Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks Prediction 1/30/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks prediction for this NHL game on Friday, January 30th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 25-20-7 this season after they defeated Philadelphia by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Columbus blew a 3-1 lead in the third period, but they scored twice in the last four minutes to get the win. The Blue Jackets out shot Philadelphia by a total of 31-27, won 62.1% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Coyle, Marchenko, Monahan, Olivier, and Gudbranson, while Merzlikins stopped 24 out of 27 shots, which was an .889 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Columbus defeated the Lightning by a score of 8-5 and the Stars by a score of 1-0. The Blue Jackets have won seven of their last eight games and they are currently sixth in the Metro standings with 57 points. Columbus has scored 3.04 goals per game and they have allowed 3.29 goals against per game, while also going 19.4% on the power play and 76.2% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 19 goals and 38 assists, while Kirill Marchenko has added 19 goals and 25 assists. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Jet Greaves, who is 16-12-6 with a 2.69 goals against average and a .908 save percentage this season. 

Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks are 21-24-9 this year after they lost to Pittsburgh by a score of 6-2 in their last game. Chicago led 1-0 in the first period, but they allowed the next six goals for the loss. The Blackhawks were out shot by a total of 44-20, won 41.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Chicago got goals from Bedard and Murphy, while Soderblom stopped 38 out of 44 shots, which was an .864 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Chicago lost to the Wild by a score of 4-3 and the Panthers by a score of 5-1. The Blackhawks have lost four games in a row and they are currently sixth in the Central standings with 51 points. Chicago has scored 2.66 goals per game and they have allowed 3.08 goals against per game, while also going 19.9% on the power play and 85.5% on the penalty kill this season. Connor Bedard has led Chicago with 21 goals and 29 assists, while Tyler Bertuzzi has added 25 goals and 14 assists. The projected starting goalie for Chicago is Spencer Knight, who is 15-14-7 with a 2.59 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this year. 

Why the Columbus Blue Jackets will win

• The Blue Jackets have won seven of their last eight games.
• The Blackhawks have lost each of their last four games.
• The favorites have covered the puck line in each of the last six games between the Blue Jackets and Blackhawks.
• The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games as underdogs following a road loss.
• The Blue Jackets have won the first period in seven of their last eight games as favorites following a win.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Blackhawks’ last six games at United Center following a road loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Each of the Blue Jackets’ last four night games against opponents on a losing streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last six games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 17 of the Blue Jackets’ last 18 road games against opponents on a losing streak.

Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts

• Connor Bedard has recorded at least one assist in six of his last seven appearances after playing the previous day.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

• Boone Jenner has scored at least one goal in four of his last five appearances against the Blackhawks.
• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in each of his last six appearances against the Blackhawks.

Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks Prediction 

Chicago comes into this matchup on a four game losing streak and they have allowed 15 goals in their last three games. The Blackhawks are 11-13-5 at home this year, while the Blue Jackets are 11-12-3 on the road. Columbus has won three games in a row, and they have scored at least four goals in three of their last five. The Blue Jackets are red hot right now and while their defense has had some struggles, they should be fine against this low scoring Chicago team. Take the Blue Jackets to get another win here against a Chicago team that is on a back to back.

David Racey's Pick: Blue Jackets ML