10* play on Chicago Blackhawks.

The St. Louis Blues took command of this Western Conference first-round series with an ugly 1-0 overtime win Wednesday. One could argue that the Blackhawks were the dominant team though winning the shots 35-18, and they proved to be the better team again with a win in Game 2. The Blues have been badly out-played in this series, and are lucky to be heading to Chicago tied 1-1.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Return Of Duncan Keith - The reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner returned from a six-game suspension in Game 2, and he played over 30 minutes, scoring a goal and an assist.

2. Experience - The Hawks have won nine of their last 12 Conference Quarterfinals games while the Blues have lost nine of their last 12, and let's not forget that Chicago is the reigning Stanley Cup champion.

3. X-Factor - The Blackhawks were blanked on five chances with the man advantage Wednesday but finished the regular-season going 7-for-19 on the power play over their last five games. They converted on one of their three chances in Game 2.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks (10*)