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Modin leads Blue Jackets past Blackhawks

Mar 21, 2007 - 3:33 AM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- Fredrik Modin officially ended the Chicago Blackhawks' slim playoff hopes.

Modin scored twice in the second period to snap a tie as the Columbus Blue Jackets posted a 5-2 victory over the Blackhawks.

David Vyborny had two assists and defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen recorded his first career goal for Columbus, which had not scored five times in regulation since December 10 against Ottawa.

"We've played really well for a little while now and it was nice to see us get rewarded with goals," Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock said. "It was nice for the players to feel like there was a reward for the work they've put in. There was a lot of good stuff today. Our defense held up pretty well and we created a lot of offensive opportunities by attacking the net."

With the loss, Chicago was eliminated from the Western Conference playoff picture for the fourth consecutive season.

"It is my job to get them focused and we will," Chicago coach Denis Savard said. "We talk about the emblem and what it means to this organization. Some where pride has to kick in. We have some guys on this team making a lot of money. They have to be professional about it and come to play every night."

Modin took a cross-ice pass from Vyborny at the left slot and buried the puck past goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin for a 2-1 lead 5:13 into the second period. The left wing doubled the advantage with his 19th tally of the season 5:13 later on a 4-on-4 situation. He executed a perfect give-and-go with Vyborny, sending a quick wrister top shelf on the short-side post.

"Its fun to score some goals. I thought our line played well," Modin said. "We held on to the puck and created some chances down low. David and Alex (Svitov) made some great passes for the goals. It was a good night for us.

"(Vyborny) is a smart player. He really is. It feels like it is easier to read off what he wants to do. I am just trying to get open because he is the kind of player that can get you the puck whenever you are open. He can get it to you. It's a lot of fun playing with him."

Rookie Alexandre Picard assisted on Tollefsen's third-period goal for his first career point for Columbus, which needs six wins in its last nine games to reach last season's win total of 35.

"It's nice to get the first goal," Tollefsen said. "I have been waiting a long time, but it is finally here and I am just going to enjoy it. ... I honestly didn't know it was my goal. It hit the post and someone's skate. I will take what I get."

Fredrik Norrena recorded 21 saves for the Blue Jackets, who improved to 4-3 against the Blackhawks this season.

Rene Bourque and Jason Williams tallied for Chicago, which completed a five-game road trip 2-3. Khabibulin stopped 24 shots.