Chicago Blackhawks: 4 Ways to Finish Strong in the Final Four Games

The Chicago Blackhawks showed that they are still capable of changing their playoff position even as the sands on the 201-12 season run out. With just over a week of action remaining, Chicago has a final four games in which to build momentum for postseason play.

The 'Hawks have not locked anything up by any means, though Thursday's 4-3 shootout win over the Blues was an important step. Despite giving up a two-goal lead in the final ten minutes, Chicago bested the Western Conference leaders for the fourth time in six meetings this season and kept their points lead over the three teams trailing them.

Phoenix sits six points behind the Blackhawks with four games to play. Los Angeles and San Jose are each another point back. It's not a sure thing yet, but right now Chicago has opened a gap on the teams below them and are within striking distance of the teams above them in the standings.

As Chicago prepares to close out the season, here are four keys to the 'Hawks finishing the regular season on a high note.

1. Win the Head to Head Matchups in Nashville and Detroit

If Chicago has any designs on moving up the Western Conference ladder, they will have to score wins in these two road tilts that bookend the last four games.

The 'Hawks trail the Predators by a single point and the Red Wings by two, though both Central Division rivals have a game in hand on Chicago. The Blackhawks would likely need to win out and hope for a little help to vault both teams and grab home ice in the first round.

To have any chance of moving up, both these games have to be regulation wins.

Saturday's game in Nashville would be nice to take in that it would show that Chicago is capable of playing well against the Predators. They are 1-4 against Nashville this season and have been outscored 21-11 in those five contests.

The 'Hawks fell short in Detroit last year in the last game of the regular season. Will next Saturday's game be different? More important, will it factor in Chicago needing help to reach the playoffs as it did a year ago?

2. Keep Sharpie and the Swedes Together

The line of Marcus Kruger, Viktor Stalberg and Patrick Sharp has resulted in a bevy of activity on the offensive end lately.

Kruger is playing a heady game and getting to the net. Stalberg's speed is creating frequent scoring opportunities and with Sharp to finish some of these chances, they were the game's most dominant line Thursday night.

Returning forwards (ie. Jonathan Toews) might ultimately change the look of the top-six. For now, however, Joel Quenneville needs to keep this line together on the ice.

3. Make Somebody, Anybody, Pay for Infractions

When your man-advantage unit has cause to celebrate a shot on goal, it's pretty sad.

The 'Hawks could only muster a single shot on Jaroslav Halak following a first period high-stick by Kent Huskins. However, it was their first such shot on goal for Chicago's 5-on-4 squad in their last eight attempts.

The Blackhawks have been more effective killing penalties of late and kept the Blues out of the net while shorthanded for four minutes Thursday.  However, they must find some semblance of a power play.

4. Take Advantage of Some Returning Players

The Blackhawks get Duncan Keith back for their final two games next week, and Jonathan Toews seems to be approaching a return date. Both the return of a rested Keith and a healthy Toews (though as I wrote yesterday, the 'Hawks should proceed with caution) would be welcome additions to the lineup.

It would also be nice to get a bit healthier on the defensive end before the playoffs start. Steve Montador looks to be out indefinitely, but Sami Lepisto has been skating and cold be ready to provide some depth before season's end.

After missing several players with concussions these last few months, a healthy Blackhawks squad couldn't hurt as the regular season comes to a close.