Morning Box Score: Hawks Inch Closer to Clinching Playoff Spot

By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 7, 2011 3:00PM

For the first 28 minutes of last night's game against the Blues, the Blackhawks seemed content to continue backing into the playoffs as the Western Conference's eighth seed. Then the Blackhawks were gifted a goal, changing the momentum in a 4-3 overtime victory at the United Center.

Marian Hossa's goal 7:52 into the second period appeared to have been kicked and not cross the goal line. But the goal stood after ten minutes of video review by NHL officials in Toronto indicated Hossa kicked the puck into the goal post, then into the net with his stick. Hossa's goal led to goals by Tomas Kopecky and Nick Leddy. Corey Crawford allowed the tying goal past him in the third period, but Jonathan Toews scored the overtime winner on a low shot past Blues goalie Ty Conklin after receiving a nice pass from Duncan Keith.

The win allowed the Hawks to maintain a two point lead over Dallas for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Chicago can punch their playoff tickets with at least one win in their next two games against their arch rivals, the Detroit Red Wings.