Chicago Blackhawks continue resurgence with a big 2-1 win over Detroit Red Wings - NHL Update
The Detroit Red Wings missed a big opportunity to increase their lead at the top of the Western Conference on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 losing 2-1 to the resurgent Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.
The Red Wings woes on the road continued in this game as well. Detroit started off relatively well but once again fell short away from the Joe Lewis Arena.
The loss ended Detroit’s six game unbeaten run and their already poor road record now stands at 15-16-1.
However, the Red Wings still maintained their two point lead at the top of the conference table as second placed Vancouver Canucks also lost on the same day.
Detroit outshot Chicago 32-29 but mistakes in the final two periods of the game and a brilliant performance from Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford stopped the Red Wings from getting a seventh straight win.
The Chicago Blackhawks got a fourth straight win after ending a losing run of nine games and coach Joel Quenneville could not be more proud of his team’s effort.
Quenneville singled out Crawford for praise after the game telling reporters.
"Corey was rock solid. He was big, strong, controlled rebounds. They put a lot of bodies in traffic at the net. They test you on almost every shift. I thought he was excellent."
Detroit coach Mike Babcock on the other hand looked visibly angry with his team’s efforts and said that the team made poor decisions at critical stages of the game to lose the match.
"I thought we played about 10 good minutes to start the game and then I thought we were careless with the puck and made poor mental decisions. I didn't think we gave ourself much of chance."
Early in the game, though, it looked as if the Red Wings were in the mood to end their road misery. Detroit took the lead just two minutes into the game on a power play.
Valtteri Filppula put the Western Conference leaders ahead after combining brilliantly with Jakub Kindl and Jiri Hudler.
Chicago though were not intimidated and outshot the Red Wings 10-9 in the first period with Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard just about managing to keep their lead intact.
The Blackhawks continued to probe for an equaliser in the second period and managed to beat Howard finally at 7:45.
Jimmy Hayes scored his fifth goal of the season as to tie the game.
Chicago continued to look the more likelier to score the winner as their offence picked up steam heading into the third period.
The Blackhawks went ahead by 2-1 early in the third period with Marcus Kruger beating Howard to net the winner.
Chicago will now look to maintain their momentum on Thursday, at home ice against Dallas Stars. The Red Wings though will be looking to remain top of the Western Conference, as they face Vancouver Canucks in a battle for the pole position on the same day.
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