Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Betting Pick (January 31, 2021)

The Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets are set to do battle in the second leg of a two-game weekend series.

Let’s take a look at the second showdown of this Central Division two-game set on January 31, 2021 from a betting perspective in our Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks betting preview with odds, picks and predictions.

Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Betting Pick

The Chicago Blackhawks lost 2-1 on Friday against the Blue Jackets, despite outshooting the Blue Jackets 32-27 and firing off more shot chances by a 63-44 margin. Both Kevin Lankinen for Chicago and Joonas Korpisalo were sharp in net, each making quality saves throughout the contest.

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Now, Chicago will be shorthanded two more players thanks to COVID protocols. Forward Ryan Carpenter and defenseman Nicolas Beaudin will miss this contest, with Matthew Highmore and Reese Johnson filling in.

Columbus will turn to Elvis Merzlikins in goal this evening, while the Hawks go with Lankinen between the pipes once again.

Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Odds

Here are the lines for Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks at DraftKings Sportsbook:

Spread: Blue Jackets (-1.5 +185); Blackhawks (+1.5 -225)
Moneyline: Blue Jackets (-137); Blackhawks (+119)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-108)/Under 5.5 (-113)

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Bets We Like With a Blue Jackets Win

Oliver Bjorkstrand to Score a Goal Anytime (+185, DraftKings)

The 25-year old Danish forward scored a goal and added an assist on Friday night. Playing on the top forward line with Nick Foligno and Alexandre Texier, he will get some quality chances to find the back of the net once again this evening.

Bets We Like With a Blackhawks Win

Patrick Kane to Score a Goal Anytime (+195, DraftKings)

The 14-year veteran leads the Blackhawks with 32 shots on goal this season, but those attempts have resulted in just three goals. That pattern won’t continue, so I like for “Showtime” to get on a hot run starting with this game tonight.

Kane has 19 goals and 37 assists in 47 career games against Columbus.

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Bets We Like Independent of the Outcome

First Period UNDER 1.5 Goals (-120, DraftKings)

These two teams haven’t been scoring much early in contests this season, with both clubs posting identical 6-3 marks to the first period under thus far after nine games. I expect another slow start to this showdown tonight.

Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Prediction

The Blackhawks had all the chances in the world to score on Friday night, but Columbus, more notably, Joonas Korpisalo, shut them down in sharp fashion. I expect the puck to bounce Chicago’s way at least a few times, resulting in a bit more scoring this time around, with Chicago coming out on top by a 3-2 final.

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