from Madeline Kenney of the Chicago Sun-Times,

It’s a weird concept for the Blackhawks that an early February game would have high stakes, but whether they wanted to admit it or not, the Hawks’ 4-3 overtime victory over the Canucks on Thursday at the United Center was their biggest game of the season.

The Hawks have notched 12 points in the last two-and-a-half weeks. In a surprise move, the Hawks, who seemed destined for a lottery pick just a short time ago, are now one of four teams two or less points shy of a playoff spot.

“It’s very top heavy this year,” right wing Patrick Kane said of the Western Conference. “It’s really anyone’s game. Whoever puts together a good run the last 28 games.”

And the Hawks are asking themselves: “Why can’t it be us?”

continued

Watch the game highlights below.