Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Chicago Blackhawks Preview, Tips, and Odds

The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the top-10 in the NHL in scoring this season, but they are also in the bottom-10 for goals allowed with both numbers at 3.7 per game. Former Blackhawks star Artemi Panarin leads the team with nine points and six assists this season. Top goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has struggled this season, posting a 4.04 goals against average.

The Chicago Blackhawks have a winning record this season, but they have given up more goals than they have scored. Jonathan Toews leads the team with ten points on five goals and five assists, while Alex DeBrincat leads the team with six goals. The Blackhawks can certainly score goals but have given up an average of 4.2 goals per game.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are still without forward Brandon Dubinsky as he continues to be sidelined with an oblique injury. Dubinsky is expected to miss another 3-5 weeks and was placed on the injured reserve list earlier this month. The Blue Jackets are currently in third place in the Metropolitan Division, trailing the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils.

The Chicago Blackhawks welcomed back goaltender Corey Crawford on Thursday night against the Arizona Coyotes. Crawford gave up three goals in the loss to Arizona, but the Blackhawks are a better team with him in net. The Stanley Cup-winning goalie has been sidelined for almost a year with concussion symptoms.