The Columbus Blue Jackets (25-20-7) and Chicago Blackhawks (21-24-9) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 8:30 p.m. EST at United Center in Chicago, Ill. The game will be broadcast live on NHL Network.
The Blue Jackets are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (-100o / -120u). The Blue Jackets are a -147 favorite to win outright, while the Blackhawks are +123 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks predictions and NHL picks.
Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Odds, Pick
| Blue Jackets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +162 | 6.5 -100o / -120u | -147 |
| Blackhawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -196 | 6.5 -100o / -120u | +123 |
- Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Spread: Blue Jackets -1.5 (+162), Blackhawks +1.5 (-196)
- Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Over/Under: 6.5 (-100o / -120u)
- Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Moneyline: Blue Jackets -147, Blackhawks +123
Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Preview
Columbus Blue Jackets
Bones did it again.
When the Blue Jackets fired coach Dean Evason and brought in Rick Bowness, it was almost guaranteed that the Jackets were going to go on a run.
Since Bones assumed the helm, Columbus has gone 6-1, and it’s inching closer to the top eight in the Eastern Conference.
The Jackets have also received really solid goaltending within this timeframe, mainly by Jet Greaves, who hasn’t played since Saturday due to some help from the schedule.
Initially, it was believed that Elvis Merzlikins would be the top guy in net, but Greaves has overtaken that role, playing to a sound .908 SV% and a 13.1 GSAx.
Columbus also has an exceptional crew leading the charge on the offensive end, ironically starting with defenseman Zach Werenski, who leads all defensemen in points and averages well over a point per game.
Beyond Werenski, Charlie Coyle has been one of Columbus’s hottest players, and he’s consistently getting himself in areas to score. Currently, he’s second among all players in the past 10 games, with a 6.9 expected goals rate.
Chicago Blackhawks
Volatility is the name of the game for the Blackhawks.
Anytime they get on a decent run, an extended losing streak follows them shortly. This time, the Blackhawks have suffered a four-game losing streak, and most recently fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins last night by the score of 6-2.
But that volatility isn’t a coincidence. Chicago has statistically the worst 5-on-5 play in the league, posting a 38.66 xGF% and a 3.68 xGA/60 on the defensive side of the puck.
However, what’s been keeping the Hawks alive has been a myriad of options. Firstly, Connor Bedard is legit and will continue to be so. The tandem he’s formed with Tyler Bertuzzi has been just what the doctor ordered.
Second, special teams have been critical. Chicago is playing to a league’s best penalty kill at 85.6% and a decent power play with a 19.6% conversion rate.
Lastly, it’s Spencer Knight, the goaltender, who didn’t play last night, but will surely see the crease tonight. Knight has had a lovely career resurgence since coming to the Windy City, playing to an 11.7 GSAx and a .910 SV% of the season.
Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Prediction
I’m a little underwhelmed by the lines here, and was expecting something a little more even.
But I suppose since Chicago has gone on a losing streak and it’s on the backend of a back-to-back, the odds aren’t truly in its favor.
The Blue Jackets may end up running the table here, but I don’t want to rule out a possible takeover by Knight, who has a solid stat line when playing at home.
My pick here is Blue Jackets moneyline, but I want to get a little frisky and put in a quarter of a unit on this going under the allotted 6.5 total.
All in all, I’m also going to parlay this bad boy and put another quarter of a unit on it. Let’s get nuts.
Picks: Blue Jackets Moneyline (-148) | Under 6.5 (-125) | Parlay: +202
