Hawks' Win Over Devils Moves Them One Step Closer to a Division Title

It took nearly took 60 minutes for the Hawks to score, but when they did, it was huge. A Kris Versteeg goal with 26 seconds left gave the Hawks a  point and the possibility of another in ot. 

It had the feeling of a playoff game all over it. No penalties, close score, and an overtime. In fact, the last NHL game without a penalty was back in 2001. 

The win can be much attributed to Hawks' goaltender, Antti Niemi, who, once again, played rock solid, cementing his chance of becoming the playoff starting goalie. 

Quennville is still mum about the official playoff goaltender, but with Niemi starting Sunday against Calgary, it's pretty safe to bet Niemi will get the job. Niemi deserves the role and the opportunity to prove his young-self in the big games. 

Another win and it looks like the Hawks' funk has come to the end, and it couldn't be at a more perfect time. With a week and a half left until the playoffs, it's very important the Hawks go into the playoffs with as much confidence, especially in the goaltender area, as possible. 

Their play will have to get more physical while still capitalizing on most chances. The team that gets more out of their chances has an advantage and a much better chance of winning a series. 

More good news for Hawk fans: A Nashville win over Detroit today would give the Central Division title to the Hawks. The last time the Hawks won the Central Division was all the way back to the '92-'93 season. 

The playoffs are near, the tension is rising, but who the Hawks play in the first round us still undecided. If the season ended right now, the Hawks would still play the Los Angeles Kings, but the Kings are only one point behind the Red Wing, and with the Predators only one point ahead of the Red Wings, we may see some changes in seeds before this season is over.