The Morning After: Blackhawks, Bulls Pummeled

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 26, 2010 3:00PM

Columbus Pummels Blackhawks
While the Blackhawks officially clinched a playoff spot last night, there wasn't much to celebrate after the team was throttled 8-3 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 'Hawks found themselves down 2-0 at the first intermission but a Kris Vertseeg goal put them back in it at 2-1. Things would quickly slide downhill from there, however. The Blue Jackets unleashed a barrage, scoring six straight goals, four through the end of the second period and two to start the third. When the 'Hawks put through goals - a Kopecky power play goal and Burrish's first goal of the season - it was far too little, far too late. Cristobal Huet had a rough night in net, allowing seven of the Blue Jackets' goals; Antti Niemi allowed one goal in less than six minutes on ice. The 'Hawks, now a point behind San Jose for the top spot in the West, will seek revenge when Columbus comes to the United Center Sunday evening (6 p.m., WGN).

Heat Thump Bulls
The Bulls absolutely floundered on the way to a 103-74 thumping at the hands of the Miami Heat. The Bulls shot just 33 percent from the floor and the leading scorer was Hakim Warrick who scored 14 points off the bench. The Bulls found themselves down 63-33 at the half and the horrendous outing continued into the second half. Their 25 points in the fourth followed quarter totals of 19, 14, and 16. Coach Vinny was understating the case when he said after the game, "We didn't have enough fight in us tonight." The Bulls remain 2.5 games out of the playoff picture with 11 games left, but it's probably all for the best that this season just end as soon as possible so the team can focus on rebuilding and landing a major free agent. The Bulls host the Nets on Saturday in a battle of futility (7 p.m., WGN).

Spring Training
The Cubs eased past the Diamondbacks 7-2 while the Sox fell to the Padres 5-3. Get excited: we're just 10 days away from Opening Day.