The Coach's NHL Puckline PUNISHER
(NHL) Dallas vs. Chicago,
Point Spread: 1.50 | -155.00 Dallas (Away)
Result: Win
The Dallas Stsrs will be taking on the Chicago Blackhawks in what should be a heavyweight-meeting in the Central Division tonight. As it stands right now the Stars are still three points out of a playoff spot, but they've won eight of their last nine.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Rising Stars - Dallas is looking for a fifth consecutive win and has outscored opponents 20-5 over the previous four and is coming off a 7-1 win against the Wild last night. One reason to its recent surge is an improved power play unit that has gone 5-for-16 over its last four games.

2. Corey Crawford - Albeit one of the best netminders in the NHL, he has not looked like himself since returning from an injury that held him off the ice for eight games. He is 2-2-1 with a 3.17 GAA since his comeback, and allowed a couple of soft goals in the Winter Classic against the Capitals.

3. X-Factor - Tyler Seguin tallied on goal and assisted one in last night's demolition of the Wild. He is now only two points off Jakub Voracek for the league lead and we should expect to see a goal or two from his lumber tonight.

Selection: This is a play on the Dallas Stars (8*)