Blackhawks To Open Playoffs On Road Ice
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- By virtue of the Blues earning a 2-1 overtime win at the United Center on Thursday, the Blackhawks will finish third in the Central Division and open the postseason on road ice, either facing the Blues or Dallas Stars.
The Blues clinched a better record than the Blackhawks when regulation finished shortly after Vladimir Tarasenko scored a goal with 1:13 remaining in the third period. St. Louis would go on to win the game on another Tarasenko goal.
After recording wins Thursday, the Stars and Blues each have 107 points now with one game left. Dallas holds the tiebreaker. Whichever team finishes second in the Central Division will face Chicago with home-ice advantage in the first round.
The Stars host the Predators (96 points) on Saturday, while the Blues host the league-leading Capitals (118 points).
The Blackhawks' regular-season finale, on the road Saturday against the Blue Jackets, is meaningless in the playoff picture.
Last season, Chicago won the Stanley Cup after opening the postseason on the road in Nashville, taking that series in six games.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.