When the NHL resumes its schedule after the holiday break on Sunday, hockey fans will be treated to another great Central Division matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks. Right now the Blackhawks are tied for eighth place in the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Kings, while the Columbus Blue Jackets trail Chicago by 2 points in the standings and sits tied for 9th with Phoenix and St. Louis. In hockey betting lines, NHL betting odds have not yet posted for this matchup.

When looking back at the season, the teams that miss the playoffs by just a few points always kick themselves for losing those interdivision games. Because of this fact, Chicago and Columbus realize this upcoming game could loom large in the standings come April.

On paper this game looks like a bit of a mismatch for the Blue Jackets as the Blackhawks have plenty more offensive firepower than Columbus. However, with Chicago not having played its best hockey of the season yet and Columbus playing fairly well defensively, this game should be a close one between the two Central Division foes. Chicago will be looking to capitalize on their recent success having beaten both Detroit and Los Angeles as part of their 5 games home stand. Columbus will be looking to get a fresh start while traveling on the road to break out of a month long slump that has seen them win only three games in their last 13.