Hockey News: Blackhawks, Flames Advance

It doesn’t seem to matter the opponent; the Chicago Blackhawks will just continue to make their mark on the NHL.

After falling behind to the Nashville Predators 2-0 and 3-1 in the first period, the Blackhawks just kept on pressing and, with the help of a Duncan Keith goal at 16:12 of the third period, they skated away with a 4-3 victory in Game 6. It came after a goalie change that saw Scott Darling exit after allowing three goals on 12 shots. Corey Crawford mopped up the mess and stopped all 13 shots he faced, cementing his name as the Chicago starter once again.

Corey Crawford reclaimed the Blackhawks crease - Photo Credit:  Andy Martin Jr
Corey Crawford reclaimed the Blackhawks crease – Photo Credit: Andy Martin Jr

It should be of no surprise to hockey fans or NHL media that the Blackhawks advanced to the second round. This is a team who can only be defeated by the Los Angeles Kings in the postseason. Without the southern California team in the playoffs, the Hawks will continue to win.

They await the winner of the St. Louis Blues – Minnesota Wild series, which could end today with a Wild win. The Blackhawks will surely not be threatened in Game 1 of the second round as they are always the team to beat this time of year.

Here is the rest of your hockey news for April 26.

The Flames and Blackhawks both advanced, but with different mindsets. [SB Nation]

James Neal scored a nifty goal to open the scoring in Game 6. [The Score]

Experience was the difference maker in the Predators-Blackhawks series. [HockeyBuzz]

The Flames advanced past the Canucks last night. [TSN.ca]

(Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)
(Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

Matt Stajan was mic’d up for the series-clinching goal. [Hockey Feed]

Petr Mrazek shut out the Lightning to give the Red Wings a 3-2 series advantage. [Globe & Mail]

The Islanders forced a Game 7 with the Capitals. [Puck Daddy]

There is a lot of uncertainty in the Penguins’ future. [Today’s Slapshot]

The New York NBC affiliate had quite the blunder in their Islanders coverage. [Deadspin]