There are other ways for the Blackhawks to clinch their first Playoff birth since the 2001-2002 season, but the preferred formula will be to secure a win tonight at home against Nashville. As with every Central Division team this year the Hawks have struggled versus the Predators.
Nashville can not afford to lose any points as they are currently sitting in 9th place in the Western Conference one point behind the Blues. The Hawks have a losing record versus the Preds for this season but are an impressive 4-0-1 in the last five games played between the two at the United Center.
The Hawks will have to match the intensity shown in Wednesday’s strong performance against the Blues.
Khabibulin will be in goal and has performed well recently while facing Nashville. Khabby has a 1.47 GAA in his last four starts against the Preds. Regardless of the many key injuries Nashville will be saddled with tonight the Hawks can’t take them lightly.
Currently, Chicago sits in 5th place in the Western Conference just one point behind 4th seed Vancouver who is tied with Calgary with 94 points. After tonight the Hawks and Canucks will have both completed 77 games.
Tonight’s contest is a must win for the Hawks if they want to be successful in their mission to finish with a 4th seed for the Playoffs.
Despite their injury woes the Preds have won three out of their last four games led by the strong goal keeping from the talented Pekka Rinne. The youngster has recently recorded victories while facing the Sharks and the Wings.
The UC crowd will be sky high for this one and the Hawks must keep their emotions in check. Needless penalties are a great equalizer and have to be avoided.
The Hawks ineffective power play was the only flaw in their last win and this evening would be the time to improve in that area.
After tonight the Hawks will face two tough road games in Columbus and Nashville. This home ice opportunity can not be squandered.
Al’s Shots
For many Chicago fans if feels like much longer than seven years since the Hawks qualified for the Playoffs.
Tonight is Jonathan Toews Bobblehead night and it is time for a rare contest to celebrate.
In 50 words or less describe your greatest Hawk memory and be eligible to win a Toews Bobblehead Doll.
I will pick the winner and ship the prize to the lucky Hawk fan.
Send your entry to
[email protected] by Sunday April 5th .
I will announce the winner on Monday…please remember 50 words or less.
With the injuries to Brouwer and Bolland Coach Q. will continue to juggle line combinations. Even if they were healthy he probably would be doing some tweaking to get set for the Playoffs.
Last game it didn’t matter who was on the ice as the intensity was apparent from all.
A strong follow up performance by Byfuglien and Pahlsson is needed. Top efforts from both will be helpful for a successful Playoff run.
The concourse area at the UC should be jammed all night long as former Hawk great Denis Savard will be signing autographs.
Akim Aliu was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs as his season in Juniors has ended.
Aliu played a couple of games for the Hogs last season and maybe this time he will gain some Playoff experience there.
Aliu will not be playing for the Hawks this season.
Al……
[email protected] 
Join the Discussion:
»