The Blackhawks End The Flames Season With A 3-1 Victory

Apr 26, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(19) celebrates scoring a goal with left wing

(20) during the first period against the Calgary Flames at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Calgary Flames only had 60 minutes of hockey left in between them and summer vacation and for all but a brief moment they played like they were already somewhere else.  The Hawks jumped on the Flames in the first period then held on for a 3-1 victory.

Patrick Kane kicked off the scoring with his 23rd of the season after Patrick Sharp missed at least two open nets.  When Sharp gets his sniper shot in tune it seems like he will be able to score goals in bunches with all the chances he’s getting right now.  Jonathan Toews tapped in a Brandon Saad shot for his 23rd goal of the year minutes later and the apparent route was on at the United Center.

The second period was not the goal fest that it could have been when it seemed like the Hawks could easily have scored a couple of goals but were held off the scoresheet.  The Hawks powerplay had some opportunities but were unable to cash in and of course this unit also gave the only puck to get pass Crawford when Chris Butler blasted one in from the point to cut the lead to 2-1, but that was as close as the Flames would get with Crawford stopping everything else he saw tonight.

The third period had lots of fans looking ahead to the playoffs and some playoff type atmosphere.  The only goal of the period came off a Flames turnover when Marcus Kruger one timed it right to the back of the net.  Brandon Bollig had a chance at an open net but Bollig was just being Bollig and missed his chance at his first goal of the season. The horn sounded and the Hawks improved to 36-6-5 and are now 26-1-2 when scoring first this season.

The Michal Handzus, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp line looked pretty solid so I don’t see coach Q getting away from it when the playoffs start.

The last game of the season is tomorrow and it will be interesting how many IceHogs take the ice with a Blackhawks jersey on tomorrow in St Louis.

Another win with one game left in between the Hawks and the Stanley Cup playoffs. For more Blackhawks coverage follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up or friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.