Blue Jackets at Blackhawks
THE STORY: Four days off was just enough time for Chicago to recharge its batteries. The way the Blackhawks have been playing, they’ll be antsy to get back on the ice and see if they can continue their recent tear while facing the NHL’s worst team. The Blackhawks will try to extend their home winning streak to a season-high five games against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night at the United Center. Chicago’s 8-1-1 mark in December pushed the club to the top of the NHL standings with 48 points. They’ll face the reeling Blue Jackets, who reside in bottom of the league with 22 points and will look to avoid dropping a fifth straight contest.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FSXO, CSNC
ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (9-21-4): Even when things appeared to be looking up, they went sour. Columbus blew a 5-2 lead its last time out in a 6-5 loss to Nashville, allowing two goals with under four minutes remaining. That has been a negative theme this season for the club, which has been outscored 46-23 in the third period. G Steve Mason has made 13 career starts against the Blackhawks with moderate success, going 6-5-0 with a 3.43 goals-against average.
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (22-9-4): Patrick Kane, who owns a team-best 25 assists on the season, has enjoyed more success against the Blue Jackets than any other team. The right wing has 29 points when facing Columbus for his career, with four goals and four helpers in the past five matchups. G Corey Crawford is expected to draw the start. He has won two in a row versus the Blue Jackets, including making 27 saves in a 6-3 win on Nov. 10. Chicago averages 3.3 goals per game – third in the NHL.
OVERTIME:
1. Chicago captain Jonathan Toews has 10 goals and eight assists in his previous 13 games. He leads the club with 20 tallies.
2. Blue Jackets center Jeff Carter recorded a hat trick his last time out and has seven goals in seven games.