Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction

Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Game Analysis | 02.04.26 | NHL

The regular-season matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks (22-25-9) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (28-20-7) is set for February 4th, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Nationwide Arena, Columbus. This game pits a rebuilding Blackhawks squad against a Blue Jackets team demonstrating more consistent performance this season.

Chicago Blackhawks Team Performance

The Blackhawks, with their sub-.500 record, are navigating a challenging campaign marked by reliance on their young core. Offensively, their production is heavily concentrated, with rookie sensation Connor Bedard leading the playmaking charge and Tyler Bertuzzi serving as the primary goal-scorer. This concentrated attack can, at times, make their offense predictable for opposing defenses. Defensively, the team faces significant challenges, particularly given the long-term absences of veteran blueliners, which severely impacts their depth and experience on the backend.

Chicago Blackhawks Key Players

Points: Connor Bedard (53)
Goals: Tyler Bertuzzi (25)
Assists: Connor Bedard (30)

Injury Report Chicago Blackhawks

Ryan Ellis (Injured reserve): Ellis (back) and his contract have been traded to Chicago from San Jose, along with Jake Furlong and a 2028 fourth-round pick in exchange for Laurent Brossoit, Nolan Allan and a 2028 seventh-round pick Thursday. (Currently on injured reserve with a back injury)
Shea Weber (Injured reserve): (Currently on injured reserve, long-term)

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Performance

The Blue Jackets, boasting a stronger 28-20-7 record, have shown more consistency and offensive firepower throughout the season. Their strength lies in a dynamic attack, notably spearheaded by defenseman Zach Werenski, whose exceptional point production from the blue line is a rare and critical asset. This indicates a highly involved defensive corps that actively contributes to offensive zone entries and scoring opportunities, making them a formidable opponent on home ice.

Columbus Blue Jackets Key Players

Points: Zach Werenski (61)
Goals: Zach Werenski (19)
Assists: Zach Werenski (42)

Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Given the Columbus Blue Jackets’ superior record and home-ice advantage, coupled with the Chicago Blackhawks’ defensive vulnerabilities and reliance on a few key offensive players, the Columbus Blue Jackets are the clear favorites. Considering both teams’ offensive capabilities and Chicago’s injury-riddled defensive depth, a high-scoring contest is anticipated. Therefore, the total goals prediction is over 6.5.

Last 5 Games: CHI

Form:

WLLLL

VS vs San Jose

W 6-3

PTS 22-25-9

GOL Knight

AST Donato

VS vs Columbus

L 4-2

PTS 21-25-9

GOL Knight

AST Bedard

VS @ Pittsburgh

L 6-2

PTS 21-24-9

GOL Soderblom

AST Nazar

VS @ Minnesota

L 4-3 SO

PTS 21-23-9

GOL Knight

AST Crevier

VS vs Florida

L 5-1

PTS 21-23-8

GOL Knight

AST Bertuzzi

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs San Jose	W 6-3	22-25-9	Knight	Donato
vs Columbus	L 4-2	21-25-9	Knight	Bedard
@ Pittsburgh	L 6-2	21-24-9	Soderblom	Nazar
@ Minnesota	L 4-3 SO	21-23-9	Knight	Crevier
vs Florida	L 5-1	21-23-8	Knight	Bertuzzi

Last 5 Games: CBJ

Form:

WWWWW

VS @ New Jersey

W 3-0

PTS 28-20-7

GOL Merzlikins

AST Merzlikins

VS @ St. Louis

W 5-3

PTS 27-20-7

GOL Greaves

AST Johnson

VS @ Chicago

W 4-2

PTS 26-20-7

GOL Merzlikins

AST Coyle

VS vs Philadelphia

W 5-3

PTS 25-20-7

GOL Merzlikins

AST Olivier

VS vs Tampa Bay

W 8-5

PTS 24-20-7

GOL Greaves

AST Marchment

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ New Jersey	W 3-0	28-20-7	Merzlikins	Merzlikins
@ St. Louis	W 5-3	27-20-7	Greaves	Johnson
@ Chicago	W 4-2	26-20-7	Merzlikins	Coyle
vs Philadelphia	W 5-3	25-20-7	Merzlikins	Olivier
vs Tampa Bay	W 8-5	24-20-7	Greaves	Marchment

Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction | NHL 02.04.26