Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Apr 6, 2009 3:00PM

Blackhawks Blank Blue Jackets
The Chicago Blackhawks earned a 1-0 OT victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, helping to fortify their fourth-place standing in the West. Goaltenders Steve Mason and Nikolai Khabibulin were both flawless during regulation with 22 and 19 saves respectively, but Kris Versteeg beat Mason on a breakaway late in the bonus period to put Chicago over the top. The shutout was Khabibulin's second of the season and came at an opportune time for the 'Hawks, who now sit three points ahead of fifth-place Vancouver. Chicago will close the season with a game at Nashville on Tuesday, a home rematch against Columbus Wednesday, and then a home-and-home series versus Detroit over the weekend.

Fire Stymie Red Bulls
The Chicago Fire overcame the weather and the New York Red Bulls on Sunday, winning by a score of 1-0. The deciding shot came at the 33' mark, when Marco Poppa deposited Wilman Conde's free kick off the post and into the net. In addition to the winter-like playing conditions, Chicago was challenged by the loss of John Thorrington, who received a red card 14 minutes in for an illegal take-down of New York's Macoumba Kandji. Thorrington must also sit during Chicago's next contest, which takes place in San Jose on Saturday.