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The Chicago Blackhawks finally scored a power-play goal... wait scratch that... two power-play goals. Yes, it's a miracle on ice as they went on to clinch a playoff berth after defeating the Nashville Predators 5-4 in regulation.
The Hawks initially built a four goal lead until mid-way through the 2nd period where the Predators chipped away, eventually tying the game mid-way through the 3rd period 4-4. The Predators played meat and potatoes hockey once again and the Blackhawks paid dearly, especially Crawford, who had plenty of bodies in front of him for the last half of the game and had to deal with a dangling Radulov.
Thankfully enough, Andrew Shaw responded by sending a perfect feed cross-ice to a wide open Brent Seabrook to seal the game away in regulation and gave the Blackhawks their fourth straight playoff berth as Crawford shut the door the rest of the way.
The biggest story of this game has to be effectiveness of the power-play, which managed to go 2-for-6 in the game as well as pelting Pekka Rinne with eight shots. Lets face it, the power-play is not perfect and they had many failed opportunities but as I've said in the past, as long as the power-play can match the penalty-kill in production than we will win the game 5-on-5.
Of course, while we scored two power-play goals we also allowed two goals shorthanded. As long as it cancels each other out, this team can be as good as any when it comes to 5-on-5 hockey. Although a productive power-play is a nice hook to hang your hat on, as long as they can get the job done on either the PK or PP on any given night the rest will come through.
This has to be one of the more difficult games of the year to pick the Blackhawks three stars, because there were so many positives to take out of it despite blowing a four goal lead.
Niklas Hjalmarsson might have had one of his best games as a Blackhawk at both ends of the rink. Him and Seabrook took care of business at their own end while Hjalmarsson also sprung Patrick Kane with a beautiful "Hail Mary" pass which he was able to tuck past Rinne.
Viktor Stalberg is another one that is worthy of honorable mention after dominating with his speed once again and finishing a puck from behind the goal line. The line of Stalberg, Kruger, and Sharp continue to build on their hot streak and combined for 3 points on the night.
As far as Dave Bolland, what more can you say about him? This is the time of year that the "rat" comes out for spring cleaning and oh boy is he finding all the cheese. Another goal tonight and 6 points in his last 8 games.
Despite all the success most of the team has had, I have to pick three. Who would you choose?
BLACKHAWKS THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. Patrick Kane
2. Brent Seabrook
3. Andrew Shaw
Click here to view the article
The Hawks initially built a four goal lead until mid-way through the 2nd period where the Predators chipped away, eventually tying the game mid-way through the 3rd period 4-4. The Predators played meat and potatoes hockey once again and the Blackhawks paid dearly, especially Crawford, who had plenty of bodies in front of him for the last half of the game and had to deal with a dangling Radulov.
Thankfully enough, Andrew Shaw responded by sending a perfect feed cross-ice to a wide open Brent Seabrook to seal the game away in regulation and gave the Blackhawks their fourth straight playoff berth as Crawford shut the door the rest of the way.
The biggest story of this game has to be effectiveness of the power-play, which managed to go 2-for-6 in the game as well as pelting Pekka Rinne with eight shots. Lets face it, the power-play is not perfect and they had many failed opportunities but as I've said in the past, as long as the power-play can match the penalty-kill in production than we will win the game 5-on-5.
Of course, while we scored two power-play goals we also allowed two goals shorthanded. As long as it cancels each other out, this team can be as good as any when it comes to 5-on-5 hockey. Although a productive power-play is a nice hook to hang your hat on, as long as they can get the job done on either the PK or PP on any given night the rest will come through.
This has to be one of the more difficult games of the year to pick the Blackhawks three stars, because there were so many positives to take out of it despite blowing a four goal lead.
Niklas Hjalmarsson might have had one of his best games as a Blackhawk at both ends of the rink. Him and Seabrook took care of business at their own end while Hjalmarsson also sprung Patrick Kane with a beautiful "Hail Mary" pass which he was able to tuck past Rinne.
Viktor Stalberg is another one that is worthy of honorable mention after dominating with his speed once again and finishing a puck from behind the goal line. The line of Stalberg, Kruger, and Sharp continue to build on their hot streak and combined for 3 points on the night.
As far as Dave Bolland, what more can you say about him? This is the time of year that the "rat" comes out for spring cleaning and oh boy is he finding all the cheese. Another goal tonight and 6 points in his last 8 games.
Despite all the success most of the team has had, I have to pick three. Who would you choose?
BLACKHAWKS THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. Patrick Kane
2. Brent Seabrook
3. Andrew Shaw
Click here to view the article
