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The Columbus Blue Jackets look to keep their blistering momentum alive tonight as they host the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena. This Wednesday night matchup is the final contest for both teams before the Olympic break, and it features a Columbus squad that has become the hottest team in hockey. The Blue Jackets are currently riding a six-game winning streak and have found ways to win in ten of their last eleven outings. They enter this game on the second half of a back-to-back following a stifling 3-0 shutout win over the New Jersey Devils yesterday.
Chicago arrives in Ohio hoping to build on a high scoring 6-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Monday. That win snapped a frustrating five-game losing skid for the Blackhawks, but they face a much stiffer test tonight against a disciplined Columbus defense. These two teams met just last Friday, with Columbus skating away with a 4-2 victory in Chicago. With the Blue Jackets holding the top form in the league right now, the Blackhawks are massive road underdogs as they try to avoid a season series sweep.
The betting lines for this cross-division clash have Columbus positioned as a significant home favorite at -182 on the moneyline, while the visiting Blackhawks are priced at +150. The game total is set at a flat 6.0 goals. Fans can watch the broadcast locally on Bally Sports or stream it via ESPN+ as the Blue Jackets attempt to close out this portion of the schedule with a perfect week.
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Columbus Blue Jackets vs Chicago Blackhawks Odds
The market has shifted slightly toward the home side following their shutout performance last night. Bettors should continue to monitor the latest NHL odds as game time approaches, as the coaching staff for Columbus might make a late decision on whether to start Elvis Merzlikins again or turn to the backup for this second half of the back-to-back.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | -182 | -1.5 (+135) | O 6.0 (-110) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +150 | +1.5 (-165) | U 6.0 (-110) |
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Form
The Blue Jackets are playing a brand of “toe-to-toe” hockey that has completely overwhelmed opponents lately. During their six-game winning streak, they have outscored their competition by a margin of 26-13. The defensive unit, led by Dante Fabbro, has been aggressive in the neutral zone and hasn’t allowed teams to set up comfortably in the offensive end. Last night’s 3-0 win in Newark was perhaps their most complete game of the season, as Elvis Merzlikins stopped all 24 shots he faced to earn his first shutout of the year.
What makes Columbus so dangerous right now is their secondary scoring. Mathieu Olivier recently stepped up with two goals, proving that the Blue Jackets don’t need their top line to do all the heavy lifting. They are sticking to a rigid game plan that emphasizes puck pursuit and cleaning up the area in front of their own net. You can see the full breakdown of their recent surge on the Columbus Blue Jackets stats and results page.
The main concern tonight is obviously fatigue. Playing two games in twenty-four hours with travel included is a lot to ask of any roster. It is vital to check the Columbus Blue Jackets injury report to ensure that the heavy minutes logged by their top defensemen haven’t led to any maintenance days. If they have enough gas left in the tank, their structure should be enough to stifle a young Chicago team.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Form
Chicago finally found some offensive rhythm in their last game, putting up six goals against the Sharks. Ryan Donato had a career night with four points, and Connor Bedard added another power-play goal to his record-breaking tally. For a team that only managed nine goals in the five games prior, that explosion was a much-needed confidence booster. Coach Jeff Blashill has been vocal about how much confidence impacts this young group, and they will need every bit of it to crack the Columbus system.
Despite the recent win, the Blackhawks still have significant issues in their own zone. They have been prone to turnovers under high pressure, which plays right into the hands of a “hunting” team like Columbus. Defensively, they struggle to clear the porch, often giving up second and third opportunities. More details on their road performance can be found on the Chicago Blackhawks schedule and stats page.
Special teams will likely be the primary path to an upset for the visitors. Bedard is a threat every time he has space on the man advantage, and the Blackhawks will need to capitalize on any tired penalties taken by the Blue Jackets. Before locking in a bet on the underdog, make sure to consult the Chicago Blackhawks injury report to see if their depth scoring is fully intact for this road test.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Chicago Blackhawks Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is essentially a test of whether rest can beat rhythm. Chicago has been sitting in wait while Columbus had to grind out a physical game against the Devils. However, the tactical advantage sits firmly with the Blue Jackets. They have already beaten Chicago once this week by playing a high-pressure game that forced the Blackhawks into multiple mistakes. Columbus plays with a level of comfort in tight, defensive games that Chicago hasn’t quite mastered yet.
The goaltending matchup could be the equalizer if Jet Greaves gets the start for Columbus. While Merzlikins has been on fire, a backup goalie on a back-to-back can sometimes lead to a bit more volatility. Chicago needs to test the Columbus netminder early and often to see if there is any residual fatigue from the travel. If Columbus can establish their forecheck in the first ten minutes, they will likely dictate the rest of the game.
- Columbus has outscored opponents 26-13 during their win streak.
- Connor Bedard leads Chicago with 21 career power-play goals.
- Columbus has won 10 of its last 11 games overall.
- Chicago snapped a 5-game losing streak on Monday night.
For those interested in how these types of scheduling spots play out across the league, an NHL betting guide can provide context on the success rate of teams on the second half of back-to-backs. You might also want to look at advanced NHL betting strategies to see how motivation factors into the final game before a long layoff.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Chicago Blackhawks Predictions and Best Bets
I am sticking with the hot hand in this spot. Columbus is playing with too much confidence and structural discipline to fade them against a Blackhawks team that has been largely inconsistent. While the back-to-back travel is a valid concern, the Blue Jackets have shown they can win ugly or win by outskating their opponents. I expect them to rely on their defensive structure early to weather any energy the Blackhawks bring, eventually pulling away in the second half of the game.
The total of 6.0 is a bit tricky. Columbus has been playing under-friendly hockey lately, but Chicago’s defense is always a candidate to give up four or five on their own. Given how well the Columbus goalies are seeing the puck right now, I think the Under 6.0 is the smarter look if you are playing the total. However, the best value is simply on the Columbus moneyline or even the puck line for a better return.
I like the Blue Jackets to tighten up in front of their home crowd and head into the Olympic break on a high note. They are the more complete team and have already proven they can handle Chicago’s speed. Look for Columbus to capitalize on Chicago’s defensive lapses and win a relatively low scoring affair.
Best Bet: Columbus Blue Jackets moneyline (-182).
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NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Before you place your final wagers for the evening, I highly recommend checking out today’s NHL picks from the experts on ScoresAndStats. There are several other high-profile games on the slate today, and seeing where the sharp money is landing can help confirm your own leans.
You can also browse the handicapper leaderboard to see which analysts are currently on a roll with their hockey selections. Transparency is a big part of the platform, so you can see exactly who is making a profit. Following top sports handicappers is a great way to refine your own betting process over time.
For those who want the most in-depth data and specific plays, the option to buy expert picks or look for premium NHL picks is always available. You can also visit the NHL previews hub for coverage on every single game before the break begins.
