Preview: Blue Jackets at Blackhawks CHICAGO (Interstat) — Two Central Division teams looking to build momentum will meet Friday night when the Columbus Blue Jackets visit the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. The Blue Jackets (25-27-0) arrive having won two straight and four of their last five, including a 5-3 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday. Columbus has found scoring depth lately, averaging 4.2 goals over its last five games. A player to watch for Columbus is forward Mathieu Olivier, who is coming off a goal and an assist against the Flyers. He has points in two of his last three games. The Blackhawks (21-32-0) have struggled to find consistency, posting a 2-6-2 record in their last 10 contests. They are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss in Minnesota on Tuesday. Chicago has been outscored 18-7 in its last four regulation defeats. Forward Ilya Mikheyev has been a bright spot for Chicago, registering three points (two goals, one assist) in his last five games. He scored in the loss to the Wild. Despite Chicago’s lower standing in the overall league table, the National Statistical game simulator projects a close contest, favoring the Blackhawks 4-3. Columbus holds the season series edge, having won the first meeting. The teams will complete a home-and-home set in Columbus next Wednesday. Following this game, the Blue Jackets travel to face the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. The Blackhawks’ next game is at home against the San Jose Sharks on Monday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.