Blackhawks Officially In The Playoffs, Wings Living Dangerously

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In news that will surprise nobody, there'll be no extended summer holiday period for the Chicago Blackhawks, their 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators at the United Centre last night sealed the first playoff spot for the Western. Goals by Toews, Saad, Shaw, Bickell and Kane did the job for the Hawks. Although Legwand, Spaling and Weber all netted for the Preds, they continued Nashville's season-long tradition of losing to Chicago.

Nashville are sat 13th in the conference and while mathematically they have a chance of a playoff spot, it would take a huge stroke of luck to be in with a chance of reaching the cup.

At the other end of the conference, the Detroit Red Wings made life more difficult by losing 1-0 to St. Louis Blues at the Joe Louis. Blues Chris Porter scored the only goal in what was a very tight game. The Wings' offense out-shot the Blues but were unable to find the back of the net. Goalies Brian Elliot and Jimmy Howard took the 1st and 2nd stars respectively.

The Blues' win takes the team up to 7th on the conference trading places with the Wings whose 3 point cushion is now the difference between the playoffs and an extended training period.



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