In this article, we will formulate a Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, February 22nd at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 26-22-8 this year after they lost to the Rangers by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Columbus led 3-2 in the third period, but they allowed the last two goals in the game for the loss. The Blue Jackets were outshot by a total of 40-25, won 40% of the face-offs, and went 0-0 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Danforth, Johnson, and van Riemsdyk, while Merzlikins stopped 36 out of 40 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Blue Jackets lost to the Hockey Club by a score of 3-2 and the Sabres by a score of 3-2. Columbus has lost four games in a row and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 60 points. Columbus has scored 3.21 goals per game and they have allowed 3.30 goals against per game, while also going 21.1% on the power play and 75.3% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 17 goals, 42 assists, and 203 shots on goal, while Kirill Marchenko has added 21 goals, 34 assists, and 144 shots on goal. Elvis Merzlikins is 19-14-4 with a 2.99 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage this season.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks are 17-31-7 this season after they lost to St. Louis in a shootout by a score of 6-5 in their last game. Chicago led 2-0 in the first period and 5-4 in the third, but they ended up in overtime and lost in the shootout. The Blackhawks were outshot by a total of 40-21, won 46.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Chicago got goals from Donato, Mikheyev, Smith, Teravainen, and Martinez, while Soderblom stopped 35 out of 40 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Blackhawks defeated the Predators by a score of 6-2 but did lose to the Oilers by a score of 4-3 before that. Chicago has lost four of their last five games and they are currently last in the Central standings with 41 points. Chicago has scored 2.69 goals per game and they have allowed 3.44 goals against per game, while also going 24.6% on the power play and 82% on the penalty kill this season. Connor Bedard has led Chicago with 16 goals, 33 assists, and 130 shots on goal, while Teuvo Teravainen has added 12 goals, 28 assists, and 84 shots on goal. Petr Mrazek is 10-18-2 with a 3.27 goals against average and an .897 save percentage this year.
Why the Blue Jackets will beat the Blackhawks
- The Blackhawks have lost 10 of their last 11 road games.
- The Blue Jackets have won each of their last four games against the Blackhawks.
- The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games at Nationwide Arena.
- The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games at Nationwide Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Blue Jackets have won the first period in each of their last six games as home favorites following a loss.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Blue Jackets’ last six night games against the Blackhawks following a loss has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Blackhawks’ last eight road games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the last nine games between the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last seven games against opponents on a losing streak.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts
- Boone Jenner has scored the first goal in three of his last four appearances against the Blackhawks.
- Boone Jenner has scored at least one goal in each of his last four appearances against the Blackhawks.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 10 games as home favorites.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one point in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 21 home games.
- Kirill Marchenko ranks T1st in the league for Plus/Minus (+31) this season.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Ryan Donato has scored at least one goal in four of the Blackhawks’ last five night games.
- Connor Bedard has recorded at least one point in each of the Blackhawks’ last seven night games.
- Nick Foligno has recorded an assist in each of the Blackhawks’ last three road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Teuvo Teravainen ranks T1st in the league for shootout goals (3) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 26th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (75.33%).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 25th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.30).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 30th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.44).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 28th in the league for goals per game this season (2.69).
Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks Prediction
Columbus comes into this matchup looking to snap a four-game losing streak, but they will be at home for this game. The Blue Jackets are 17-6-4 at home this year, while the Blackhawks are 6-17-4 on the road. Chicago has really struggled to string wins together over the last month and they have allowed at least four goals in three of their last four games. Columbus was dealing with a bunch of injuries prior to the break, but they are starting to get healthier and Chicago is horrible on the road. Take Columbus -1.5 here.