Morning Box Score: Hawks Drop North American Opener

By Alexander Hough in News on Oct 9, 2009 3:00PM

Missed opportunities and a stellar performance by Chris Osgood spoiled the Blackhawks' return to our fair continent, losing their first game in regulation of the season to the Red Wings in Detroit, 3-2. It wasn't for lack of trying. Continuing the season's trend, the Hawks once again outshot their opponent (34-23). Their aggressiveness led to a 1-0 lead early in the second period, as the Wings turned the puck over trying to clear their zone, and Kris Versteeg passed to Patrick Sharp, who was just hanging out, whispering sweet nothings into Osgood's ear. The Hawks' previously perfect penalty kill faltered midway through the second as Niklas Lindstrom's shot deflected off John Madden's skate and past Cristobal Huet (0-1-1). With less than five minutes to go in the period, the Red Wings added a goal by Kris Draper and then a power play goal by Johan Franzen just over ninety seconds later. Versteeg cut it to 3-2 with a power play goal halfway through the third, but it wasn't enough to overcome Osgood's dominance, a disorganized five-on-three opportunity in which the Hawks managed just one shot, and shuffled lines and new faces due to their spate of injuries (latest news: Ben Eager was put on injured reserve prior to the game). The Hawks (1-1-1) make their United Center season debut this Saturday as they take on the Colorado Avalanche (2-1-0).