Both the hosting Chicago Blackhawks and the visiting Vancouver Canucks are coming off back-to-back wins as the two Western Conference foes will clash at United Center tonight. Vancouver has won the two previous meetings on the season, but I think Chicago will step it up here and deny the visitors the opportunity to sweep the season series.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - The Nucks are sitting second in the Pacific Division four points above the Flames in third and 12 behind the Ducks for the division lead who they obviously have no chance of catching with only five games to go. The Blackhawks meanwhile may be third in the Atlantic Division but are only five points behind Nashville for the top spot, and that with two games in hand. I'll give the Blackhawks a minor advantage when it comes to motivation, but that combined with them being the better team and home ice advantage makes this an easy play on the home team.

2. The Nucks Off An Offensive Outburst - Vancouver defeated Nashville 5-4 in a shootout Tuesday but it has not had much success after filling the net its previous game as it is a lowly 3-13 in its last 16 after scoring five goals or more.

3. X-Factor - Marian Hossa is coming in hot recording three points in his last two games for the Blackhawks. He'll be likely to keep that up as he has notched three goals and assisted one in his past three meetings with the Nucks.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks (10*)