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Hawks win in first penalty-free game since 2001

Image (1) Devs-thumb-200x300-8012.jpg for post 642

The Chicago Blackhawks secured some important two points, as they are once again right in the middle of the battle for the top spot in the West. As I write this, San Jose is currently tied with Minnesota 2-2 headed into the 2nd intermission, so Chicago narrowing it down to a one-point deficit could be short lived.

The ‘Hawks nearly lost another close one, however as their powerful offense once again had trouble putting pucks in the net. Of course, taking on the Devils and Brodeur is never the best way to get your offense back on track.

Thanks to Kris Versteeg’s goal with 26 seconds left in regulation, the Blackhawks were able to send the game into overtime. The Hawks eventually won in the shootout, with Jonathan Toews netting the game-winner.

Have I mentioned how much I hate that the shootout is deciding these incredibly important games at the end of the season?

Versteeg’s goal isn’t exactly the most interesting aspect of the win. Amazingly, there were zero penalties called the entire game, the first time that has happened in the NHL since March 28, 2001 when Boston and Toronto played without heading to the sin bin.

With the way the referees have been blowing their whistles this season, it’s amazing to think that neither team did anything close to resembling something illegal in order to draw the ire of Paul Devorksi and Greg Kimmerly.

Maybe we’re just getting a taste of how the refs are preparing for the playoffs, where they’ll allow the players to just, you know, play?

Somehow I doubt it.