The Blackhawks know they were lucky to sneak into the NHL's 24-team postseason, which kicks off Saturday. They were No. 12 in the Western Conference at the time of the NHL pause on March 12.
They also know that with their opponent, the No. 5 Oilers — who will be playing on their home turf at Edmonton's Rogers Place Arena — the Hawks will face elite skill and speed from the Oilers' top-six forward group. Leon Draisaitl led the league in points (110) at the time of the pause and Connor McDavid was right behind him (97).
The Blackhawks' best-of-five qualifying round series with the Oilers begins on Saturday at 2 p.