Slumping Teams Collide as Chicago Faces Columbus
Just over one month ago, Chicago had just finished completing a 4-3 shoot-out win against the Tampa Bay Lightning and saw their overall record improve to 13-7-5. As of March 5, the Hawks were sitting comfortably in a playoff position and turning online betting heads with their surprising play.
Since then, the Blackhawks have a record of 5-11 and have seen the red-hot Nashville Predators (9-1 in their last 10) leapfrog them for the final spot in the Central Division.
Not to be outdone, the Jackets have been losing games with great regularity as well. Over their last 10 games, Columbus has two wins and currently finds itself seven points out of the playoff picture and quickly running out of games.
Friday night, the Jackets traded injured winger Riley Nash to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2022 7th round conditional draft pick in a move that probably signals the Jackets will be sellers at this year’s trade deadline.
Chicago Blackhawks at Columbus Blue Jackets
If you’re betting on this game, the NHL odds have Chicago with a moneyline of -120 while Columbus is at +105. The over/under for the game has been set at 5½ goals also favoring Chicago slightly.
Season Series
This will be the seventh meeting this season between these Central Division rivals. The last time these teams faced off was in late February when Chicago took both games of a two-game series in Columbus.
- Jan 29 @ Chicago – Columbus won 2-1
- Jan 31 @ Chicago – Chicago won 3-1
- Feb 11 @ Chicago – Columbus won 6-5
- Feb 13 @ Chicago – Chicago won 3-2 (OT)
- Feb 23 @ Columbus – Chicago won 6-5 (S/O)
- Feb 25 @ Columbus – Chicago won 2-0
A Quieter Blackhawks Offense
- 2.73 Goals / Game
- 3.10 Goals Against / Game
- 24.6 Power Play Percentage
- (-15) Goal Differential
Over their last 10 games, the Hawks offense has become a little bit quiet. With only 20 goals, Chicago is averaging 0.73 goals fewer per game in comparison to their season average.
Last time on the ice for Chicago, the Dallas Stars beat them soundly, 5-1. In their last three games, the Hawks have five goals, including a 3-0 loss to the Nashville Predators.
The Blackhawks should not have to worry about fatigue based on their schedule of late. This is their third game this week, after playing Tuesday and Thursday at home versus Dallas.
Burdened by Injuries
Obviously, the loss of Jonathan Toews for this season has been difficult for the Hawks to overcome. However, among their regulars who have been playing, Chicago arrives in Columbus healthy.
Recent Blue Jackets Goal Scoring Struggles
- 2.48 Goals / Game
- 3.19 Goals Against / Game
- 14.1 Power Play Percentage
- (-31) Goal Differential
Over their last 10 games, the Jackets have scored a total of 20 goals, almost 0.5 goals below their season average. In five of their last 10 games, the Jackets have scored one goal or fewer.
Recently Columbus split a two-game series at home versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. Columbus showed signs of snapping out of its offensive slump, scoring a combined eight goals in the mini two-game series.
The Blue Jackets have been busier in April than Chicago. This will be their sixth game since the start of the month.
Columbus Short-Handed
Columbus has also been hit with some injuries of late. Boone Jenner recently had surgery on a broken finger and is expected to be out for the rest of the regular season. Meanwhile, one of their top defensemen, Zach Werenski, has a sports hernia, and the team announced he, too, will be out for the rest of the regular season.
Prediction
It is evident both teams have been struggling but the Blackhawks are less impacted. When doing your NHL betting, take the Blackhawks on the moneyline.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks Moneyline (-120)
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