Among the NHL's most bitter rivalries, don't overlook the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks. And yet, they need each other.
Their cities are about 300 miles apart. Fans can get from Scottrade Center to United Center in less than six hours. They make that trip by car, bus, train and plane. They make it in force, wearing colors and making themselves known.
10 DAYS TO GO: Final games for Western contenders | Eastern contenders' schedules
There is no love lost between Blues and Blackhawks fans. There is little between the teams.
Both franchises can lock up berths in the Stanley Cup playoffs by winning on Thursday. Most likely, the Blues and Blackhawks will face each other in the first round.
Thursday, these teams will have a symbiotic relationship: The Blackhawks need to Blues to win.
Which team will hold home-ice advantage? Stay tuned.
Also Thursday, the New York Rangers can secure the Metropolitan Division title and a top-two berth in the Eastern Conference.
THEY WANT STANLEY: Long-suffering players in West | Compatriots in East
Here are the latest playoff scenarios.
— Blues (Thursday vs. Calgary Flames): At least one point against the Flames; or, if the Los Angeles Kings lose to the Edmonton Oilers in regulation.
— Blackhawks (Thursday vs. Vancouver Canucks): Victory; they cannot clinch if they lose in regulation. Or, one point against the Canucks and the Flames and Kings lose, or the Flames and Kings lose in regulation.
— Rangers (Thursday vs. Minnesota Wild): Clinch division title with a victory.
Playoff scenarios
First-round matches if the Stanley Cup playoffs were held today. The NHL regular season ends April 11. The playoffs begin April 15. (* - clinched playoff berth; first team listed holds home-ice advantage)
Eastern Conference
New York Rangers* vs. Boston Bruins (wild card)
Montreal Canadiens* vs. Washington Capitals (wild card)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings (2 vs. 3, Atlantic)
New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (2 vs. 3, Metropolitan)
Outside looking in: Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers
Western Conference
Anaheim Ducks* vs. Winnipeg Jets (wild card)
Nashville Predators* vs. Minnesota Wild (wild card)
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks (2 vs. 3, Central)
Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames (2 vs. 3, Pacific)
Outside looking in: Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks