Toews, Kruger score in 3rd as Blackhawks clinch playoff spot with 3-1 victory over Canucks

Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) reacts after scoring against Vancouver Canucks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Chicago. The Blackhawks won 3-1. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski) (The Associated Press)

Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) scores against Vancouver Canucks goalie Eddie Lack (31) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Chicago. The Blackhawks won 3-1. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski) (The Associated Press)

Jonathan Toews and Marcus Kruger scored in the third period, and the Chicago Blackhawks clinched a playoff spot with a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night.

Kruger also had an assist on Teuvo Teravainen's first-period goal, and Corey Crawford made 34 saves in Chicago's third straight win. The Blackhawks (47-24-6) remained one point back of St. Louis for second in the Central Division.

Derek Dorsett scored for Vancouver (45-28-5), which was coming off consecutive wins at St. Louis and Nashville. Eddie Lack finished with 35 stops.

The teams were tied at 1 when Toews pushed home a rebound at 8:09. It was Toews' third goal in the last four games and No. 26 on the season.