Defending champs trying to get back to postseason

By Bud L. Ellis

With victories in six of their past 10 games, the Chicago Blackhawks remain in the midst of a dogfight for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference.

The Blackhawks opened play Tuesday tied for sixth place in the West with Nashville. Both teams have 86 points, one point ahead of Anaheim, Dallas and Calgary.

If the season ended today, the Ducks, Stars and Flames would be tied for the eighth and final playoff spot, with the Blackhawks just one point ahead of the fray. Chicago has needed every point it’s gained this season, and a 6-2-2 stretch has helped the Blackhawks stay just ahead of the cut-off line in the West.

Chicago begins the final sprint to what it hopes will be a playoff berth Wednesday at home against Florida. The Blackhawks beat Phoenix 2-1 on Sunday, wrapping up a tough stretch of six road games in seven contests.

Should they make it to the postseason, the Blackhawks will get the chance to defend the Stanley Cup title they won last June.

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Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 9:34 pm by bud

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