The Chicago Blackhawks scored five goals in the third period, including three in 34 seconds, to rally for a 6-3 win against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday at United Center.
The Blackhawks (47-20-5) became the first Western Conference team to clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs when Calgary defeated Los Angeles. Chicago leads Minnesota by seven points for first place in the Central Division and conference.
HAWKS
**RECAP: Hawks 3 goals in 34 seconds to rally past Avs (SCH)
**Hawks clinch 9th straight playoff spot (SCH)
**Schmaltz’s face-off quandary: ‘He’s got to get better at it’ (Chicago Sun Times)
CENTRAL DIVISION
**RECAP: Jets hold off Wild, who drop fifth straight (Hockey Wilderness)
**Blues credit Yeo with keeping them fresh (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
NHL
**Every 2017 NHL college free agent signing in one place (SBN)
**RECAP: Flyers rally, defeat Hurricanes in OT (Broad Street Hockey)
**RECAP: Canadiens defeat Senators again (NHL.com)
**RECAP: Gaudreau, Monahan boost Flames over Kings (Matchsticks and Gasoline)
**RECAP: Blue Jackets top Devils to clinch playoff spot (Jackets Cannon)
**RECAP: Crosby scores hat trick as Penguins shut out Panthers (Pensburgh)
**Flames sign goalie OHL prospect Parsons to entry-level deal (OHL)
**Sharks recall prized prospect Meier (Fear The Fin)
HOCKEY WORLD
**Clarkson shuts out Wisconsin for NCAA women’s title (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
**2017 NCAA men’s hockey bracket (SBNCH)
**NCAA men’s hockey tournament: Game times, television schedule (SBNCH)
**WHL Sunday night roundup (WHL)
**OHL Sunday night roundup (OHL)