After opening 0-2, Chicago has won three of five. The two losses during this span both came in shootouts.

The Blackhawks are in an excellent spot here and catch a huge break: New Jersey has chosen this game to rest its star goalie, Cory Schneider. Take away Schneider and it's difficult to ever back the Devils.

The Blackhawks have been idle for the last two days. They won't play again until Sunday. So their full focus should be on this game. It's actually a break for the Blackhawks to be out of Chicago right now as Illinois fans are fully involved with the Cubs. The Blackhawks don't have to be distracted by that.