Blues control own destiny in pursuit of playoff position

CHICAGO - For all the anguish caused by Wednesday's heart-breaking defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks - who scored with 8.5 seconds remaining in regulation to take a 4-3 win - the St. Louis Blues still remain very much alive in the quest to clinch a playoff berth for the seventh consecutive season.

Due to the Colorado Avalanche's 4-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night, Friday's rematch with the Blackhawks at United Center (7:30 p.m., FSMW, FSGO, KMOX) isn't even a must-win for the Blues.
Of course, a win over the Blackhawks would certainly help the cause.
Here are the possible scenarios in which the Blues could punch their ticket to the postseason:
1. The Blues win in regulation or overtime on Friday against Chicago and will need just one point on Saturday in Colorado to secure a playoff spot.
2. The Blues can win in a shootout Friday against Chicago and would clinch with a win Saturday in Colorado (regulation or overtime) OR a shootout loss in Colorado. In this scenario, the Blues CANNOT lose in overtime.
3. The Blues can lose in regulation, overtime or shootout on Friday in Chicago and still clinch with a win in any fashion on Saturday in Colorado.