Blackhawks at Oilers
The Chicago Blackhawks attempt to clinch the second Presidents' Trophy in franchise history when they visit the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday. With a victory, Chicago will finish first overall in the league and claim its first Presidents' Trophy since 1990-91. The Blackhawks lead Pittsburgh by three points, although the Penguins only have two games remaining while Chicago has three.
Edmonton is coming off back-to-back home losses to the Pacific Division champion Anaheim Ducks on Sunday and Monday. The Oilers scored just one goal in the two defeats while allowing six. Edmonton played itself right out of a playoff spot, going 1-8-0 since sweeping a home-and-home series with the Calgary Flames at the beginning of the month.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), TSN (Edmonton)
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (34-6-5): Chicago split its first two meetings with Edmonton, both of which took place at the United Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Oilers 3-2 in overtime on Feb. 25 but dropped a 6-5 decision on March 10. Monday's 3-1 road loss to the Vancouver Canucks ended Chicago's 12-game point streak (9-1-2). Marian Hossa's next assist will be the 500th of his career.
ABOUT THE OILERS (17-21-7): The reasons for Edmonton's downward spiral are lost on the team, which has not won at home since April 1. "We won five games in a row at the trade deadline, and we're nowhere near that team now," Sam Gagner said. "I know it's tough down the stretch when we've lost like we have, but it's no excuse." Coach Ralph Krueger believes the answers lie within the players. "Screaming and yelling and beating up on this team is not going to help them," he said. "They need to look inside to see what is missing and what we're doing different than these other teams and try and work on that."
OVERTIME
1. Edmonton has lost five straight home games, while Chicago has captured 20 of its last 26 road contests.
2. The Blackhawks have won six of their last eight visits to Rexall Place.
3. Edmonton is riding a five-game point streak (4-0-1) against Chicago.
PREDICTION: Blackhawks 5, Oilers 2