There are few teams the Blackhawks should be favored against and the Avalanche aren't one of them.

Colorado has won three of its last four games and hold playoff aspirations. Colorado is averaging five goals per game in its last three games and holds a strong goalie edge. The Blackhawks are minus star goalie Corey Crawford forcing them to use either Anton Forsberg or Jean-Francois Berube. Neither of whom is any good. Chicago has surrendered 19 goals in its last four games.

This is the Blackhawks' first home game since Feb. 23 and fourth game in six days. The Blackhawks just returned from a four-game road trip so focus could be an issue along with a high fatigue rating. So could motivation. The Blackhawks are 4-12 in their last 16 games and in rebuild mode knowing they are going to miss the playoffs. Chicago has lost eight of its last 11 home games.