Chicago Blackhawks down Detroit Red Wings, 2-1 – NHL Recap
Chicago Blackhawks are gradually returning to their winning phase and in doing so, they overpowered Detroit Red Wings in a National Hockey League (NHL) game on Sunday, March 4, 2012, at Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan.
Soon after their record-setting home winning streak was snapped, Red Wings are finding it difficult to settle down.
Their offence struggled in the game and could only score one goal, while the in-form goaltender, Jimmy Howard, was forced to leave the rink in the first period owing to an injury.
Howard had already given away one goal and his replacement, Joey MacDonald, conceded another as Blackhawks got the victory.
Patrick Sharp was the first one to score. He utilised the power-play advantage and brought Blackhawks in lead at 3:17 in the first period.
He later had an assist on the go-ahead goal.
He said after the game:
"Every time we play them it's a tough game. It was a fun game to be a part of. There was lots of pushing after the whistles ... not a whole lot of talking out there, but there's some bad blood, that's for sure. It's a good divisional game."
Blackhawks’ early lead, however, was neutralised within the next three minutes by Red Wings.
At 6:03, Niklas Kronwall scored his 14th goal of the season to provide the equaliser.
Most part of the game went goalless and Blackhawks finally managed to take the lead late in the second period.
Sharp stole the possession of the puck from a Detroit’s defenseman and passed it to Patrick Kane who sent it into the net.
The rest of the game went goalless.
Blackhawks underwent a nine-game skid a month ago and hurt their reputation badly. However, they have finally found their winning ways as they are presently on a three-game winning run.
Blackhawks’ coach, Joel Quenneville, said after the game:
"You know over the course of a season, you're going to have some good stretches and some tough stretches. We extended our last (tough stretch) too far."
Blackhawks are ranked sixth in the Western Conference with 79 points after 67 games and are going to play their next game against St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.
Red Wings have a lot to think about. Their playoff chances are not in danger yet, but their recent form will certainly hurt them in the postseason.
They have lost four of their last six games and are currently placed at fourth spot in the Western Conference with 89 points after 66 games.
They are going to face Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.
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