Chicago Blackhawks Comeback to Defeat Detroit Red Wings. Extend Streak to 22 Games

March 3, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) during the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena. Chicago won 2-1 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Detroit Red Wings in a very spirited, highly contested matinee, by a score of 2-1, in the Shootout.  The Blackhawks have extended their NHL record streak of consecutive games to start a season without a regulation loss, to an incredible 22 games!

The first period, was dominated by the Blackhawks, although the scoreboard would tell you that nothing happened.  The Hawks controlled the tempo of the first period from start to finish, but could not find a way to sneak a puck past Red Wings’ goaltender, Jimmy Howard, who had a stellar game.  The Hawks finished the first 20 minutes of hockey with 9 shots on goal, and the Wings managed only 3 shots on goal.  The Hawks got solid chances, while Detroit mustered up enough grit to foil the Hawks’ chances.

The second period was a much more evenly matched period of hockey, that really had a playoff feel to it, but once again neither team could figure out a way to get the puck in a net, no matter how hard they tried.  Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford, stood on his head the entire game, and especially in the 2nd and 3rd periods, when the Red Wings started putting some serious pressure on him, as they peppered him with shots on net.

The 3rd period proved that the goose eggs on the scoreboard were crackable.  The 3rd was yet again, another hard-fought playoff like period.  This time though, it was the Red Wings early on, who had all the momentum, when Tomas Tartar broke the scoreless tie, with his wrist-shot  making it 1-0 Detroit.  The period “dragged” on with lots of spirited play from both sides, as it started to feel like the Hawks’ incredible points streak as nearing it’s end until late in the frame, when the Red Wings’ Jonathan Ericsson committed an ill-timed delay-of-game penalty, as he lifted the puck into the crowd.  While on the Power Play, Patrick Kane netted the game-tying goal, to even the game at one goal a piece.  Shortly after Kane’s goal, Niklas Kronwall gave the Hawks another Power Play on yet another delay-of-game penalty.

The Chicago Power Play lasted to the end of regulation, and into the Overtime period, with the Hawks failing to seize the golden opportunity with their new-found momentum.   This game would “require” a shootout to reach a decision.

The Red Wings started the shootout with Pavel Datsyuk and the Blackhawks lead-off with Jonathan Toews.  Both players failed to score for their respective teams, as the superb goaltending, throughout the game, continued.

Crawford stopped Damien Brunner from finding the back of the net for Detroit, while Howard once again, failed to stop Patrick Kane from scoring.

It all came down to Henrik Zetterberg for Detroit, but he failed to score.  Giving the Blackhawks a 2-1 victory in the shootout.

Notes-

This was Marian Hossa‘s 1,000th career game.  He had 3 shots on goal, in 20:49 minutes on the ice.

Corey Crawford had an excellent game with acrobatic saves to keep the Hawks in the game, en route to a well-deserved #1 star of the game.

Michael Frolik had an especially strong game, as he was essential in thwarting the Red Wings’ Power Plays.

Patrick Sharp saw some time at Center, and went 5 for 9 in the faceoff circle.

The Blackhawks head home for a Tuesday night matchup against the Minnesota Wild.  Puck drop is set for 7:30PM Central Time.