The Chicago Blackhawks are coming into this contest with a 2-1 lead in this best of 7 first-round playoff series against the Nashville Predators after a rather comfortable 4-2 win here at United Center Sunday. A win tonight and they set themselves up for an early series win at Nashville in two days, and I just don't see Chicago losing this one on home ice.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Nashville's Desperation In Offensive Zone - The Preds have out-shot the Blackhawks in each of the first three meetings in the series for a massive 126-98 advantage overall. They have little to show for it though, and throwing the puck at goal aimlessly is not a particularly good recipe for success. Credit should also go to a top-rated Chicago defense that has frustrated the Preds, forcing them to take bad shots.

2. Scott Darling - After Scott Darling's performance Sunday there is little doubt that he will be the Blackhawks main man in net for the nearest future. Chicago has won both games he's featured in, and that with the 26 year old compiling a 0.96 GAA and .975 SV% which can be compared to Pekka Rinne's 2.91 GAA and .898 SV%.

3. X-Factor - Nashville missed its captain Shea Weber Sunday due to an injury to his lower right leg and will have to do without the star defenseman tonight as well.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks.(8*)