The Chicago Blackhawks Fall 1 Point Short of Western Conference Title
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The United Center, left empty, only holding diminished hopes and expectations after the Blackhawks lost to the Detroit Red Wings in an OT fight between the longest standing rivals in the NHL. The Chicago Blackhawks headed into their last game of the season two points behind the San Jose Sharks and held the tie-breaker in hand. The only thing the Hawks needed to do in order to clinch home ice advantage throughout the playoffs was to beat their franchise long rivals the Detroit Red Wings last night at the United Center. The Hawks who had a 5-player scratch due to multiple injuries faced a healthy and red hot Red Wings who hold the best record since the Olympic break and ultimately proved too much for the Hawks losing 2-3 in overtime.
Hawks ended the season 29-8-4 at home and 23-14-4 while away combining for a total regular season record of 52-22-8. A very respectable finish, however, to the Hawks who went into a slump after the Olympic break going 5-9 before their last win streak of 6, they had a very reachable Western Conference Title and fell short. With only a six win difference between home & away records you may think that falling short of the Western Conference title isn't a huge downfall but the Hawks GF-GA marks quite a difference when comparing between home & away games. So everyone in a Blackhawks jersey was hoping not only for the momentum boost going into the playoffs but as well as that much needed home ice advantage.
The Hawks played a very well put together game against the Red Wings last night which showed Chicago we have nothing to worry about going into the 2010 post season even as a wounded Indian. Even though the Hawks had a 5-player scratch, the only players who the Hawks will truly be without during the playoffs will be Kim Johnsson who suffered a concussion in March and Brian Campbell who suffered a broken clavicle in March after a cheap shot by Ovichekin. Blackhawks reported yesterday that Brian Campbell has resumed skating for the first time yesterday since his injury and will probably be in the line-up for round 2 of the playoffs! The addition of Campbell back into the playoffs would be a huge addition to our wounded defense and allow Byfuglien to resume his normal position at forward.
The Hawks will face the Nashville Predators in Round 1 of the 2010 playoffs. Luckily for us, the Predators aren't known for their offense but rather their strong trap defense. It won't be a very exciting Round 1 as the Preds main focus will be stopping and tying the puck up trying to allow as little shots on goal as possible. With the Blackhawks having such an explosive, fast, and strong offense I believe the Hawks will be able to crack the line of the Preds and hopefully Niemi will be able to support the wounded defense with a consistent stand in goal. If Niemi can be who everyone in Chicago is hoping he can be, the Hawks will be able to stop the Preds weak offense as they are the only team in the Western Conference with a negative goals for-goals against difference. The Hawks outshot the Red Wings last night 29 to 21 and had 5x more shots on goal in the 2nd, where the Hawks have normally struggled. If the Hawks can keep up this trend and play a full 60-minute game the Hawks will fulfill the Stanley Cup appearance expectation they had at the beginning of the season.
Game 1 of the 2010 playoffs against the Nashville Predators will be Friday, April 16 at 7:30 CST. Game 1 will be held on home ice at the United Center in front of 20,000+ fans screaming for the Hawks. I'm projecting a game 1 win, as the Hawks will fight to ease Chicago's recent doubts of our strength going into the playoffs. So throw 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 you follow along with us during the game on WCS In-Game at; http://www.twitter.com/chitownchicity.
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