Chicago beats Calgary, 4-3, clinches division title

CHICAGO — Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Calgary Flames, 4-1, on Sunday, moments after clinching their first division title since winning the Norris Division in 1992-93.

The Blackhawks, winners of three straight, were handed the Central Division title minutes before the puck was dropped when the Detroit Red Wings lost, 4-3, at Philadelphia. Calgary’s defeat also assured the Kings and the Red Wings of playoff spots.

Antti Niemi made 25 saves for Chicago, and Tomas Kopecky, Troy Brouwer and Dustin Byfuglien had the other goals. Brent Seabrook also had a pair of assists.

The Blackhawks won their 49th game to tie the team record set in 1970-71 and matched in 1990-91. It was their eighth straight regular-season victory over the Flames, and they improved to 105 points while closing to within two of first-place San Jose in the Western Conference.

Ian White scored for the Flames, whose winning streak ended at three games. Their playoff hopes also took a blow, because they have only three games remaining and trail the Colorado Avalanche by two points for eighth place in the Western Conference.