“After what happened in Game 2, I’m sure tensions will be high ... As far as what to expect, I expect everything every night from the Blues. That is, a hard-fought game, a lot of bad blood and a lot of respect from both sides.”

No one has a better appreciation for the Scottrade treatment than Brandon Bollig. He grew up in St. Charles, blue blood running through his veins, ‘Hawks hatred inherited. He grew up to achieve a dream few St. Louis kids dare to dream. He made it to the NHL, a member of the original-six Blackhawks.

Bollig knows this feud from both sides now.

“Whenever I go back home in the offseason if someone happens to recognize me, they usually make sure to say, ‘Go Blues!’ in some way,” Bollig said, smiling. “But it’s all in good fun. I haven’t had any bad experiences yet, which is nice.

“But growing up a fan of the Blues, I know what that’s like and how passionate Blues fans are, and our fans are equally passionate. With some of the events that have taken place, who knows what the environment is going to be like? Obviously, their fans are pretty fired up about everything, so it should be a fun atmosphere.”