The Blackhawks are becoming an auto-fade losers of seven in a row and realistically out of the playoffs. Chicago isn't losing close games either being outscored by 17 goals during its losing streak.

I don't see the Blackhawks being helped returning to Chicago. They concluded a three-game road trip with a 5-2 loss to Las Vegas on Tuesday. This will be their fourth game in six days.

Chicago has lost its last six games at United Center, its longest home losing streak since 2005.

Anaheim already is in the Midwest. The Ducks lost by one goal at home to San Jose and then followed that up with a one-goal defeat to the Red Wings on Tuesday. The Ducks are due and have the superior goalie with John Gibson expected to be in net.