Blackhawks clinch playoff spot with 3-1 victory over Canucks
Jonathan Toews and Marcus Kruger scored in the third period, and the Chicago Blackhawks clinched a playoff spot with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night.
Kruger also had an assist on Teuvo Teravainen's first-period goal, and Corey Crawford made 34 saves in Chicago's third straight win. The Blackhawks (47-24-6) remained one point back of St. Louis for second in the Central Division.
Derek Dorsett scored for Vancouver (45-28-5), which was coming off consecutive wins at St. Louis and Nashville. Eddie Lack finished with 35 stops.
The teams were tied at 1 when Toews pushed home a rebound at 8:09. It was Toews' third goal in the last four games and No. 26 on the season.
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