Monday, April 5, 2010

Blackhawks Douse Flames and Clinch Central Division Title

Blackhawks Douse Flames anded Clinch Central Division Title
Photo property of Blackhawks.com


The Blackhawks clinched the central division title after a 4-1 victory over the Calagary Flames Sunday night. The last time the Chicago Blackhawks were called "Central Division Champions" the average gas price per gallon was $1.07. Surprisingly, the "Central Division Champs" haven't been playing their best hockey as of late, but teamed up to doused the Flames 3-game win streak with a 3-game win streak of their own Sunday at the United Center. 

Niemi got his 5th consecutive start against the Flames yesterday, and coach Quenneville said in the post game interview "He's (Niemi) likely to be going again on Tuesday." Though coach Quenneville has not and probably will not any time soon say who the definitive starter for Chicago will be in the playoffs, everyone can basically assume it will be Antti Niemi. Niemi iced the Flames Sunday making 25 saves with almost half of them as a true scoring "chance" for Calgary.

The Calgary Flames were on a 3-game win streak as they fight for the last seed in the playoffs and weren't ready to go down easy. Within 15 seconds of the 1st period Niemi had other plans for the Flames as he stoned a 1 on 1 breakaway opportunity for the Flames. Niemi who has only allowed 2 goals in the last 2 games wasn't the only Hawk fired up for some change in momentum as many Hawk players were finally firing on all cylinders.

Quenneville described Kane as a "Weapon and a threat" as Kane snapped his miniature slump as of late with an assist in the 1st period and a quick wrister past Kiprusoff in the 2nd. It was Kane's 29th goal of the season and his 19th multi-point game. Niemi even got credit for an assist on Kane's goal as Kane brought it up from their own zone. Patrick Kane said in the post-game interview, ""I think the whole team is playing well, and it's exciting," speaking on the behalf of Chicago, it is more than exciting, it's a relief!

The Defense stepped their play up during this 3-game win streak by showing some great net minding Sunday as they hammered out some recent issues. The defense was doing a great job attacking the puck earlier around the red & blue line causing multiple Flames off-side calls, turnovers, and ill-advised passes.  One player that stood out to me during the game was Niklas Hjalmarsson. Hjalmarsson had the 3rd most total time on ice Sunday against the Flames and he made every minute count. Niklas was an absolute puck magnet in the first as he blocked multiple passes and shots by sacrificing his body as he sprawled out on the ice multiple times.

On the offensive side of the puck, we saw a definite improvement as the Hawk's shot down the Flames confidence as the Hawk's made scoring 4 goals look easy. Kopecky finally got to hear the roar of the United Center as he scored his first goal of the season while at home last night. Troy Brouwer than did what everyone was looking for the Hawk's to do more of, he scored off a 2nd opportunity and showed an improvement on net minding while on offense. Kane, then took charge as a leader for the Hawks and brought the puck out of their own zone, past the Flames offensive players, then their defense, and finally Kiprusoff and drilled a quick wrist shot. Lastly, the Hawk's showed some better passing skills as some precise passsing by Toews and Hossa led to a Byfuglien goal late in the 3rd.

It is a great feeling to start to win games again and take home the Central Division title for some pure motivation before the beginning of the playoffs and I hope it keeps getting better. While looking towards the next 4 games during the regular season Kane expressed his excitement for "The Chance to win the conference and gain home ice advantage." I share the same excitement because let's face it the Hawk's play twice as good with Chicago cheering them on at the United Center. I would too if I had 20,000+ fans screaming "Let's go Hawks!" The Hawk's travel to Dallas tomorrow to face the Stars who will watch the playoffs from home this year. The Hawk's who are only 2 points behind the San Jose Sharks who have been struggling as of late as well have a real good opportunity to take home those 2 points tomorrow. So put on your favorite Blackhawk's jersey, grab a Miller Lite, and join in the chorus; "Let's Go Hawks!"

I'm ChiN8 and I want to thank you for your interest in Windy City Sportz, make sure to log-in to your Google account and follow our blog.

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