*8* play on Blackhawks.

The Nashville Predators are entering this contest at United Center on the back of a pair of one-goal wins at Montreal and Toronto. They've struggled in recent meetings with the Chicago Blackhawks though, and I expect the Hawks to record another win in the series tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Chicago off a big loss - The Blackhawks were embarrassed by the Wild in 6-1 defeat Sunday. They've had plenty of time to mull it over and have responded well to sub-par defensive performances in the past going 22-4 in their last 26 after allowing five goals or more in their previous game.

2. Recent Meetings - The Blackhawks have won three of four meetings so far this season and their netminder Corey Crawford has posted a 3-0-0 mark with a 1.33 GAA against the Preds this season.

3. - X-Factor - Patrick Kane has three goals with five assists during a five-game point streak and he has recorded three goals and two assists against Nashville this season.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks (8*)