The Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks face off on Saturday in an NHL showdown at the United Center. Will Connor Bedard Lead the Blackhawks to a win, or will the Blue Jackets pick up a road victory?
Blackhawks Only Bright Spot is Connor Bedard
The only real bright spot for this Blackhawks team is Connor Bedard, and they still look to be a ways away from really competing for a playoff spot. The Blackhawks are averaging 2.03 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.53 goals per game. The offense is ranked 32nd in the league, while the defense is ranked 28th. The Blackhawks offense doesn’t have a ton of talent outside of Bedard. Bedard has scored 17 goals and added 23 assists so far this season. In this game if the Blackhawks want to find the success they are going to need the players around Bedard to step up and really put the pressure on the Blue Jackets defense. The Blackhawks will face the Avalanche after this game.
Blue Jackets Have Lost Two Straight
The Blue Jackets have lost two straight games and during the two games they have scored only three goals while their defense has given up eight goals. The Blue Jackets are averaging 2.89 goals while their defense is giving up 3.68 goals per game. The offense is ranked 23rd in the league, while the defense is ranked 31st. Johnny Gaudreau is having a strong season, and he has scored eight goals and added 34 assists. The Blue Jackets will meet the Golden Knights after this one.
Chicago Blackhawks Team Facts
- The Blackhawks have lost each of their last 13 night games.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in six of the last seven games between the Blue Jackets and Blackhawks at United Center.
- The Blackhawks have lost the first period in each of their last six night games following a home loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the last seven games between the Blue Jackets and Blackhawks.
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Facts
- The Blue Jackets have lost four of their last six games as favorites.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in six of the Blue Jackets’ last seven games at United Center.
- The Blue Jackets have lost the second period in each of their last three games at United Center following a home loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last six games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
Blackhawks vs Blue Jackets Betting Prediction
This is going to be the lowest scoring NHL game on Saturday. The Blue Jackets are averaging 2.69 goals per game, while the Blackhawks are averaging 2.03 goals per game. Both of these teams are going to really struggle to get the offense going, and it wouldn’t shock me if one of these teams were shutout. This game is going to finish with only three or four goals. Back the under to cash.