Chuck Pleiness 9y

Rapid Reaction: Red Wings 4, Blackhawks 1

DETROIT -- Here’s a quick look at Chicago Blackhawks' 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night at Joe Louis Arena.

How it happened: The Wings got a pair of goals -- from Johan Franzen and Tomas Tatar -- just 70 seconds apart early in the second period to grab a two-goal lead, and they never looked back.

A turnover by Patrick Kane in the Blackhawks’ zone led to Franzen’s goal. The Wings forward backhanded a shot over Corey Crawford before he was able to poke the puck away.

Brendan Smith added an empty-net goal for Detroit.

The teams exchanged first-period goals. Chicago’s came from Kane on the power play to even the score at 1-1. The Blackhawks were 1-for-3 with the man advantage in the first 20 minutes.

What it means: The Blackhawks failed once again to put together a three-game winning streak. They’ve had three two-game win streaks so far this season. The loss drops Chicago to 9-7-1, while Detroit improves to 8-3-5. Chicago also gave up a season-high 37 shots on goal. The Wings won for just the second time in regulation in their past six games. During that stretch they have an overtime defeat and shootout loss.

Player of the game: If it hadn’t been for Crawford, the Wings could have put an end to this game after 40 minutes. The Blackhawks netminder made 33 saves, eclipsing his previous season high by one. Both of the 32-save outings, however, came in Chicago victories. Crawford is now 12-3-3 all-time against Detroit.

Specialty unit of the game: Chicago’s penalty killers blunted all three of the Wings’ power-play chances Friday, keeping that unit at the top of the league. The Blackhawks have given up just four goals on 51 chances (.922-percent kill rate). Better yet, the unit didn’t give up a short-handed goal. Chicago has given up a league-high four short-handed goals already. Detroit had scored two power-play goals in each of its previous three games, going 6-for-13 with the man advantage during that span.

Stat of the game: Kris Versteeg did not see another shift in the first period after his turnover led to the Wings’ first goal. Versteeg sent a pass in the slot, tape-to-tape, to Detroit's Drew Miller, and Luke Glendening backhanded home the rebound six minutes in. Versteeg's next shift came to begin the second period.

What’s next: The Blackhawks are back at home Sunday when they host the Dallas Stars. After that game, Chicago embarks on a six-game road trip that won't see the Hawks back at the United Center until Dec. 3.

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