The NFHL Game of the Night

The Chicago Blackhawks are on track to end a futility streak lasting back to 1989.  That is making the playoffs.  But this year, just making them doesn't seem to be enough.  They want to be competitive with anyone in the conference and even push for home ice in the first round.  And they got that quest off to a very impressive start tonight in their first game after the All Star break. Chicago had just one representative at the game, Bill Guerin, and perhaps his lack of rest showed as he was held pointless this game despite playing 26 minutes, more than any other Blackhawks.  But what makes that surprising is that Chicago scored 8 goals, crushing the Anaheim Ducks 8-1.  Instead of Guerin, it was the Ari Haanpaa show.  The Finnish winger had a career night, notching a hat trick and the same number of assists for a 6-point night. Joe Sacco and Ulf Dahlen had a goal and 2 assists each, while Martin Gelinas dished out 4 assists.  Craig Ludwig, Ed Kastelic and Bryan Smolinski also scored. Phillipe Boucher scored for Anaheim. Chicago is still 7th in the Campbell Conference, but importantly, they are putting some distance between themselves and 8th place Columbus and are just a single point behind the slumping Edmonton Oilers.  The loss hurts Anaheim's quest for a playoff spot of their own.  They have won just 2 of their last 10 games but are just 3 points back of the Blue Jackets and have 3 games in hand.

Three Stars of the Night

	Ari Haanpaa (CHI) - 3 Goals (18), 3 Assists, 6 Shots, 3 Hits
	Mark Messier (FLA) - 4 Goals (28), 1 Assist, +3, 6 Shots, 1 Hit
	Tony Amonte (PIT) - 3 Goals (21), 2 Assists, +5, 6 Shots, 3 Hits