10:15 P.M. -- SECOND PERIOD ANALYSIS: Well, the intensity sure kicked up a notch didn't it? Another crazy period at the place they call the Madhouse on Madison, with three goals all coming in a short time frame and Chicago holds a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes. Artem Anisimov celebrated his return to the lineup with a sweet wrister to give the Blue Jackets a 2-1 lead midway through the frame, but the Blackhawks stormed back with goals from Patrick Sharp and Bryan Bickell to lead for the first time tonight. There are plenty of scoring chances available tonight, now it's up to the Blue Jackets' offense to bury a few of them in the third period.

9:15 P.M. -- FIRST PERIOD ANALYSIS: Quite a fast-paced, back-and-forth period to start things off at the United Center.  The Blue Jackets and Blackhawks are roaring up and down the rink and it's been pretty entertaining, with only one power play per side in the first 20 minutes. Vinny Prospal opened the scoring for Columbus just 31 seconds into the game, and the Blue Jackets had the better of the play until the midway point when the Blackhawks started to get some life. Viktor Stalberg tied things up with his 367th goal against the Blue Jackets (I'm kidding, of course) late in the frame and that's where we stand. Dalton Prout arrived in Chicago, got to the rink and dressed in time for the last six minutes of the first and they'll look to work him into the defense pairing rotations as the game moves along.

3:45 P.M. -- Mark Letestu is slated to play center between Vinny Prospal and Derek Dorsett for tonight's game in Chicago. Check out his interview with Bob McElligott from this morning's skate: