The Nashville Predators extended their life in the 2015 NHL playoffs with a 5-2 home win against the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday. They're still on the cusp of elimination though, and I expect the Blackhawks to come through with a win home at United Center tonight and secure a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - The Blackhawks won a double-overtime thriller 3-2 Tuesday to take a 3-1 lead in the series only to surrender in a 5-2 loss at Nashville two days later. I expect Chicago to back to its best tonight looking for revenge for that loss. Considering it is 12-2 in its last 14 games following a loss of three or more goals and Nashville 1-5 in its last six after scoring five goals or more in its previous game it seems more than likely that Chicago will bounce back with a big performance tonight.

2. Road Woes - The Predators have lost all of their last four on the road and also each of their last four visits to United Center. The Blackhawks meanwhile have won 21 of 25 at home in the post-season since 2013.

3. X-Factor - Seven of the Predators 18 goals in the series have come on the man advantage. Considering that they finished the regular season with one of the worst power play percentages in the NHL I think it's fair to say they've overachieved on the power play so far and we're not likely to see many more goals on the man advantage from their side.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks .(9*)