
The Hawks control their own destiny. If they get at least three out of a possible four points over the weekend against Detroit they will clinch a playoff seed without any help.
Dallas hosts Colorado on Thursday and a win closes the gap to just two points. A loss in regulation, however, forces only one scenario where the Stars beat out the Hawks for a playoff spot. Chicago would have to drop both games to the Wings in regulation while Dallas would need to win its two remaining games just to tie the Hawks at 95 points.
If Dallas wins out in regulation or overtime, and the Hawks lose two overtime games to Detroit the teams would tie with 97 points but Dallas would have 38 non-shootout wins to the Hawks 37 and would win the first tie-breaker.
If Dallas does lose Thursday than everyone ahead of the Hawks, seeds 5-7, all clinch a playoff spot. A loss in overtime by the Stars keeps them alive to win the final berth outright, if the Hawks drop their final two games. Calgary is currently in ninth place in the conference but was eliminated from playoff competition despite winning on Wednesday.
Dallas plays in Colorado on Friday and completes the regular season in Minnesota Sunday evening. The Hawks can still finish as high as the No. 5 seed.
Jesse Rogers
espn.go.com/chicago
Photos from the game Chicago vs. St. Louis courtesy www.chicagoblackhawks.com