Blackhawks Game #78: Blues Can Lose More Than Just a Game Tonight

The Blackhawks can all but seal off the Blues playoff chances with a regulation victory tonight. St. Louis has but three games to play after tonight and if the Golden Knights skate away with a regulation win, tbe Blues are done for the year.

No better way to stick it to their traditional division rival than ending their playoff dreams tonight. The 4-0 loss to Minnesota Sunday could be chalked up to a tired team, but it’s not acceptable to the Hawks brass or players. There’s plenty to still play for up and down the roster as well as in the event of ruining the hopes and dreams of teams either on the cusp of making the playoffs or jockeying for positioning.

After all, anything can happen once a team gets into the playoffs. The biggest storyline is of course watching to see what production Connor Bedard has tonight as he keeps trying to move up the ranks in rookie scoring. Chicago will be without Nick Foligno tonight, who is out for personal reasons.

The Blackhawks embark on their final five games, starting with a rival fighting for its playoff life and a week from today, closing with a once-bitter rival fighting to solidify a better seeding.

All with the chance to revel as a spoiler.