CHICAGO IS TEAM NUMBER ONE

BLACKHAWKS DEFEAT RED-HOT COYOTES TO CLINCH #1 SEED

As if they been waiting for a game that matters, the Chicago Blackhawks grabbed control of the Western Conference with a 2-0 victory over the surging Phoenix Coyotes. The loss broke a string of nine consecutive wins for the franchise from Arizona and also marked their first defeat to the Hawks this season. Chicago rebounded from a dissapointing shootout loss in Phoenix on Saturday and emerged with a one point lead over the San Jose Sharks in a three-way race for the conference. The game featured larger implications than I was expecting when I was awarded tickets to the contest back in September through a work lottery. This was no longer a meaningless game against an ownerless group of misfits. And the Hawks continue to show they are ready for the big stage. Most importantly Tuesday night's defeat of the Coyotes was a coronation for Blackhawks goaltender Antti Niemi. The Finnish netminder was often spectacular in making 28 saves to earn his sixth shutout of the season. There will be no major announcement. No official crowning ceremony. But, make no mistake, Niemi is the goaltender for the playoffs. The Coyotes and Blackhawks may have entered the game tied in points, but their rosters are nothing alike. As will be needed in the playoffs, a few guys cashing large checks earned their salaries on Tuesday night for the Hawks. Patrick Kane infused the Hawks with a much needed boost with a wrist shot goal over Ilya Bryzgalov's glove less than two minutes into the second period. The first twenty minutes was a tightly played period that saw both clubs stay conservative. Kane's goal tilted the momentum to the Hawks and the home team dominated the rest of the middle session. After a couple of strong shifts led to consecutive Coyote's icings, Phoenix coach Dave Tippit was forced to burn his timeout. But Marian Hossa kept the Hawks rolling with a quick wrister that surprised Bryzgalov at 7:16 of the second period for a 2-0 Blackhawks lead. Hossa retrieved a Patrick Sharp pass and sent the puck along the ice and through the legs of the Coyote goalie. A trio of Blackhawks penalties aided in an 11-5 Phoenix shot advantage in the third period. But the Hawks were also content to play back on their heels instead of forcing the issue during the final twenty minutes. The Hawks defensive stylings inevitably led to some great opportunites for the Coyotes, but Niemi was up to all challenges. With a little help from the refreshed Breant Seabrook, Niemi used his feet quickness to extinguish any hopes the Coyotes had of another comeback. With the action directly in front of me from my seats in section 105, I can attest that Niemi was outstanding in the final frame. And the United Center crowd was appreciative of his efforts. I think the Coyotes are now going through a similar learning process as the Blackhawks. There is a difference between being the hunter and the hunted. The Hawks have been playing with a target on their backs all season. The Coyotes are beginning to understand what that feels like. Fortunately, the Hawks arrow hit the bullseye. We'll see how long it takes for the Coyotes to lick their wounds. (Chicago Now)