A Playoff Preview?

CHICAGO, IL -- The Blackhawks and Blues face off tonight as the last home game for the Blackhawks.

It's a big game with a lot at stake, seeing that it could mean home-ice advantage for the Hawks with a win. It could also give us a taste of what's to come in the playoffs.

The win won't com easy, though, that's for sure.

With five of the top players out (Keith still on his suspension; Hossa, Crawford, Anisimov and Shaw all still injured), it'll be interesting to see how the Blackhawks make up for the lost teammates.

And, the Blackhawks have had difficulties beating the Blues recently. They won the second and third games against the Blues, but struggled in the opening game of the series and lost in overtime just last month in shootouts.

There are a few things working in the Blackhawks' favor tonight, however.

St. Louis is missing some of their key players, too--their captain, David Backes, and their own starting goalie, Jake Allen. Two players that often cause trouble for the Hawks.

And, to be fair, the Blackhawks have beaten the Blues in two out of four games. The only losses were in overtime, meaning they could catch up from behind and stay with them.

What the Hawks need to watch out for tonight are penalties. Since the Blues are a rival team, it seems to get into their heads and both teams play rougher. However, the Hawks penalty kill has been great since Kruger's return (13 for 13, and two shorthanded goals), should help out.

They need to be careful not to get anyone else injured. With four guys questionable for the next few games, they need that help. Keith will luckily be back in the second game of the playoffs, but injuries need to stop happening right now.

So, it's not a bad outlook. But, the Hawks better step onto the ice prepared to win tonight if they want that second seed and home ice. They play better at home more often than not, and going on the road would not be ideal.

The puck drops at 8:30 pm tonight, and boy, it'll be an interesting one.

EDIT: I stupidly forgot to point out that Bickell was back! Argh! Well, he's back, which might help as he's trying to regain his NHLer status. If he plays well enough, it might be easier to trade him, too, which would mean we could keep Shaw. Yes.