The Morning After: Blackhawks Clinch Division

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Apr 5, 2010 3:00PM

The Blackhawks had won their first division title since 1993 before the puck even dropped in their game against Calgary yesterday afternoon. That was thanks to a Detroit loss but the 'Hawks went out and won 4-1 over the Flames anyway, putting a celebratory cap to their division-winning weekend. The 'Hawks jumped on top early with a Tomas Kopecky goal less than three minutes into the game. Troy Brouwer added to that in the first period's final minute to put the 'Hawks up 2-0 at the first intermission. Patrick Kane scored late in the second to put the 'Hawks up 3-0 before the Flames scored their only goal of the game. A late third period goal by Dustin Byfuglien was icing on the cake for the Central Division Champion Blackhawks. Antti Niemi had another great game in goal, saving 25 of 26 shots he faced. The 'Hawks have won three in a row and have four games left to catch up to San Jose for first place in the Western Conference. Next up is a trip to Dallas tomorrow night (7:30 p.m., CSN).