The Carolina Hurricanes are coming off three consecutive wins, the most recent a 5-3 upset against Islanders at Nassau Coliseum Saturday. They should be in for a tougher game tonight as they'll face off against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. The hosts will be looking to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat against the Lightning, and I like their chances with their star netminder back between the pipes.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - The Canes recent surge aside, they're still one of the worst teams in the NHL with no shot of making the play offs. Chicago is currently third in the Central Division, only three points ahead of Winnipeg who defeated the Kings yesterday. Chicago can not afford to drop "easy" points such as these if it wants to avoid getting dragged into the battle for the wild cards in the West.

2. Corey Crawford - The Blackhawks back-up Scott Darling was tending the net in the 4-0 defeat at Tampa Bay Friday. Corey Crawford is confirmed to back in goal tonight though, coming off his second shutout for the season in a 3-0 win at Florida his last time out. He won both starts versus Carolina last season behind a minuscule 1.93 GAA.

3. X-Factor - The Blackhawks have acquired veterans Antoine Vermette and Kimmo Timonen in recent days and both are set to make their debut in this contest.


Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks (5*)