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Blackhawks One Game Away from Clinching Conference Leader

Written by: EricC on 10th April 2010

The Chicago Blackhawks are finishing up their season with a six game winning streak, with one game remaining. If they can pull out this final win, they will clinch the Conference; even if the San Jose Sharks lose their final game, the Hawks will clinch, regardless of their own outcome. If they do end up with this number one seed, they’ll be taking on the Colorado Avalanche, again, in the first round. If not, they will be facing either the Kings, Predators, or Red Wings.

Chicago started out the scoring with an opening goal from Colin Fraser in the sixth minute of the first period. A few minutes later, Jonathan Toews smashed in a Power Play goal, snagging his 25th goal of the season. Patrick Sharp made it a three goal lead for the Hawks in the seventh minute of the second period; he also put up his 25th goal of the season.

With a few minutes left in the second period, Colorado scored their first goal of the game, getting lucky off a shot that just bounced over Niemi’s shoulder. Halfway through the second period, the Avalanche put the pressure on, making it only a one goal lead for Chicago. Luckily, Fraser put in a second goal a little over a minute later; Fraser has put up four of his last six season goals in the previous three games. With under two minutes left in the game, Kris Versteeg put the game away with an Empty Netter.

Antti Niemi grabbed his 26th win, giving him and Cristobal Huet each 26 wins this season. Niemi had 30 saves against the Avalanche, only giving up two goals. Niemi has only given up 19 goals in the last 10 games, making it under two goals a game. He is currently ranked third in the NHL for lowest GAA.

The Hawks final Regular Season game will take place Tomorrow, April 11, at 2:00 P.M. CT. They take on their Rivals, the Detriot Red Wings, in Chicago. However, if the Coyotes can pull out the win over the Sharks tonight, the outcome of that game will be basically meaningless.