Blackhawks vs. Blues Game 7: Preview, Prediction for NHL Playoff Series Finale

There is nothing in sports more appealing than a Game 7, and for NHL fans the most brilliant early series of the playoffs will deliver a climax game on Monday. The St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks were not supposed to be here, as the early days of this series featured an explosive Blues team and brilliant goaltending from Brian Elliott. Chicago was down early in Game 6, but five unanswered goals in the second and third periods put things to rest and set up another historic game between these two rivals.

Game 7 will take place Monday night at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis at 8:30 p.m. ET, with the winner likely to be a strong favorite to make the final four this spring. These two teams know each other well, playing in the same division and having met in 2014's playoffs, with Chicago winning the series in six games.

Chicago Blackhawks Storylines

Can the defense move the puck?

One of the major issues for Chicago this spring is the quality and depth of its blue line. Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarsson remain quality in all areas, but the rest of the group has substantial issues. Trevor van Riemsdyk has emerged as the best available option to join the three veterans and is playing over 24 minutes a night—a massive total that ranks him only No. 3 behind workhorse defenders Keith and Seabrook.

Are the best Blackhawks finally rolling?

Patrick Kane's brilliant overtime goal in Game 5 remains his only tally in the entire series, but he has been a consistent producer through six games. Some of his famous teammates were slow to get rolling, notably Marian Hossa, who has now posted four points in the last three games, and Jonathan Toews, who has three of his five points in the last two games.

St. Louis Blues Storylines

Are the Blues going to blow this?

St. Louis fans don't need to be reminded about the Blues' playoff history. The last Stanley Cup Finals appearance came in 1970, and despite having a strong regular season for five years running, the team will have little to show for those seasons if it loses Game 7 on Monday.

The Blues are a very good team, and the difference between the them and the Blackhawks is razor thin. That will come as small consolation to the organization and fans should the playoffs end in April again this year.

What is up between Ken Hitchcock and Vladimir Tarasenko?

Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz lead the Blues with three power-play points so far in this playoff series. Neither player is among the top four forwards in time on ice, and it appears there could be a rift in the locker room over it.

There are two things of great importance about this situation. Tarasenko showing up his coach will probably be a major point of discussion if St. Louis loses the series, and especially if Ken Hitchcock is replaced as coach. Second, and this is more important, if players are worried about things other than winning hockey games then it does not bode well for Game 7—or the future—in St. Louis. Fans and observers often overreact to these things, and a win on Monday probably puts the incident on the back burner.

Prediction

Blues 5, Blackhawks 3

All statistics via NHL.com.