The Chicago Blackhawks have clinched the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference after blowing a two-goal lead against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 82 of the regular season. Pavel Datsyuk (of course) scored in the final minute of regulation time to tie the score at 2-2, but Patrick Kane's shootout goal sealed two points for Chicago.
Blackhawks Vs. Red Wings: Chicago’s Shootout Win Seals Home Ice For Nashville, No. 6 Seed For ‘Hawks
Ceding one point to Detroit was enough to miss out on the No. 5 seed, however, and the Blackhawks were well aware of that following Datsyuk's goal. Joel Quenneville pulled goaltender Corey Crawford following the Datsyuk goal even though the score was tied, but they were unable to retake the lead.
Once the final second ticked off the regulation clock, the Blackhawks were locked in to the sixth spot. By sending the game to overtime, Detroit guaranteed a date with the Nashville Predators in the first-round, but they needed two points to have a chance at home-ice advantage and the No. 4 seed in that series.
By losing the shootout, Detroit locked themselves into the No. 5 seed. It also means that the Nashville Predators clinched the No. 5 seed, making their game Saturday evening vs. Colorado completely meaningless.
Chicago, meanwhile, will go home and watch from their couch as the mayhem unfolds Saturday night between Phoenix, San Jose and Los Angeles. The winner of the Pacific Division will host the Blackhawks in Round 1.
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