The Chicago Blackhawks have clinched a playoff berth as they sit fourth in the Western Conference standings, and they get set to host Central Division rival Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, who currently sit in sixth place. The Blackhawks lead the Blue Jackets 3-2 in their last five meetings. NHL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Blackhawks as -145 moneyline favs over the Blue Jackets (+125) with the over/under set at 5.5 goals. Be sure to get your Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Free NHL Pick in now at Sportsbook.com
The Blue Jackets recently lost to the Hawks 0-1 (OT) at home for their fourth loss in five games. Goalie Steve Mason allowed one goal on 25 shots for a 32-18-7 record with a 2.22 GAA and 10 shutouts. Mason, a likely finalist for the Calder Trophy, is 1-1-1 with a 1.95 goals-against average against the Blackhawks in 2008-09. His only regulation loss to them was a 3-1 defeat in Chicago on Dec. 14. The Jackets are 15-17-2-5 on the road where they average 2.77 GAG and give up an average 2.85 GAG. They are 2-3 in their last five road games where they’ve averaged 3.20 GAG and given up an average 3.00 GAG.
The Blackhawks recently beat the Predators 4-2 on the road thanks to goals from Jonathan Toews, Dustin Byfuglien, Patrick Kane and Martin Havlat. Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin stopped 22 of 24 shots for a 23-8-6 record with a 2.40 GAA and a .917 SVPCT. Columbus had 20 shots on goal against the Blackhawks, but Nikolai Khabibulin, a Cup winner with Tampa Bay in 2004, posted his 40th career shutout. Khabibulin made 22 saves to improve to 4-0-0 with a 0.98 GAA this month. The league's reigning second star of the week, however, is 2-4-1 with a 3.69 GAA in seven home starts against the Blue Jackets since joining the Blackhawks in 2005. The Blackhawks are 23-9-3-4 at home where they average 3.38 GAG and give up an average 2.49 GAG. They are 4-1 in their last five home games where they’ve averaged 3.00 GAG and given up an average 2.60 GAG. Chicago needs one point to reach 100 for the first time in 16 years.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Over is 17-7 in the last 24 meetings.
- Underdog is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
- Blackhawks are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Western Conference.
- Blackhawks are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Central.
- Blackhawks are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
- Blackhawks are 5-1 in their last 6 games as a home favorite.
- Blackhawks are 5-1 in their last 6 home games.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Free NHL Pick
When: Wed, April 08, 2009 8:30 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Hawks -145
Point-Spreads.com Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Free NHL Pick
The Bottom Line: The Hawks have only lost nine games on home ice all season. Go Hawks! Be sure to get your Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets Free NHL Pick in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
