In a race as tight as the battle to make the playoffs in the Western Conference has been this season, a single point could end up making the difference between a team having the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup and spending the balance of its spring on the golf course.
For that reason, Jonathan Toews' goal with 38.5 seconds remaining Sunday in Washington was a critical one for the Chicago Blackhawks. Although they went on to lose 4-3 in overtime to the Capitals, they stole a point when they easily could have come away empty.
The Blackhawks were on the power play and had pulled goalie Corey Crawford for a 6-on-4 advantage. From the blue line, Duncan Keith blasted the puck wide of the right post and it caromed out to the left side of the net where Toews was positioned. He managed to squeak a shot through Capitals defenseman Dennis Wideman and goalie Braden Holtby to even the score.