The Blackhawks and Predators face off Saturday night at the United Center in the first of a weekend back-to-back set — the first time the usual division rivals have seen each other in nearly two months.
During the Southern Road Trip of Doom™, the Blackhawks saw their lead for fourth place in the division — and thus a playoff spot — shrink, and there are now three teams within spitting distance, including the Blackhawks’ opponent this weekend. The Predators are just four points behind the Blackhawks in the standings, so the back-to-back set against the team from Nashville this week is more important than ever if the Blackhawks want to keep their playoff hopes going.