Blackhawks Clip Red Wings In OT, 4-3

The Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings faced off for the 732nd time and it was as exciting as any of the other 731, as it took overtime before Duncan Keith slapped home a power play goal to give the Hawks a 4-3 victory at the United Center.  Both teams combined for 79 shots.

The Blackhawks have had issues starting games, but they started arguably with their best first period of the year.  They drew 3 penalties, outshot Detroit, 16-7, and took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission on goals :26 seconds apart by Brian Campbell (4th), and Richard Panik (10th).

As good as they played in the first period, was as bad as the Blackhawks played in the second.  Detroit found their skates and were flying around the Hawk net as they scored two goals to tie the game midway through the period.  Tanner Kero scored his first goal of the year by picking up a rebound in front of the net and slamming it past Red Wing goalie, Petr Mrazek (39 saves), to give the Hawks a 3-2 lead with under two minutes left in the period.  But, with :19 remaining, the Red Wings tallied they tying goal as Luke Glendening flipped a puck over Corey Crawford (33 saves).

The third period saw both goalies play strong as there was no scoring, but scoring chances were plenty.  At the end of the third period, Red Wing forward, Justin Abdelkader, who hadn't played since December 1st, took a penalty with :16 remaining in regulation.  In overtime, Keith ended the game with a PPG.

Notable Mentions: The line of Ryan Hartman - Tanner Kero - Richard Panik combined for 5 points (2G 3A), +4, 10 shots, and drew 5 of the 7 Detroit penalties.  Hartman, in his last 4 games has 6 points (4G 2A), +5, 16 shots.  Campbell's goal gave him 499 career points for his career.  For Crawford, it was career win 197.  The Blackhawks swept their 4-game home stand, after losing 5 of their previous 6 games.  The Blackhawks improved to 17-6-5 in one goal games this year.

3 Stars of the Game
1st - CHI - Duncan Keith ~ (1G 1A), +2
2nd - CHI - Richard Panik ~ (1G 1A)
3rd - DET - Andreas Athanasiou ~ 1G

Next Game: Friday, January 13th, Away vs. Washington Capitals, 6PM CT, Television: CSN-CH, Radio - WGN720AM

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!




Pictures provided by NHL.com