April 02--The Blackhawks could reach an important milestone Thursday night in their tumutltuous season -- clinching a playoff spot.
So long as the Hawks beat the Canucks, whether in regulation, overtime or a shootout, they are in, according to the NHL.
The Hawks could also get in with a point provided the Flames or Kings go pointless or both lose in any fashion.
"To earn a playoff spot is huge to give ourselves that security but I think mostly to feed off the two wins we just came off of," captain Jonathan Toews said. "To continue playing the same way is going to be big for our team."
It would be the high point of a week in which the Hawks have tried to turn around their play after dropping three of their previous four and the Hawks want to continue that good feeling over the next few weeks.
"That's all that really matters is the feeling in this locker room, our confidence as a team and what we're capable of doing," Toews said. "I think everyone understands whether you're the best team in the league all year or just scraped by and snuck in the playoffs nothing matters in that first game of the first series."
Corey Crawford will be in net for the Hawks. Patrick Kane skated again with the Hawks after practicing on Wednesday.
