The Morning After: Blackhawks Advance
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Apr 27, 2010 3:00PM
Blackhawks Hold Off Predators, Advance To Semis
It was a bit harder than some thought it would be, but the Blackhawks finally shut down the pesky Predators, defeating them 5-3 last night and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals. Duncan Keith and the Patrick's (Kane and Sharp) all scored in the game's first 12 minutes to give the 'Hawks what seemed like a commanding 3-1 lead. But the Predators clawed their way back thanks to a pair of Jason Arnott goals. 'Hawks captain Jonathan Toews closed out the crazy first period with the period's seventh (and what would prove to be the winning) goal. The Blackhawks then had 10 minutes of power plays in the second period and managed to hold the Predators to only four shots in that same period, but couldn't capitalize on the opportunities. Still, the team held tough and John Madden put in the empty netter with just over seven seconds remaining to ice the game and the series. Antti Niemi had 25 saves for the win in goal. Next up for the Blackhawks? A rematch with a revenge-minded Vancouver Canucks who the 'Hawks knocked out of the playoffs last year. Times and dates for the series have yet to be announced, but it's expected to kick off Friday evening at the United Center. The teams split their season series 2-2.
Cubs Walk It Off Over Nats
Leave it to a team that has a thing for leaving men stranded in scoring position to win a game on a walk-off walk in extra innings. But a win is a win and the Cubs are now back at .500 thanks to last night's 4-3 win over Washington. The Cubs actually had two bases loaded walks in the game, the first coming in a two-run second inning. Carlos Silva pitched an alright seven innings, allowing all three runs, and Carlos Zambrano came out of the 'pen in another relief appearance, pitching a solid 1.2 innings. Ultimately, Carlos Marmol was credited with the win. The Cubs have now won four straight and five of their last six. They try to keep the winning on track tonight when they once again take on the Nats (7:05 p.m., WCIU).