Blackhawks Gear Up for Playoffs

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Apr 13, 2009 4:20PM

The Blackhawks closed out their regular season on a high note Sunday, shutting out the Detroit Red Wings 3-0. Now, it's playoff time. For the first time since 2002, the 'Hawks are among the 16 teams fighting for the Stanley Cup (just as we predicted).

The Fourth Seed in the Western Conference, the Blackhawks face the Calgary Flames in the opening round. With home ice advantage, Game 1 will take place Thursday evening at the United Center, with Game 2 on Saturday at the UC. Games 3 and 4 will be played in Calgary before the teams alternate any remaining necessary matches. Does a young, upstart Blackhawks team have what it takes to advance into the next round? ESPN's Scott Burnside believes they do. As for who the 'Hawks would face in the second round, the NHL reseeds teams based on who makes it through, so there's no reason to worry about that quite yet. Just douse the Flames, guys.