Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks

With Columbus ranking 30th in High-Danger Chances Allowed and 29th in Expected Goals Against (xGA), their defensive instability makes a multi-goal victory unlikely, especially on the front end of a road back-to-back. The Blue Jackets are further weakened by the recent loss of top centers Sean Monahan (wrist) and Boone Jenner (shoulder), leaving them vulnerable down the middle. We are backing Chicago +1.5 as Blackhawks star Connor Bedard is trending upward after snapping a scoring drought with a goal just yesterday, positioning the home underdogs to keep this matchup within a tight margin.