Jan. 30, 2026, 12:52 p.m. ET

The Columbus Blue Jackets (25-20-7) and Chicago Blackhawks (21-24-9) meet Friday. Puck drop from United Center in Chicago, Illinois, is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

2024-2025 series: Blue Jackets won 2-0

Columbus continued its strong run Wednesday, winning for the seventh time in 8 games with a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Blue Jackets covered as -120 home favorites, and the Over (6.5) cashed. C Charlie Coyle recorded a goal and an assist while RW Kirill Marchenko, D Erik Gudbranson, C Sean Monahan and RW Mathieu Olivier also scored. G Elvis Merzlikins made 24 saves. D Zach Werenski added 2 assists, giving him 35 points in his last 21 home games.

Chicago dropped its fourth straight game Thursday, falling 6-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a +146 road underdog. The Over (6.5) cashed. D Connor Murphy and C Connor Bedard scored for the Blackhawks, who failed to convert on 2 power-play chances. Chicago was outshot 44-20, forcing G Arvid Soderblom to face heavy pressure as he made 38 saves while allowing 6 goals.

Watch the NHL on Fubo!Blue Jackets at Blackhawks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jackets -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Blackhawks +125 (bet $100 to win $125)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets -1.5 (+155) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-190)Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)Blue Jackets at Blackhawks projected goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (9-8-1, 3.76 GAA, .882 SV%) vs. Spencer Knight (15-14-7, 2.59 GAA, .910 SV%, 3 SO)

After dropping his first start of 2026, Merzlikins has won 3 of his last 4 outings. He is 3-2-0 in January with a 2.95 GAA and a .899 SV%. He has also found success against Chicago, posting a 5-2-2 career record with a 2.90 GAA and .909 SV%. He has won his last 5 starts against the Blackhawks, most recently stopping 27 of 28 shots in a 5-1 win at home Feb. 22, 2025.

Knight took the loss in his most recent start Tuesday, falling in a shootout after allowing 3 goals on 23 shots in a 4-3 loss at Minnesota. He has still been solid in January, however, posting a 5-3-0 record with a 2.50 GAA and a .911 SV%. He has fared well against Columbus in his career, going 2-0-0 with a 2.00 GAA and a .944 SV%. His last win against the Blue Jackets came Oct. 15, 2024, when he stopped 35 of 38 shots in a 4-3 win on the road.

Blue Jackets at Blackhawks picks and predictionsPrediction

Blue Jackets 5, Blackhawks 2

PASS.

I like Columbus to win easily on Friday night which is why I’ll take my wager to the puck line.

BET BLUE JACKETS -1.5 (+155).

Columbus enters playing some of its best hockey, winning 7 of its last 8 games and riding a three-game streak in which it has outscored opponents 14-8. The Blue Jackets have also dominated this matchup, winning 5 straight against Chicago since December 2022, with each of those victories coming by two goals or more.

Chicago is in a tough spot, playing on the second night of a back-to-back after an overnight trip from Pittsburgh. The Blackhawks continue to struggle offensively, ranking 26th in the league at 2.65 goals per game and scoring just seven total goals during their four-game skid. Columbus, meanwhile, has taken down quality opponents and is playing with urgency. Given the recent history and current form, backing the Blue Jackets on the puck line is the preferred play.

BET OVER 6 (-110).

The total has gone Over in 7 of the last 10 meetings between Columbus and Chicago (with a pair of pushes and just 1 finish on the Under side). The Blue Jackets have hit the Over in their last 2 games with a total of 21 goals scored in those 2 games. Chicago has gone over in 4 of its last 5 games, and both teams allow more than 3 goals per game, setting up a high-scoring night.

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