Blue Jackets Aim to Extend Win Streak Against Blackhawks

Columbus looks to make it seven straight wins before Olympic break

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:55am

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The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night, riding a six-game winning streak and looking to extend their hot streak to 11 wins in their last 12 games before the Olympic break. The Blue Jackets are coming off a 3-0 shutout win over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, while the Blackhawks snapped a five-game losing skid with a 6-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Monday.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets' impressive run has vaulted them up the standings in the competitive Metropolitan Division, while the Blackhawks are hoping to build momentum heading into the Olympic break after a difficult stretch. This matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions will be an important test for both squads.

The details

The Blue Jackets have outscored opponents 26-13 during their six-game winning streak, led by strong defensive play and goaltending from Elvis Merzlikins. Mathieu Olivier scored twice in the win over the Devils. For the Blackhawks, Ryan Donato had two goals and two assists in their win over the Sharks, while Connor Bedard's power-play goal was his 21st, the most in team history for a player under 21.

  • The Blue Jackets defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-0 on Tuesday.
  • The Blackhawks snapped a five-game losing streak with a 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks on Monday.

The players

Elvis Merzlikins

The Blue Jackets' starting goaltender, who recorded his 12th career shutout and first of the season in the win over the Devils.

Mathieu Olivier

The Blue Jackets' forward who scored two goals in the win over the Devils.

Ryan Donato

The Blackhawks' forward who had two goals and two assists in their win over the Sharks.

Connor Bedard

The Blackhawks' young forward whose power-play goal was his 21st, the most in team history for a player under 21.

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What they’re saying

“We're just hunting teams. We're not sitting back on our heels. We're playing on our toes all game and I think you saw it tonight. I think we just stuck to the game plan longer than they did, and it obviously paid off.”

— Dante Fabbro, Defenseman

“We are putting the pressure a lot more on the opponents and we're cleaning up more in front of the net. Me and (fellow goaltender Jet Greaves) are seeing more pucks and I think it makes our life easier.”

— Elvis Merzlikins, Goaltender

“Nice to be able to score, and the other thing it does is, when guys score, they feel better about themselves. It gives guys confidence, and confidence matters a ton in every league, but certainly this league. So hopefully we can carry that forward a little bit.”

— Jeff Blashill, Blackhawks Head Coach

“It's great. We had a lot of guys get on the score sheet tonight, and that's what we work toward every game. It's fun to play that way and definitely great to get the win.”

— Ryan Donato, Blackhawks Forward

What’s next

The Blue Jackets and Blackhawks will meet again on Friday, February 14th, after the Olympic break.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' hot streak has them firmly in the playoff race, while the Blackhawks are hoping to build momentum heading into the break. This matchup will be a key test for both teams as they look to position themselves for the second half of the season.