We are not fans of Chicago.

As St. Louis residents (or fans thereof), we are diametrically opposed to the Second City. We like our pizza thin, our water in rivers, our arches big and shiny and our baseball team World Series winners. So whenever the Blues and the Blackhawks get together, it's a spirited affair -- on the ice and usually in the crowd. Tonight, even more so for if the Blues get a win tonight, they will clinch the Central Division, their first since the 1999-2000 season. It's been a long time kids.

Think about this. Al MacInnis was still in his prime. Chris Pronger was just entering his. Y2K was still a thing, a big thing, that season. A lot has happened to this franchise in the years in between, much that I'd rather forget about at a moment like this tonight.

We usually put our bullets on parade after games. You get them pre-game tonight too.

Word over the Twitters is that Matt D'Agostini has been activated from injured reserve. More depth at forward is a good thing. More B.J. Crombeen time in the press box along with another guy like him (Chris Porter? Ryan Reaves?). Now if they can only get Andy McDonald back...

I wouldn't mind seeing Reaves out there. That Brandon Bollig might be looking to shift some momentum Chicago's way. I'd rather he push around the big kid instead of a David Backes or Barett Jackman.

Despite three back to back to back shutouts, Brian Elliott gets to watch this one from the bench at the United Center. Jerry Halak is well-rested and ready to go.

I think it's kind of poignant that Joel Quenneville was behind the Blues bench the last time they won the division. He'll be coaching in this game tonight, just for the other team. It's a sign, I tell you.

No Jonathan Toews tonight, but he's been cleared for contact, so I've heard. The Hawk showers are going to be getting frisky again. Allegedly.

That's it. That's what I know. The Blues could use some more banners to hang in the rafters. Hopefully tonight they'll earn one and then get read to earn some more in the coming weeks.

This is your game day thread. Comment like you're a seamstress getting ready to put a new blanket out there on display with a big bluenote on it.