The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Chicago Blackhawks with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

The Pittsburgh Penguins never would've guessed that game 81 against a lowly Chicago Blackhawks team would be so pivotal, but here we are. The Penguins continue to be in must-win territory with their two remaining regular season games, and they have a golden opportunity to propel themselves back into playoff contention with a win against the Blackhawks. Here's what to watch for in the final home game of the regular season. 

1. Mr. 1,500 is Needed Again

Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby became the 6th fastest player in NHL history to record 1,500 points in their win over the Detroit Red Wings. Crosby had an epic three point performance to achieve the benchmark, and it came at the perfect time for his victory-hungry squad. The Penguins need Crosby to keep up that MVP-level performance for the final two regular season games. 

2. Penguins Control Chicago

Despite the Penguins having the better team as of late, they haven't fared well against the Blackhawks during the Crosby-era. Recently, the Penguins have turned the tide, with a 3-0-1 record in their last four games against the Blackhawks. The Penguins are desperate to extend that point streak to five games, and it would be the first time the Penguins have done that well against Chicago since a span between 2007 and 2011. 

3. Penguins Defense Getting Surprise Lift

Does anyone want to guess which Penguins defensemen has the most points in the past five games? If you guessed Kris Letang, Jeff Petry, or P.O. Joseph you'd be logical, but incorrect. Instead, the Penguins are being led on the back end by Brian Dumoulin. He has five points over the last five games, and he's looked much improved from earlier this year. The Penguins need Dumoulin to have another stellar game on both ends of the ice in this can't-lost game. 

The Penguins and Blackhawks face-off at 7:30 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. 

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