CHICAGO, April 5 (UPI) -- Adam Burish produced the game-winner Friday as part of a three-goal first period that boosted the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-1 win over Nashville.
The Blackhawks reached the 40-win mark for the first time in six seasons and captured their fourth win in a row. But they came up short of the playoffs.
Nashville will go into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and will be matched against Detroit in the first round.
Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist and Jonathan Toews also scored for Chicago. Patrick Lalime made 29 saves.
Nashville had won its two previous games, victories that lifted the Predators into the playoffs. They closed the regular season with 91 points.
Chris Mason was removed in the second period after giving up three goals on 12 shots.
