Let's face it the Golden Knights aren't making the playoffs for the first time in their franchise's five-year history. They aren't officially eliminated - yet. That's caused the oddsmaker to inflate this matchup.

But realistically the Golden Knights are dead. So I'm going to take this huge price with the home underdog Blackhawks, who are well rested having last played on Monday when they defeated the Flyers, 3-1. This is Chicago's final home game of the season. The Blackhawks should be fired up because of that. They have dangerous scorers with Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat.

Make no mistake, though, this handicap is mainly a fade on the Golden Knights.

Las Vegas lost, 3-2, in a shootout to the Stars in Dallas last night. The Golden Knights blew a late two-goal lead and lost in a shootout to the Sharks this past Sunday. Those excruciating losses have put the Golden Knights four points behind the Stars in the playoff chase. Las Vegas and Dallas each have two remaining games.

The Stars close the regular season playing the Coyotes today and the Ducks Friday. The Coyotes have the lowest point total in the Western Conference. The Ducks aren't making the playoffs either.

The Golden Knights are physically and mentally down having gone all out to defeat the Stars last night. Now they have to travel and play without rest. This is what Las Vegas coach Peter DeBoer said following the loss to Dallas. ''It's not perfect, back-to-back. We emptied the tank tonight. We don't have a choice. We've got to find a way to re-energize here ...''

Deep down inside, the Golden Knights know that the Stars aren't losing to both the Coyotes and Ducks. Their season is finished.