Blackhawks-Red Wings: Chicago Dominant in 6-2 Win

The Chicago Blackhawks aren't about to quit yet.

Needing a win to stay alive in the Western Conference playoff hunt, they scored three times on their first six shots on net en route to a convincing 6-2 win before 21,365 at United Center.

Cam Barker opened the scoring 5:53 into the game with a power play goal, and Jordan Hendry scored his first career NHL goal 43-seconds later to put the Hawks up two.

Former Red Wing Robert Lang sent Hasek to the dressing room with his 21st goal of the season at the 7:52 mark after receiving a cross-ice feed from another former Wing, Jason Williams.

Detroit began to assert itself in the latter stages of the first period, and Henrik Zetterberg capitalized on a power play to make it 3-1.

The Blackhawks power play struck again early in the second, as Patrick Kane skated out of the corner and sent a cross-ice pass to Dustin Byfuglien who one-timed home his 19th goal of the season.

Three minutes later, Kirk Maltby made it a 4-2 Chicago advantage, but that would be as close as the Wings would get the remainder of the night.

Patrick Kane redirected home his 19th of the season a little over a minute after Maltby's goal to regain the three goal advantage for Chicago.

Adam Burish'sthird goal of the season with just over four minutes left capped off the scoring.

Nikolai Khabibulin recorded his 23rd win this year, making 26 saves.  Since the beginning of February, Khabibulin is 8-1-3 in 13 games with a goals-against average under 2.

The Blackhawks playoff hopes now rest on the shoulders of the St. Louis Blues, who battle the 8th place Nashville Predators in Nashville tonight.  A Predators win gives them 91 points, and will eliminate Chicago.  With 86 points and two games left, Chicago can only get to 90 points.

Should Nashville lose in regulation tonight, it sets up a critically important game for both teams, as a Blackhawks win in that game would bring them to within one point of the postseason.

But the fact that these young Hawks are playing important games in April; and winning them, is worth noting.

One Timers:The crowd of 21,365 was Chicago's 11th home sellout of the year ... Defenseman Jordan Hendry became the 8th Blackhawks player to score his first NHL goal this season ... The win clinched the season series for Chicago, and they became the first team to beat the Red Wings five times in a season since 1990-91 ... Former Cub Hall-of-Famer Ernie Banks dropped two ceremonial first pucks.