*6* SURE SHOT on Chicago Blackhawks.

The Chicago Blackhawks opened the month of December with a pair of losses against Minnesota and Ottawa, but they've won four of their last five since. The Colorado Avalanche have also been hot with five wins in seven games, this month, but I believe backing the home-team is the way to go here.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Home Cookin' - The Blackhawks have won five of their last six home at United Center while outscoring opponents 18-8. They're a fantastic 12-3-1 with a league-best 1.56 GAA on home-ice for the season.

2. Special Teams - The Avs are a lowly 1-for-20 on the man advantage in the last eight contests and here they'll face a team that has successfully killed off 12-of-13 short-handed situations over its last five games and has allowed four power play goals through 16 home-games on the season. The Blackhawks have been efficient on the power play in recent games as well converting on three of their last seven chances on the power play.

3. X-Factor - Chicago's Patrick Kane is riding a franchise-best 26-game point streak and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks (6*)