Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 28, 2009 4:00PM

King Kane Pushes 'Hawks Past Predators
Patrick Kane played the hero last night as he netted a last-minute goal that propelled the 'Hawks past the Nashville Predators 5-4 in their final meeting of the regular season. The goal capped off an incredible third period that saw the teams combine for six goals. Nashville got an early lead in the opening minutes before Kane answered with a goal a few minutes later to tie the game up at 1-1. The Predators got a second period goal to take a 2-1 lead into the final period when all Hell broke loose. John Madden scored the next two goals, about six minutes apart, to put the 'Hawks up 3-2 and a minute after his second goal, Brian Campbell scored on a power play to give the 'Hawks a two-goal lead. But the Predators got back into the game, scoring the next two goals. Kane, though, came through scoring amongst a flurry of shots in front of the Nashville goal in the final minute (video below). Antti Niemi recorded 16 saves overall in the game and earned the win. And yes, that wasn't a typo earlier: even though we're not even halfway through the season, the Predators and 'Hawks - division foes - will not meet again for the rest of the 2009-2010 season. Nice move, schedule-makers. For the record, the 'Hawks took the season series 4-2. The 'Hawks are back on the road for a game in Dallas on Tuesday (7 p.m., VS).

Flames Doused By Badgers
The UIC Flames fell behind early and only fell further behind as the game went on and the Wisconsin Badgers sprinted to a 79-43 victory. Robo Kreps led UIC with 13 points and two other starters hit double-figures, but the UIC bench only scored 6 points as the Badgers clamped down.