Prediction

Detroit Red Wings 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Best Bets

Under 5.5 Total Goals Columbus +1.5 Puck Line Zach Werenski Over 2.5 Shots — if active Alex DeBrincat Anytime Goal — if active

The first matchup showed how evenly these teams can play when both sides receive quality goaltending. Columbus enters with confidence after shutting out Pittsburgh, while Detroit has won two straight and gets the benefit of home ice for the preseason finale.

The biggest unknown is the lineup. Both coaches may use Saturday as a final evaluation opportunity, so some established stars could either sit or see limited minutes.

If Detroit dresses several of its regular offensive weapons, home ice and its improving attack provide a slight edge. Columbus should still keep the game competitive behind a defense that has already produced two preseason shutouts.

Prediction: Detroit 3, Columbus 2.

Confirm the final lineups and sportsbook markets before wagering. Preseason player props can disappear or change significantly once roster decisions are announced.