This is a recording: The Chicago Blackhawks are headed to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Chicago's 6-3 comeback win - combined with the Los Angeles Kings' 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames - meant the Blackhawks officially clinched their postseason berth late Sunday night.
It's the ninth straight season that Chicago will compete for the Stanley Cup, all with Joel Quenneville behind the bench - the man can coach. And if recent odd-year history is any indication, the Blackhawks could be due for their fourth Cup in the Quenneville era this year, having won in 2015 and 2013. And, yes, we're just about into dynasty territory here.
Chicago's the top seed in the Western Conference, seven points up on Minnesota, thanks to a 24-9 run since Jan. 1.
For L.A., the loss was a massive one. Calgary's now 11 points clear of the Kings in the Pacific, and back into third place in the division. Los Angeles is 10 points back of Edmonton for the first wild-card spot, and remains six points back of Nashville for the second. Each team has played 71 games.
The Kings are running out of time, in other words.
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