Last Updated on January 30, 2026 12:47 pm by Anthony Rome
The Blue Jackets at Blackhawks matchup is the lone game on Friday night’s NHL slate. With Columbus favored on the road and the total sitting at 6 goals, our Friday NHL Best Bet Jan. 30 column explores the best avenue to cashing in tonight if you’re a hockey bettor.
NHL Best Bet: Blue Jackets -147 (at Blackhawks)
Matchup: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Chicago Blackhawks
Date & Time: Friday, January 30, 2026 — 8:30 PM ET
Location: United Center — Chicago, IL
TV: National Hockey Network / Local Sports Networks
Moneyline Odds: Columbus ~-147 ● Chicago ~+133
❄️ Game Overview
Tonight’s lone NHL game features two Central Division clubs in very different grooves. The Columbus Blue Jackets have been one of the hotter teams in the league lately, playing some of their best hockey of the season, while the Chicago Blackhawks continue to struggle to find consistency at home — and that trend could be pivotal in this matchup.
The Blue Jackets come into this contest riding a 7-1-0 stretch that has them firmly in playoff positioning and buzzing with confidence. Columbus is scoring at a balanced pace — capable of high-octane goals one night and tight, defensive hockey the next. Chicago, meanwhile, has dropped four straight games and six of its last seven at home, struggling both to score consistently and to stop opponents in key situations.
Historically, Columbus also has the Blackhawks’ number, having won each of the last five head-to-head meetings between these two clubs — a trend that underscores the matchup advantage the Jackets hold.
🔍 Key Factors to Watch
Columbus Momentum & Depth
Columbus isn’t just winning — they’re doing it in a variety of ways. Goal scoring has come from all tiers of the lineup, and their goaltending has been steady enough to let the offense do its thing. Zach Werenski — one of the league’s most dynamic defensemen — is pushing the pace and setting up his teammates at both ends of the ice.
Chicago’s Home Woes
While the United Center has traditionally been a tough place to play, this season Chicago hasn’t enjoyed that advantage. A recent stretch of losses, combined with an inconsistent offense, raises questions about whether they can handle Columbus’s pace tonight.
Special Teams & Game Script
Both teams have shown ups and downs on the power play, but Columbus’s ability to generate quality chances at 5-on-5 gives them a cliff-edge in close games. Chicago’s penalty kill has been respectable, yet relying on it too heavily could backfire if Columbus continues pressing the pace.
💡 Prediction & Best Bet
🧠 Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets win
The Jackets enter with clear momentum — both in results and offensive confidence — while Chicago’s recent struggles at home suggest tonight could be another uphill battle for the Blackhawks. Columbus’s balanced attack and tighter defensive structure should carry them to a straight-up win.
📊 Best Bet: Blue Jackets -147
With Columbus favored on the road and the Blackhawks trending in the opposite direction, the moneyline is the bet here. You’re backing the team that’s playing better hockey across multiple phases of the game, with more scoring depth and better recent results.
⏱️ Total Goals Consideration:
If odds drift toward a tighter defensive expectation, keep an eye on the Under on 6.5 goals — both teams can play slower, structured hockey, particularly if Columbus takes an early lead and tightens up. But the primary lean is on Columbus to get the W.
📌 Final Thought
This one game on the NHL slate might look simple on the surface, but it’s rich with narrative: a surging Jackets squad that looks like a legitimate playoff contender versus a Blackhawks club still finding its identity. Given the trends and matchup context, Columbus win on the moneyline is the smartest play for tonight’s lone NHL action.
Friday NHL Best Bets Jan. 30
- Columbus Blue Jackets -147
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