Detroit eases past Chicago

With the time difference between the US and the UK, it's pretty rare I get to watch a live game so today's game is extra awesome.

The Detroit Red Wings headed to Chicago hoping to get a win on the board and equalise the series. The Blackhawks had different ideas and hit the Red Wings like a steam time right from the faceoff. Detroit held off well and soon were bringing the game to Chicago. Even killing off a powerplay after Brendan Smith was caught hooking Marian Hossa.

The deadlock was broken after 14 minutes when a superb passing play allowed Patrick Kane to score past Jimmy Howard. Detroit will be disappointed with the goal as it looked like something straight from the training rink. No keeper in the league would have saved it though so Howard can't be too unhappy.

Detroit came close while shorthanded after a loose puck escaped in center ice but Corey Crawford made himself big to deny Detroit.

The visitors finished the period with the shot advantage but the goal deficit. 

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock clearly had the right words during the interval as Damien Brunner equalised two minutes into the second. Five minutes later Pavel Datsyuk was given a minor after flipping a rolling puck into the crowd. Chicago were not able to capitalise though and the score remained equal. 

With four minutes left on the clock in the second, Detroit captain Henrik Zetterberg was alert and made the rush the side of the net to pass to Brendan Smith who made no mistake. Advantage Detroit. 

With  five seconds left; Justin Abdelkader had a golden opportunity to add to Detroit's total after a bouncing puck escaped Michal Rozsival only for Crawford to make another great save.

The third period was cautious for both teams until Johan Franzen was able to add a third to Detroit's total with a pinpoint accurate shot with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Chicago were put on the back foot after Dave Bolland took a dislike to Valtteri Filppula and took a two minutes minor. Detroit managed four shots on target but Crawford was equal to all of them.

Shortly after though, Detroit won a faceoff in its own defensive zone and was able to break past Chicago. Filppula's diving shot sneaking into the Blackhawk's net. 4-1 Detroit.

That's how it ended.

After the first game loss, Mike Babcock came out and reaffirmed his faith in his team and this new found passion really gave Detroit the edge in this game. Chicago's shooters were given no time and found themselves frustrated. Bolland's penalty was a perfect example of this; wasn't controversial, just the red mist descending after a 50/50 challenge. Corey Crawford was outstanding and made so many key saves, Jimmy Howard also had a good game. It's time to recoup for Chicago after a Red Wings performance that clearly took them by surprise. Detroit has been inconsistent this season and often peaked early then conceded in the later periods but today was completely different. The boys from Michigan were chasing goals right until the final buzzer. This was the team that turned up at the end the regular seaon and won all four of its last four games to climb from tenth to seventh in the western conference. A convincing win for Detroit.