Watch as the Blackhawks take on the St. Louis Blues tonight on CSN and streaming live on CSNChicago.com. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with Blackhawks Pregame Live. Then stick around after the final buzzer to watch Blackhawks Postgame Live for highlights and analysis.
Click here to watch the game or download the NBC Sports App, your home for live streaming coverage of the Blackhawks.
Five Things to Watch:
1. Jump on the Blues early.
The Blues own a dominant 13-1-2 record at home this season, and have picked up at least a point in 14 straight games at Scottrade Center. One way to snap that streak is to get out in front early considering they score the fifth-fewest goals in the opening frame with 17 and have combined for 64 in the final two periods. The Blackhawks have scored 26 in the first, which ranks among the top-7. But one may not be enough, given that the Blues are 8-6-2 when giving up the first goal. They're a resilient bunch as are the Blackhawks, so setting the tone and taking control early could be key.
2. Will Patrick Kane snap goal drought?
Patrick Kane added another assist to his stat sheet in Thursday's 5-4 win over the New York Islanders, giving him 29 points in 32 games this season, which ranks among the top-10. But he hasn't found the back of the net in nine consecutive games, a drought he says is "frustrating." It's his longest goal drought since the 2013-14 campaign when he went 11 straight without a goal. Against a Blues team battling the Blackhawks for the top spot in the Central Division and Western Conference, perhaps now would be a good time to break through.
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3. Artemi Panarin's surge.
There isn't a hotter player on the Blackhawks right now than Artemi Panarin, who had a three-point night on Thursday. He's got three goals and three assists in his last three games, all of which have resulted in wins. His point total matched Kane for the team lead at 29, and is also among the top-10 in the league. Feed him the puck.
4. Vladimir Tarasenko.
Look out for Artemi Panarin's fellow Russian countryman: Vladimir Tarasenko has 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in eight games this month, including 10 points in his last five. His 37 points trail only Connor McDavid (39) for the league lead. Tarasenko has also had success in both games against the Blackhawks this year, scoring two goals and two assists to help the Blues pick up three out of a possible four points. Expect him to be a factor.
5. Hot power play vs. top penalty kill.
The Blackhawks erupted for a season-high three power-play goals in Thursday's win, cashing in on all three opportunities. They're running into the second-best penalty kill unit in the Blues, who have killed off 12 straight penalties to increase their season percentage to 88.2. As the great Pat Foley would say: "Something's gotta give!"
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