:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/5057151/136060595.jpg)
The Chicago Blackhawks are as hot as any team in the NHL and there's a good chance they'll be able to extend their recent string of success since they'll be playing at home all this week. The games get increasingly more difficult as the week progresses--they'll begin by hosting Columbus and end the week with a game against division rival Detroit.
The full Blackhawks schedule is right here. As for this week:
Dec. 26: vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (7:30 p.m. CT, CSN)
No Western Conference team has allowed more goals this season than the Blue Jackets, who are 3-11-2 on the road and mired in last place in both their division and the conference. Columbus hasn't won a game since Dec. 13.
Dec. 28: vs. Los Angeles Kings (7:30 p.m. CT, CSN)
The Kings have been offensively challenged to say the least -- their 2.1 scoring average ranks last in the NHL -- but the team is above .500 and in playoff contention thanks to some stout defense and goaltending. The team's 2.34 goals against average ranks sixth in the NHL.
Dec. 30: vs. Detroit Red Wings (7:30 p.m. CT, CSN)
The Red Wings have dropped to third in the Central behind the still-surging Blues, but they're just five points behind the first place Blackhawks and their goal differential this season is the best in the conference.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Blackhawks, head over to Second City Hockey. And for news and notes from around the NHL, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.