The NHL schedule heats up this week as the Columbus Blue Jackets head to the Windy City to face the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.
Both teams are looking to secure crucial points as we head deeper into the second half of the 2025-26 season. Columbus is trying to solidify a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division, while Chicago fights to climb out of the bottom half of the Central.
What Channel is the Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Game On?
If you are looking to tune in tonight, here are the broadcast details for viewers in the United States and Canada.
- Game Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
- Game Time: 8:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM CT
- Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL
- U.S. TV Channel: NHL Network, FanDuel Sports Network (Regional), and CHSN (Chicago Sports Network)
- Canada TV Channel: Sportsnet, TVA Sports
- Streaming Options: Fubo, ESPN+ (Subject to regional blackouts), and Sportsnet+ (Canada).
- IPTV: NHLPPV
With the game airing nationally on NHL Network in the States, it should be accessible to a wide audience. However, ensure you check your local listings for blackout restrictions if you are using streaming services like ESPN+.
Team Records and Recent Form
The Columbus Blue Jackets enter this contest with a respectable record of 25-20-7 (57 points). They are coming off a solid 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday, giving them a rest advantage heading into Chicago. The offense has been clicking, with the team spreading the scoring depth across multiple lines.
On the other side, the Chicago Blackhawks sit at 21-24-9 (51 points). Chicago is in a tough spot, playing on the second night of a back-to-back after a rough 6-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night. Fatigue could be a major factor for the home team, especially against a rested Columbus squad.
Key Players and Injuries
Columbus Blue Jackets Leaders (2025-26):
- Zach Werenski (D): The offensive defenseman is having a monster year, leading the team with 57 points (19 Goals, 38 Assists).
- Kirill Marchenko (RW): A sniper on the wing, Marchenko has tallied 44 points (19 Goals, 25 Assists).
- Charlie Coyle (C): providing veteran stability with 35 points.
Chicago Blackhawks Leaders (2025-26):
- Connor Bedard (C): Despite missing time with a shoulder injury earlier in the month, the young phenom remains the one to watch with 49 points (21 Goals, 28 Assists) in 41 games.
- Tyler Bertuzzi (LW): Bringing grit and scoring, Bertuzzi has racked up 37 points (24 Goals).
- Andre Burakovsky (LW): contributing 29 points (10 Goals, 19 Assists).
Injury Report: For Chicago, Shea Weber remains out for the season with an ankle injury. Keep an eye on the lineup cards during warmups to see if Chicago rests any other key veterans after last night’s game against Pittsburgh. Columbus is relatively healthy, with key forwards like Adam Fantilli and Boone Jenner in the lineup.
Game Prediction and Betting Insight
The betting markets have opened with the Columbus Blue Jackets as -148 favorites, with the Over/Under set at 6.5 goals.
From my perspective, this spot screams “schedule loss” for Chicago. They played a high-intensity game against Pittsburgh just 24 hours ago and got thumped 6-2. Now they have to face a rested Columbus team that has been scoring efficiently. The Blue Jackets have the edge in rest, goaltending stability, and recent momentum. I expect Columbus to jump on them early.
Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets win 5-2.
Best Bet: Columbus Moneyline (-148) and the Over 6.5.
More NHL Action and Online Pools
If you are looking for more than just the Blue Jackets on TV today, check out our full Chicago Blackhawks TV schedule page for upcoming matchups against the Blues and Devils. Also, stay updated with the NHL point leaders for the 2025-26 season to see if Bedard can catch the top dogs in the Art Ross race.
Don’t forget to join our online hockey pool where you can compete for real cash prizes! It’s the best way to add some extra excitement to the nightly NHL slate.
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