Red Wings beat Blackhawks 3-2 in their home opener
Posted Oct 08, 2009 10:10 PM
By LARRY LAGE
(AP)
DETROIT -Kris Draper and Johan Franzen scored 1:34 apart late in the second period to put Detroit ahead and Chris Osgood made 31 saves to help the Red Wings hold on for a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in a rematch of Western Conference finalists on Thursday night.
Detroit came from behind to win its home opener after blowing a pair of two-goal leads in losses to the St. Louis Blues in Sweden.
Patrick Sharp's goal early in the second period gave the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead. Nicklas Lidstrom tied it midway through the period on a shot that caromed off Chicago's John Madden and past goalie Cristobal Huet.
Kris Versteeg pulled the Blackhawks within a goal midway through the second period, but they couldn't get another shot past Osgood.
Huet made 21 saves.
The Red Wings eliminated Chicago from the playoffs last season in five games, then came within a win of repeating as NHL champions.
Detroit began to put memories of its Game 7 loss to Pittsburgh in the past with a solid showing against its biggest Central Division rival. The Blackhawks improved themselves with the signing of Marian Hossa after his one-year shot at the Cup with the Red Wings didn't work out.
Hossa, though, is out until at least November after having shoulder surgery.
The Blackhawks took the first lead and had chances to add to it, but Osgood played well after he was shaky against the Blues in Sweden.
Chicago hurt its comeback chances with 8 minutes left when Brent Seabrook was called for hooking. The Red Wings played conservatively the rest of the game to keep their lead.
Detroit gave Chicago a great opportunity, though, with 1:38 when Niklas Kronwall was called for holding.
NOTES: The Red Wings signed 37-year-old F Brad May on Thursday and sent F Justin Abdelkader to Grand Rapids (AHL), hoping he would add toughness. May did, getting into a fight with Dustin Byfuglien midway through the first period. ... Sharp has scored in all three of Chicago's games. ... Former Red Wings and Blackhawks player Chris Chelios, a 47-year-old defenseman, might try to continue his career with the AHL's Chicago Wolves.
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2009-10-08 22:37:00
As for hockey, I hope the Blackhawks learned a big lesson with this past series. They have a great future. After self-destructing in game 4, they came back and played a good, smart game in game five. They didn't give up after the blowout. That shows heart. Now if they can build on this year they will definately be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. It is disturbing though how the coach made excuses after game four. Not a good lesson to teach a young team. The Blackhawks took dumb penalties and were too fixated on "big hits" and "revenge". What does Coach Q say? He talks about some roughing call at the end of the 1st period. My only worry for the Blackhawks future is having a coach that teachs his players to blame refs and not take responsibility for losing their cool.
Prediction: Wings in six again
Trouble is,the fans only show up for the playoffs.I watch your team all season and the seats are half empty.
Your coach was handed the team,he can't put one together on his own.
You will lose in the Stanley cup anyway.
On the other side of the coin. Detroit doesn't need any excuses. They are what they are and they are what they have been. One of the greatest sports teams in history. 18 straight playoffs appearances, 13 Division titles, 6 Stanley Cup Finals, 4 time Stanley Cup Champions and all this since 1991 now thats a DYNASTY!!!!!
RED WINGS IN 6 FOR THE CUP