Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Nov 19, 2008 3:10PM

Blackhawks Start Circus Trip With A Win...
The 'Hawks snapped a three-game skid and earned their second shoot-out win of the year, beating the Coyotes 3-2 to start their lengthy road trip. Kris Versteeg and Patrick Sharp scored goals a minute apart at the end of the first period to put the Blackhawks up 2-0, but the Coyotes managed a goal in each of the remaining periods to force overtime. Nikolai Khabibulin made 36 saves in all, including two in the shootout, to help the 'Hawks hold on for the win; Sharp and Jonathan Toews scored in the shoot-out for Chicago. While it's a long road trip for the team, Sharp seemed optimistic about it, saying, "It's good for us to get out on the road. We like playing at the United Center, but it's good to be around each other quite a bit and build some chemistry."

...While Bulls Start Trip With A Loss
Granted, the Bulls had to play one of the league's best teams (the Lakers) and one of its best players (Kobe). The Bulls kept things close early on thanks but were playing catch-up most of the night as the Lakers, paced by Pau Gasol and Kobe, held off a late Bulls rally for a 116-109 win. Derrick Rose led the Bulls with 25 points and added 9 assists while Ben Gordon contributed 23 points. Rose bemoaned the Bulls' performance at the hands of the Lakers' defense, saying, "They've got two 7-footers down there that are real mobile. We were swinging the ball but just couldn't hit open shots. They'll fall any other time. They are a good team and they locked down. They've been in these situations before, they're used to it.''

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin