Sports

Hossa scores twice as Blackhawks beat Wild 5-1 to clinch first-round series

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Chicago Blackhawks' Marian Hossa (81) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first period of Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild in Chicago, Thursday, May 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) blocks a shot by Minnesota Wild's Devin Setoguchi (10) as Matt Cullen (7), right, looks on during the first period of Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series in Chicago, Thursday, May 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

Marian Hossa scored twice to back a strong effort by goalie Corey Crawford, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 5-1 Thursday night to win their first-round playoff series 4-1.

Chicago is moving on in the postseason for the first time since the championship run in 2010, and will face either San Jose or Detroit if the Red Wings get past Anaheim.

The way the Blackhawks have dominated, anything less than a trip to the Stanley Cup finals would be a disappointment for them.

They got off to a record start and captured the Presidents' Trophy for finishing with more points than any other team.

Now, they're eyeing the biggest prize of all. And after bowing out in the first round the past two years, they sure are looking good.