With a solid 44-19-6 record, the Chicago Blackhawks are leading the Central Division and currently sit second in the NHL Western Conference standings. In order to stay within the top four playoff spots, the Blackhawks really need to finish strong down the stretch.

The San Jose Sharks, the number one team for Stanley Cup betting in the Western Conference, are better at home than on the road, for the Blackhawks this difference is even more demonstrative. The Blackhawks have been much weaker on the road, putting up an 18-12-3 record thus far on the season but they have been nearly unbeatable at home, posting a 26-7-3 record.

The Blackhawks have no secret to success. On the offensive and defensive ends of the ice, they simply outwork their opponents. They have been able to cash in 224 goals on the offensive end and have given up a mere 174 goals this season and.

They have been solid defensively against the power play, only allowing conversion at a rate of 15.8 percent of the time but they have not been fantastic offensively on the power play, converting 19.5 percent of the time.

Their ability to capitalize on the power play and to use that advantage to start scoring some goals will be the key to their success down the stretch and in the playoffs. Right Wing Patrick Kane (26 goals and 51 assists) has been leading the team in scoring and assists and he has been a one man show for the Blackhawks. They’ll need him to continue to be dominant in order for this team to move up to the Sharks for the number one seed.

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