Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 27, 2008 2:30PM

Sharp celebrates his first period goal - AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Blackhawks Thump Flyers
Five different Blackhawks scored en route to a 5-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. It's the 'Hawks eighth-straight victory and their ninth out of their last 10 games. Andrew Ladd and Patrick Sharp gave the 'Hawks a 2-0 lead less than three minutes into the game. Philadelphia would answer a few moments later, but Nioklai Khabibulin shut the Flyers down from there, stopping 17 out of 18 shots. A scoreless second period gave way to a quick start in the third period for the 'Hawks who got three more goals in the opening 5:07: Brian Campbell and Kris Versteeg chipped in power play goals and Dave Bolland netted the final goal of the night to finish off the Flyers. And the fans continue to turn out in record numbers, literally. Last night's game set a new attendance record for the 'Hawks with an attendance of 22,712 fans.

Heat Torch Bulls
It was a close game for three quarters, but the Heat finished strong while the Bulls withered, scoring only 13 points in the fourth quarter as they fell to Miami 90-77. Ben Gordon led the impotent Bulls offense with 15 points and Larry Hughes added 13. Dwyane Wade, meanwhile, shot 11 for 23 to contribute 28 points. Despite leading 45-40 at the half, the Bulls only managed 32 second half points and shot 36.9 percent for the game. Said Gordon, "It was a close game and then it just got a way. We never made plays down to the end. We didn't play winning basketball and that's what happens when you play like that in critical moments of the game.''