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The St. Louis Blues have clinched a playoff spot in the NHL's Western Conference bracket, but they still have work to do as they only lead the Vancouver Canucks by two points at the moment. Then again, the Blackhawks will have much more at stake when they host the Blues on Thursday night. Chicago has yet to secure a playoff spot, but are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games and still boast a very respectable 26-8-5 record at the United Center.
St. Louis goaltender Brian Elliott has been spectacular this season, and he leads the NHL in goals allowed average (1.48), save percentage (94.3 percent) and shutouts (9), but Elliott is expected to sit against the Hawks. That doesn't make things much easier for Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane and company, however. Jaroslav Halak has been nearly as good.
Game Time, Date: 7:30 p.m. CT, March 29, 2012
Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
TV: CSN-Chicago (HD)
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