The Boston Bruins are returning home after a four game road trip which saw them lose the first three games to the Ducks, the Kings and the Sharks. They did however defeat the Coyotes in Arizona Saturday, and I like their chances of slowing down one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now, the Chicago Blackhawks.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - The Blackhawks should be due for a loss after seven consecutive wins and coming to TD Garden is never an easy proposition. The Bruins have a decent record, particularly at home where they've picked up nine of their 15 wins and especially considering they've had their captain out for a prolonged period of time. The home team should have a psychological advantage as well despite losing the 2013 Stanly Cup final to the Blackhawks. The Bruins have won seven of the last 10 regular-season meetings, losing only one in regulation and shut out the Hawks in a 3-0 victory on March 27 the last time these two teams faced each-other.

2. Zdeno Chara - The 37 year old has been held outside the lineup with a torn posterior cruciate ligament since Oct 23, but is set to make a comeback tonight. Chara's sheer presence lifts teammates and put fear into opponents, and if any one man can stop a surging Blackhawks offense it's the Bruins captain.

3. X-Factor - Tuukka Rask is 9-3-1 with a 1.99 GAA at home for the season and have allowed only two goals over his last two games against Chicago.

Selection: This is a play on the Boston Bruins (8*)