Columbus Blue Jackets vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, 3/2/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Columbus Blue Jackets vs Chicago Blackhawks

Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024

Location: United Center in Chicago, IL

TV: NBC Sports Chicago

Odds/Point Spread: Blue Jackets (-115) Blackhawks (-106)

United Center is where the Chicago Blackhawks (15-40-5) will meet the Columbus Blue Jackets (19-30-10) on Saturday. The moneyline on this contest has the Blue Jackets at -115 and the Blackhawks are priced at -106. The betting total is set at 7.

The Columbus Blue Jackets will look to clean up some issues after taking a 4-2 defeat to the Hurricanes in the last game they played. The Blue Jackets didn't have their best offensive outing in the defeat. In the outing, they converted 2 of the 22 shots they attempted. Moreover, they had 2 chances with extra men on the ice and were able to net 1 goal. Columbus had 4 mins in the box in this matchup.

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When at even strength, the Blue Jackets have surrendered 177 goals while earning 146 on the offensive side of the ice. Columbus Blue Jackets opponents have tallied 171 power play tries (27th in pro hockey) and have scored 40 goals in those chances. In relation to scoring goals, the Columbus Blue Jackets have accumulated 171 goals (23rd in hockey) on the season and have conceded 217. Columbus has attempted 1,771 shots and holds a shooting percentage of 9.7%. For the current season, they have earned 48 points and their points percentage sits at .407. The Blue Jackets have had 1,970 shots taken against them and are the owners of a save percentage of .890. Columbus has tallied 168 power play opportunities and they have notched 25 goals during those advantages, giving them a rate of 14.88%.

Protecting the goal for this matchup will be Elvis Merzlikins. Opponents have been able to score 530 goals against Merzlikins in his pro career and his goals against average is 3.16. Merzlikins has played in 184 games throughout his NHL career. He has a save percentage of .905 for his 10,076 mins on the ice. He has amassed a mark of 66-75-29 and he has started in 170 games. For his career, Merzlikins has accrued 82 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is .482. Merzlikins has seen 5,605 shots against him and he has 5,075 saves.

When they were on the ice last, Chicago faced off against the Avalanche in a matchup where the Blackhawks took the defeat by a mark of 5-0. They had 1 power play opportunity in this matchup but didn't score a goal. The Blackhawks converted 0 goals out of the 24 shots on goal they attempted.

This season, the Chicago Blackhawks are sitting with 122 goals, 35 points, and a points percentage of .292. They have permitted 212 goals to be scored by of a combination of 172 goals at even strength and 40 goals while they had less men on the ice. The Blackhawks have earned 99 goals at even strength and 23 goals (32nd in hockey) while on the power play. They have a total of 174 chances on the power play and they have earned a power play percentage of 13.22%. Chicago has attempted 1,581 shots (31st in pro hockey) and has a shot percentage of 7.72%, while allowing the other team 1,955 shots. They have accumulated a penalty kill percentage of 77.27% on the other teams 176 power play tries, and their save percentage is currently 89.2%.

Across the ice you will find Petr Mrazek patrolling the crease. Mrazek has a lifetime mark of 163-147-38 and has participated in 376 games. Mrazek's quality start rate comes out to 50.9% and he has 176 quality starts in his professional career. He has recorded 9,580 saves out of 10,559 shots attempted against him, which gives him a rate of .907. The opposition is averaging 2.79 goals/game and he has allowed 979 goals overall. He has started in 346 games and has played 21,044 mins.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Guy's Pick: Take Columbus (-115)

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