And just like that, the Red Wings are no longer a division rival (unless there’s a playoff matchup… which would be a pretty awesome send off). Sadly, this game didn’t quite have the energy of the March 3rd back and forth playoff-like battle.. and it wasn’t the pantsing that we say last time they met. But it’s another win. And it clinches the division. And that’ll do.
Also, I really like this game picture because it looks like they’re playing with a huge novelty sized puck.
Patrick Sharp is a happy man: Daily Herald
Daniel Carcillo is not: Comcast Chicago
I really hate both of these men, even if this happened: Puck Daddy
Edmonton’s new barn has been approved: CBC
Not your familiar Frozen Four: Globe and Mail
Realignment Chatter: Cheer the Anthem
So Sharp will travel to Minny, but Bolland won’t (CSN)
PowerPlay Spark? (Chicago Tribune)
Big Goals: (Daily Herald)
The Message from the most powerful man in Canada: (TSN)
Brooklyn is calling: (Backhand Shelf)
Thanks for the clarification: (Kukla)
This is a good sign: (CBC)
Well that wasn’t exactly what we expected, was it? Even in our preview of the game, we imagined that the Predators would come out hard to try and fight for their playoff dreams and the Hawks would have to fight them off desperately in the first. If the Hawks survived that barrage, they would have to make sure they drew first blood and then held on tight to survive the third, where all too often they seem to take their foot off the gas.
Instead, the Predators came out weak in the first and were thoroughly outplayed by the Hawks. The Hawks outshot the Preds 17-7 in the period but of course one sloppy pass led to a turnover and a tie game after one. The second was more of the same, as the Hawks outshot the Preds and carried the play but again found themselves in an even game after 40. The third seemed to be heading down a familiar road before Saad and Toews found the net to take the win. Patrick Kane adds to his point total to ice it and the Blackhawks find themselves the first team to secure a spot in the post-season for the year. Not a bad way to end the week.
Kirill Gotovets? (Chicago Tribune)
Is Stan wary of trading prospects? (Daily Herald)
Basically Leddy is gonna get paid: (Comcast)
Remember this team…I sure do! (HockeeNight)
Happy Deadline Day: (Sportsnet.Ca)
Guys that were good in NHL 2003 got traded: (Backhand Shelf)(CBC)(Province)
I don’t care the circumstance I hate losing: (Toronto Sun)
Blackhawks dominate for 40 minutes. Corey Crawford’s Hungry, Hungry Hippo routine in the third period wakes up Predators. Blackhawks win in shootout. That’s pretty much the recap. Now on to the important thoughts.
at 
Game Time: 7:30PM Central
TV/Radio: CSN, NHLN (US), WGN-AM 720
Dawn of the Dead: Anaheim Calling, Battle of California
Since the last time these two teams met, both teams have managed to go a combined 1-5 with Anaheim carrying a four game losing streak into the United Center. The Ducks lost both back-to-back sets with the Red Wings and Sharks, respectively, looking pretty awful in the process.
So that’s over: (TSN)
Iggy: A Morality Play: (Cheer The Anthem)
Defense creating offense: (CSN)
Except when they miss assignments: (Backhand Shelf)
Adding Iggy wasn’t the most pressing concern: (Daily Herald)
Sorry Phoenix: (PuckDaddy)
Beat Raps:(NHL.COM)(COMCAST_AUTOPLAY)(Chi Trib)(Daily Herald)(ESPN CHI)(LATimes_AP)(FOX 32 WFLD)
Gangsta Raps:(HockeeNight)
Unbelievable Experience:(Daily Herald)
Verdi on Maggie: (Blackhawks.Com)
30 Thoughts:(CBC)
Wow, Just Wow: (PuckDaddy)
Intangibles will cost you: (Backhand Shelf)
Hockey Scariest Man: (ESPN)
More NHL 94 Fun:(PUCKDADDY)
vs. 
FACEOFF: 7pm Central
TV/RADIO: NBCSN, WGN Radio 720
WHY DID I MOVE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?: The Royal Half, Surly and Scribe, Jewels From The Crown
After two weeks, four games, and maybe slightly more teeth-gnashing than there should have been, the Hawks return home to start the sprint to the finish of the season. It begins with the third home back-to-back of the year, kicking off with a visit from the champs, the Los Angeles Kings.
