Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Oct 11, 2009 3:30PM

Blackhawks Edge Avalanche In Shoot-Out
The Chicago Blackhawks gave fans their money's worth at last night's home opener, edging the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 in a dramatic nine-round shoot-out win. The Blackhawks got on the board first thanks to a power play goal from Cam Barker. The Avalanche, however, bounced back in the second period with the next two goals to take a 2-1 edge. From there, the two teams exchanged goals as a total of five goals were scored in the second, ending with the teams tied at 3-3 (the 'Hawks got goals from Andrew Ladd and Duncan Keith). After a scoreless third period and overtime period, the teams moved to a shoot-out. The two teams extended the shoot-out to a ninth frame, the longest shoot-out in Blackhawks' history, when a goal by Andrew Ladd gave the 'Hawks a 4-3 shoot-out edge and a 4-3 win. Cristobal Huet stopped 16 of 19 shots he faced in regulation and overtime and came through with some key saves in the shoot-out, stopping 6 of 9 shots. The Blackhawks next welcome Calgary to town on Monday (7 p.m., VS).

Bucks Bully Bulls
The Bulls made a special trip to Green Bay for last night's preseason match-up against the Milwaukee Bucks, who roughed up the Bulls 98-86. Rookie James Johnson led the team with 14 points off the bench and grabbed seven rebounds. Jannero Pargo and Kirk Hinrich each scored 13 points. Tyrus Thomas and Derrick Rose both sat out the game. The Bulls hope to return the favor when the Bucks visit Chicago for another preseason tune-up on Tuesday (7 p.m., CSN).

College Football

• Northwestern's 16-6 victory over Miami (OH) wasn't flashy but it was efficient and featured a great effort from the defense, which forced four turnovers. QB Mike Kafka threw for 191 yards in the air but did his scoring damage on the ground, rushing for both Wildcat touchdowns as the team moved to 4-2 on the year.
• Illinois' struggles continued as the Illini fell to Michigan State 24-14. The Illini, now 1-3 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten, had a lone bright spot in Mikel LeShoure, who ran for one of the team's touchdowns and caught the other.
• Notre Dame and NIU both enjoyed bye weeks.