Another Six-Point Night for the Hawks--and a Big 'W'!

CHICAGO, IL -- Where were these Hawks all of March?

Seriously, though, what a solid game. Arizona isn't a playoff team, but this might restore the confidence in the Blackhawks that was lost in the mess that was March. It's at least a step in the right direction.

The first period in of itself was eventful with two goals right off the bat from the top line--Panik just five minutes in and Toews thirteen minutes into the game. Toews' was beautiful, too, being a shorthanded goal and all. Just a beaut.

Patrick Kane started the second period off strong with a power play goal just six minutes in. Panarin got the assist there, which ended up being the first of three for him tonight (Panarin critics... Look out). Trevor van Riemsdyk scored soon afterwards at about the midway point of the period, with an assist from Toews and Panarin. Again, a beautiful goal shot from almost center ice, right through traffic. And, Ladd had to get in on the fun, too, scoring just two minutes after van Riemsdyk with assists from Kane and Panarin.

The bad thing about the second period was that Vermette (ARI) made a pretty hard hit on Anisimov, sending him to the locker room, likely to get checked for a concussion. Luckily, Vermette was charged with boarding and game misconduct, and sent off the ice. Both van Riemsdyk and Ladd scored on that power play.

The Coyotes shut down Darling's shut out chances just four minutes into the third, but Desjardins answered just a minute after Murphy's goal. Richardson scored for the Coyotes late into the third, but they couldn't get another past Darling in the last seven minutes.

The worst part? The Hawks got that damn 'Too Many Men on the Ice' call again. It's the dumbest call in the NHL, yet it's the one they get called almost every game. Oh, well. They killed the penalty, life is good.

The Blackhawks have to face the St. Louis Blues on Thursday at 8:30pm. If the Blackhawks win their next two games and the Stars and Blues lose their last few games, the Hawks could still clinch the first spot in the Central Division, which would give them home ice and a series against the Minnesota Wild.

Even just home ice against the Blues in the first round would help, and they could certainly get there if they can at least get a 'W' at the United Center Thursday night.