Morning Box Score: Blackhawks Win Game 1; Bulls Season Over
By Chuck Sudo in News on May 16, 2013 2:25PM
The Blackhawks shook off some early rust to eventually pull away from the rival Red Wings in the third period of Game 1 in their Western Conference semifinal series at the United Center Wednesday night. Patrick Sharp, who scored an empty net goal and tallied two assists, said it was the Hawks' best game of the postseason. " I thought we played better as the game went on, and didn't have too many breakdowns out there."
The Blackhawks drew first blood on a power play goal by Marian Hossa nine minutes into the first period. Detroit's Damien Brunner responded nearly two minutes later with a wrist shot past Corey Crawford. Chicago took the ice after the first intermission and began to take control, peppering Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard with shots, but Howard and Corey Crawford played perfectly between the pipes in the second period.
The third period was all Hawks. Johnny Oduya broke the tie with a goal eight minutes into the period. Marcus Kruger scored on a backhand 11 minutes into the period, while Sharp's empty netter ended the scoring. The Hawks had an overwhelming 42-21 advantage in shots on goal, 36 of them in the final two periods. Crawford was amazing in goal and stopped 20 shots, while the Hawks' penalty kill was in fine form.
Some head were turned by coach Joel Quenneville's benching of Viktor Stalberg and the boo birds would be more vocal today if the Hawks struggled. But they were clearly the better team on the ice Wednesday. Game 2 is Saturday at noon at the United Center.
The Bulls can all go to the hospital now that their season is over, but they put in another valiant effort that has endeared this team to fans this season. The Bulls fought back from a 22-4 first quarter deficit to take a 68-63 lead in the third quarter thanks to tough defense and clutch shots. But Miami regained the lead for good with 6:48 in the fourth quarter thanks to a Norris Cole jumpshot, while the Heat defense held tough in the waning moments and turned back two chances for the Bulls to tie the game.
LeBron James led the Heat with 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds and Dwyane Wade turned back the hands of time long enough to score 18 points. Carlos Boozer led all scorers with 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, Nate Robinson scored 21 points, Jimmy Butler scored 19 points and Rip Hamilton, in what is likely his final game as a Bull, added 15 points.
The Bulls head into the offseason with many questions to answer. But their effort and heart are unquestionable. Coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game, "Obviously, we're disappointed in losing the series, but I was never disappointed in the team. I thought our team fought hard all year long."
Jeff Samarzija earned his first win since Opening Day with a stellar performance on the mound and a home run at the plate. Samardzija struck out seven and allowed two runs in eight innings and hit a two-run shot in the second inning. David DeJesus added a solo shot in the fith inning for the Cubs.