GDT #7: 10/25/14 | 7:00PM CST | v Blackhawks | FSMW/KMOX

[dmiles2186]

BLACKHAWKS (4-1-1) AT BLUES (2-3-1)

TV: FX-CA, WGN, FS-MW

Season series: This will be the first time the Central Division rivals have met since the Chicago Blackhawks ousted the St. Louis Blues from the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Western Conference First Round. That taxing series lasted six games and ratcheted up what already was an intense rivalry. The Blues won three of the five regular-season games last season, but the Blackhawks got a point in four of the games.

Blackhawks team scope: After appearing to break out of a scoring slump with a 4-0 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Oct. 21, the Blackhawks struggled Thursday in a 3-2 loss at the Nashville Predators. Despite outshooting Nashville 32-27, the fifth straight time Chicago has outshot its opponent, the Blackhawks lost in regulation for the first time.

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne had a great game, but the Blackhawks didn't get much sustained even-strength pressure until the third period, when they were down two goals.

The Blackhawks need to find the same kind of scoring depth they had en route to winning the Stanley Cup in 2010 and 2013, because without it they're struggling to score and playing their top forwards too much.

Blues team scope: St. Louis is having its own scoring issues, but it's not quite as surprising as the Blackhawks' struggle. The Blues are built around physical play, defense and goaltending, but they've lost two straight games, to the Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks, and were outscored by a combined 7-1 margin.

Adding a little sting to the 4-1 loss Thursday to the Canucks was the fact former Blues goalie Ryan Miller made 31 saves in the win.

There also is an illness sweeping through the locker room. All who were supposed to play suited up against Vancouver, but eight players didn't practice Friday.

Blues coach Ken Hitchcock told reporters a bacterial infection is to blame.

[JesusNEVERexisted]

What percent of Scottrade will be Hawks fans?

The Bears aren't doing too well which only increases attention on the Hawks.

[glen a richter]

JNE's favorite team wins 5-0.

Kane scores all 5.

[F Keenan]

What percent of Scottrade will be Hawks fans?

The Bears aren't doing too well which only increases attention on the Hawks.

[JesusNEVERexisted]

No chance it's so lopsided glen.

[cardsfan04]

I don't have a prediction on this game, but

(Frank) the blackhawks
(Frank) their fans
(Frank) Patrick Kane's cabbie beatin ass

I hate this team so (Franking) much. I was at game 2 against them and some douchenozzle started cheering the Backes injury. I hope he scores 5 tonight.

[cardsfan04]

No chance it's so lopsided glen.

Interesting that you take issue with the score prediction, but not being called a blackhawks fan.

[glen a richter]

No chance it's so lopsided glen.

Interesting that you take issue with the score prediction, but not being called a blackhawks fan.

Excellent observation

[ViPeRx007]

I'm looking forward to the Blues kicking some Hawk butt.

I'm also looking forward to the whiners around here saying nothing afterward.

[Toasted Oates]

As Ozzy once said, "No more tears."

Drink some OJ and spill their blood.

Per JR:
17-42-74
20-12-91
23-21-10
9-40-75

[ViPeRx007]

As Ozzy once said, "No more tears."

Drink some OJ and spill their blood.

Per JR:
17-42-74
20-12-91
23-21-10
9-40-75

I see the Ott experiment is over. That automatically improves us.

[Toasted Oates]

I see the Ott experiment is over. That automatically improves us.

Yes. If only it was over over.

[ComradeT]

This is how I expect Blues to react to anything Seabrook does tonight. ANYTHING.

[youtube][/youtube]

[JesusNEVERexisted]

No chance it's so lopsided glen.

Interesting that thing ake issue with the score preis iction, but not being called a blackhawks fan.

I already said I'm a fan of the GAME of ice hockey. It's the greatest game on earth like Gretzky said. Watching Lemieux undress opponents during his prime was the best! There are plenty of people all over the continent who were big fans of Lemieux and Gretzky even if they weren't from LA, Edmonton, or Pittsburgh.

I admire the skill and athleticism it takes to play so I admire good teams and good players. Of course I like the Blues too because I'm right here but there is NOTHING wrong with being a fan of the game of ice hockey itself!

[Portland Blues]

Watching on tv early on it sounds like more Hawks fans than Blues fans in the stands...

[glen a richter]

Well this is just a swell start to the game...

[Portland Blues]

Well this is just a swell start to the game...

Perhaps Groundhog Day might not working as pre-game locker room inspiration.

[Kerfuffle]

Well that was odd - we've seen the replay on our end like 10 times and still can't see where the 2nd goal even approached the line.

EDIT: Well we finally got to see a better replay at the start of the 3rd period and it did indeed go in. I feel better now - I just wanted the call to be right. If my team is gonna lose I want it to be fair and not some phantom goal.

[Portland Blues]

Well that was odd - we've seen the replay on our end like 10 times and still can't see where the 2nd goal even approached the line.

Panger's vague, giant light shadow didn't help you pinpoint the puck?

[Portland Blues]

Weak goal for Chicago...