Friday, March 28, 7:30 PM on CSNC, RSNE

Canadian Tire Centre, Kanata, Ontario

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Chicago's recent strong play has left them only 6 points out of the top seed for the Western Conference playoffs but how they fare in 3 games over 4 nights on the road will go a long way to determine that fate. Either way, Chicago is set up for home ice in the first round and back to back games against the reeling Senators shouldn't pose too much of a threat.

The Hawks lost star left-winger Patrick Kane to a knee injury on March 19th but have won two of three games in dominant fashion in his absence. They look to continue that solid play with a Friday night win over the Senators even though the team will be flying in from Boston after a Thursday night tilt with the Bruins. This will be the 4th road back to back game of the season for Chicago in which they've posted a 1-2 record thus far.

The Senators will be much more rested than Chicago but that's about all they have going in their advantage. Losing 8 of 10 games has effectively ended Ottawa's season even though the faintest of playoff hopes still remain. The Senators trail the final spot by 8 points with 11 games to play which means the margin for error is paper thin. A victory over the weary Blackhawks on the first game of a five game home stand would be a start for a miracle finish.

The Blackhawks were able to win as -147 favorites on their home ice back in October but it took 3 goals in the third period to do so in a 6-5 final.

ATS Trends

Chicago is 18-17 straight up on the road this season

Chicago is 18-17-0 against the over/under on the road this season

Ottawa is 13-21 straight up at home this season

Ottawa is 21-13-0 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Chicago 

11/16/13 GO Nikolai Khabibulin Rotator Cuff out 4-5 months
11/05/13 C Brad Mills Ankle out indefinitely
03/25/14 LW Bryan Bickell Upper Body questionable
03/20/14 RW Patrick Kane Knee expected to miss 2-3 weeks
03/18/14 D Michal Rozsival Lower Body out indefinitely

Ottawa 

03/24/14 RW Bobby Ryan Leg questionable
03/24/14 GO Craig Anderson Shoulder questionable

Josh's Pick: Take Chicago

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