W2W4: Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues, Game 7

4:07 PM ET

ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Blues forward Paul Stastny rattled off a few things about what makes a Game 7 so special. It’s a chance to leave everything out on the ice. It’s an opportunity to enjoy what could be a special moment in his and the careers of both the Chicago Blackhawks and Blues.

He realized it was all a bit cliche but this is what you play for.

“You don’t want to regret anything,” Stastny said.

Only one team will leave Monday night’s Game 7 between the Blachawks and Blues with regrets. Here’s what to watch for as these two Central Division powers settle what has been a great series. Puck drop is 8:30 p.m. ET.

Usually in a Game 7, the team that scores first has a distinct advantage but it hasn’t necessarily played out that way in this series. When the Blues come out with a strong first period, the Blackhawks have always responded in kind during the second. Chicago scored first in Game 6 and then watched as the Blues opened up a 3-1 lead.

“It’d be nice to have the lead, but every game has been different, and it’s been a little bit unpredictable in that regard,” said Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville.

Plus, the scoring in this series has increased with each game. It took an overtime goal by the Blues’ David Backes to open the scoring in Game 1. Last game, there were nine goals scored in all as this series has opened up offensively.

“They’ve …

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