Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks picks headline Friday night’s Central Division matchup as Columbus travels to Chicago with the market asking the road favorite to win by margin. The Blue Jackets are playing their best hockey of the season, while the Blackhawks are navigating a tough back to back spot with offense trending the wrong way. For more daily breakdowns, check out our latest NHL picks before puck drop.
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Terms & Conditions Quick Picks and Prediction Spread Pick: Blackhawks +1.5 Total Pick: Under 6.5 Projected Final Score: Blue Jackets 3, Blackhawks 2 Odds and Line Movement 
Opening Odds Team Moneyline Total Columbus -152 Over 6.5 (-102) Chicago +126 Under 6.5 (-120) Current Odds Team Moneyline Total Columbus -146 Over 6.5 (+102) Chicago +122 Under 6.5 (-124) Line Movement – Puck Line Date Time Columbus Chicago 01 29 09:34 AM -152 +126 01 29 10:54 AM -140 +116 01 29 10:57 AM -137 +114 01 30 02:31 AM -134 +112 01 30 02:33 AM -140 +116 01 30 08:14 AM -146 +122 Line Movement – Total Date Time Over Under 01 29 09:34 AM 6.5 (-102) 6.5 (-120) 01 29 10:57 AM 6.5 (+106) 6.5 (-130) 01 30 02:33 AM 6.5 (+100) 6.5 (-122) 01 30 08:14 AM 6.5 (+102) 6.5 (-124) Key Matchups and Handicap
Columbus enters this game in strong form, winning seven of its last eight while averaging 3.3 goals per game over the last ten. That surge has been real, but it has also come with defensive volatility, as the Blue Jackets have allowed nearly three goals per game during that same stretch.
Chicago is trending the opposite direction and comes into this matchup on a four-game losing streak. The Blackhawks are also on a back to back after a lopsided loss in Pittsburgh, a spot that often shows up in late defensive breakdowns and puck management issues.
From a betting standpoint, the key question is margin. Chicago’s recent scoring dip makes it harder for games to turn into track meets, and that pushes value toward the underdog on the puck line. With Chicago averaging just 1.9 goals per game over its last ten, the total also feels inflated at 6.5.
Injuries add another layer of caution when laying a goal and a half. Chicago is thinner along the blue line, while Columbus is not perfectly healthy on defense either. That combination points toward a tighter game flow rather than a blowout.
Betting Trends for CBJ and CHI
Columbus has won seven of its last eight games, but several of those wins have been one-goal outcomes. Chicago’s recent games have trended lower scoring as offensive production has fallen off.
Key Injuries and Notes for CBJ and CHI
Chicago has Nick Foligno listed day to day, while Shea Weber remains out and Ryan Ellis is on injured reserve. Columbus is dealing with a banged-up blue line, with Dante Fabbro day to day and Brendan Smith on injured reserve.
ATS and Total Picks Against the Spread: Blackhawks +1.5 Total: Under 6.5 Final Score Prediction
Columbus should still control the game, but Chicago’s structure and the situational spot point toward a close finish.
Final Score: Blue Jackets 3, Blackhawks 2
How to Bet Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks
This matchup sets up well for bettors targeting puck line value and a shaded total. Before placing a wager, make sure to compare prices using the latest sportsbook promo codes and shop lines across the best sportsbooks.
Bettors looking for alternative formats can also explore social sportsbooks, while traditional players may want to take advantage of offers like the bet365 bonus code or the fliff promo code before puck drop.
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