Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks Prediction & Odds - 2/23/2025

The Columbus Blue Jackets welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to Nationwide Arena on Saturday evening in what promises to be a pivotal matchup for the home team's playoff aspirations.

The Blue Jackets, currently sitting just one point outside of a wildcard spot, are looking to bounce back from a four-game losing streak while facing a rebuilding Blackhawks squad that has dropped four of their last five contests.

Columbus's offensive firepower, led by Zach Werenski's impressive 59-point season and Kirill Marchenko's breakout performance, will test Chicago's struggling defense that ranks 31st in goals against.

The Blackhawks, despite their challenges, have found a bright spot in rookie Connor Bedard, who has accumulated 49 points this season and notched two points in their previous meeting with Columbus.

Recent history favors the Blue Jackets, who claimed a convincing 6-3 victory in their only matchup this season, while Chicago has managed just six road wins throughout the entire campaign.

As both teams prepare to face off in this inter-conference clash, the spotlight falls on Columbus's pursuit of a playoff berth and Chicago's efforts to build momentum in their rebuilding process.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Chicago Blackhawks preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks are set to face off in a compelling inter-conference clash at Nationwide Arena, with playoff implications hanging in the balance for the home team.

The Blue Jackets, currently sitting just one point outside a playoff spot, enter the contest looking to snap a concerning four-game losing streak, while the rebuilding Blackhawks aim to build momentum after dropping four of their last five matchups.

Columbus's offensive prowess, ranking 10th in the NHL with 3.2 goals per game, has been spearheaded by defenseman Zach Werenski, who continues his remarkable season with 59 points and a +10 rating.

The Blackhawks' teenage sensation Connor Bedard remains their bright spot, having accumulated 49 points this season, including five points in his last five games.

Recent head-to-head history favors the Blue Jackets, who secured a convincing 6-3 victory in their only meeting this season, with Werenski contributing two points in that encounter.

The goaltending battle presents an intriguing subplot, as Columbus's Elvis Merzlikins (2.99 GAA, .895 save percentage) looks to outperform Chicago's veteran Petr Mrazek, who has struggled with consistency this season.

The Blue Jackets received a boost with the return of Kirill Marchenko from a jaw injury, with the 24-year-old winger's 55 points making him a key figure in their playoff push.

While Chicago's defensive struggles continue, ranking 31st in goals against, the emergence of young talent Frank Nazar, who has notched 10 points in 26 games, offers hope for the future.

With both teams' recent tendency for high-scoring affairs and their previous matchups typically exceeding the over, fans can anticipate an entertaining, offense-heavy contest at Nationwide Arena.