8:30 tonight United Center, Chicago
- TV: Fox Sports Net
- Radio: WBNS-AM (1460), WWCD-FM (101.1)
The series
The Blue Jackets are 23-22-2-3 against Chicago, including 9-13-1-1 in the United Center. This is
the sixth and final meeting this season.
The setup
The Blue Jackets can clinch the franchise's first playoff spot by getting a point against the
Blackhawks. Chicago clinched its first playoff spot in seven seasons over the weekend, but is
trying to hold off Vancouver to get home-ice advantage in the first round.
Columbus Blue Jackets at a glance
• Past 10 games: 4-2-4
• Power play: 12.9 percent (30th in NHL)
• Penalty kill: 82.5 percent (11th)
• Player to watch: Left winger Jake Voracek, who has four assists in five games against Chicago,
has been elevated to the No. 1 line.
• Injury update: D Rostislav Klesla (oblique) doubtful. LW Kristian Huselius (concussion
symptoms), LW Fredrik Modin (sprained knee), D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen (knee), C Derick Brassard
(shoulder surgery) out
Chicago Blackhawks at a glance
• Past 10 games: 7-2-1
• Power play: 19.3 percent (13th)*
• Penalty kill: 80.6 percent (18)*
• Player to watch: Left winger Kris Versteeg has five points (two goals, three assists) in five
games against the Jackets this season, including the winning overtime goal Sunday.
• Injury update: C/RW Patrick Sharp (right leg) questionable; D Brent Sopel (elbow) out
* -- entering last night
