This is a 10* EAST-CONF NON-DIV GOM on the Hawks.

I think this is a great "spot" for the home side to punch one into the win column.

Montreal comes to town 14-16 after three straight upset road wins, beating Florida 4-0, Tampa 5-2 and Vegas 3-2. With a game at Colorado tomorrow night, can anyone say letdown spot here? It's a letdown/look-ahead spot for the visitors, and when you add those two factors together you get TRAP GAME.

Chicago has now lost five straight after its 6-2 loss here to the Blues on New Year's Eve. Note though that the Hawks are 7-3 in their last ten after five or more straight losses in a row.

The road ahead will not get easier for Chicago, with the Rangers and Avalanche coming to town next.

I look for the well-rested home side to risk life and limb to secure the victory in this "winnable" contest, while all signs do indeed finally point to a letdown for the over-achieving Habs.

The play is the BLACKHAWKS.

Good luck, NP