Central Division rivals the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild will clash in a Western Conference semifinals series starting tonight. Chicago won three of the five meetings during the regular season, and I expect them to come out ahead tonight as well.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. History - The Blackhawks have eliminated the Wild from the playoffs in both 2013 and 2014, giving up just three games over the two series combined. I think that says it all about the two teams, Chicago has that winning mentality instilled in the club and won the Cup both 2010 and 2013 while Minnesota should probably finds itself lucky to even be in the playoffs.

2. Home Cookin' - The Wild have won just one of the last seven meetings at United Center and Chicago won each of its three home-games in the first round against Nashville which makes it 22 wins over its last 26 home playoff games.

3. X-Factor - Patrick Kane is coming hot with two goals and five assists so far in the post-season. He had good success against the Wild during the regular season notching two goals and six assits over four meetings.

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