NHL Betting: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Odds, Predictions and Picks

At the beginning of the season, Columbus and Chicago were blown off as pretenders.  Neither the Blue Jackets nor Blackhawks attracted much NHL betting futures action.  For the first couple of months of the season, the Blackhawks were the NHL’s biggest surprise.  However, Chicago is crashing back down to Earth.  A once secure playoff spot has been surrendered to Nashville.  Columbus has been dead on arrival for 2021.  First, head coach John Tortorella is coaching like a man with a foot out the door.   Columbus lacks the scoring and lineup depth to sustain a serious playoff run.

Chicago Blackhawks at Columbus Blue Jackets CashBet Wagering Analysis

On this occasion, the Blackhawks will carry the majority of Bitcoin sportsbook handle.  Chicago has a massive and generational fan base.  Columbus is one of the most anonymous teams in all pro sports.  Sharps are not crazy about either side.  Chicago is slumping but does offer goal-scoring potential.  By contrast, the Blue Jackets are a perfect cure for insomnia.  Columbus is terrible and boring.  Squares that know of their existence want nothing to do with them.  On the other hand, Chicago brings superstar Patrick Kane.  And they play a far more entertaining brand of hockey.

Red Ink Splatters the Blackhawks  

Chicago is mired in a slump that could cost them a betting on NHL playoff spot.  To show, the Blackhawks have lost four of their last five games.  Only one of their previous nine tilts cleared the total.  Now, Chicago is 17-17-5 with 17-20 under the total.  Nashville leads the Blackhawks by two points for the final Central Division playoff spot.  Chicago ranks 16^th in the NHL for goal scoring and 3^rd for the power play.  Defensively the Blackhawks are 23^rd for goals against the 27^th for penalty killing.

Right-wing Patrick Kane leads Chicago.  To illustrate, Kane has 13 goals, 36 assists, and a plus-five.  While left-wing Alex DeBrincat adds 19 goals, 17 assists, and a plus-eight.  Goaltender Kevin Lankinen has a .918 save percentage, 2.72 goals-against average, and a 13-10-4 record.

Columbus Exposed for Lack of Torts Reform

Late on, the Blue Jackets have lost seven of their last eight pro hockey betting Matchups.  Five of their last six games stayed under the total.  Columbus stands at 14-18-8 with 15-23 under the total.  Overall, NHL metrics show the Blue Jackets 27^th for goal scoring and 27^th for the power play.  Defensively Columbus ranks 26^th for goals against and 24^th for penalty killing.

Namely, right-wing Oliver Bjorkstrand leads Columbus with 14 goals, 17 assists, and a minus-five.  Right-wing Cam Atkinson adds 13 goals, 12 assists, and a minus-nine.  Goalie Joonas Korpisalo has been the top performer with a .928 save percentage and 2.45 goals-against average.

Chicago Blackhawks at Columbus Blue Jackets Against the Spread

Chicago has dropped six of their last seven hockey betting matchups on the road.  And then three of their last ten away games stayed under the total.  Columbus has paid in only two of their last ten home games.  To summarize, CBJ has gone under in four of their last six on home ice.

Overall, the Blackhawks have paid in six of their last eight against Columbus.  Six of those eight games went under the total.  And then the Hawks have covered 15 of their previous 20 at Columbus.  Including four in a row.  While five of the last six between these teams at Nationwide Arena went under the total.

Chicago Blackhawks at Columbus Blue Jackets CashBet Free Pick  

In this situation, Chicago makes for the best NHL gambling choice.  As mentioned earlier, they have dominated the Blue Jackets.  Further, Columbus lacks the goal scoring to justify the risk.

Blackhawks at Blue Jackets CashBet Best Bet: 

Chicago Blackhawks