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Blackhawks Relish Home-Ice Advantage

By Chris Emma--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Stanley Cup Final stands at a game apiece and is even in goals scored. So who has the advantage between the Blackhawks and Lightning?

With the series back at the United Center, the Blackhawks feel confident about Games 3 and 4.

"There's nothing like coming back home to play in front of our own fans," Chicago winger Patrick Kane said.

The Blackhawks took Game 1 in Tampa Bay, a 2-1 comeback victory, but fell in Game 2 on Saturday by a 4-3 score. Back home in Chicago, the Blackhawks are vying to protect their own ice. They stand 7-1 at the United Center during this postseason.

"We did a lot of good things that we can build upon going into our own building," Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said. "It's exciting to get back. (The Stanley Cup Final) is where we wanted to be all year."

The obvious advantage of playing at home comes from the crowd, but for coach Joel Quenneville, the ability to work with the last line change is critical, especially in a series that has become a chess match with the Lightning's Jon Cooper.

"The matchups, we'll see how it all plays out," Quenneville said.

Game 3 on Monday is set for puck drop just after 7 p.m. CT.

Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.

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