Morning Box Score
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 2, 2009 4:00PM
Blackhawks Notch Coach Q's 500th Win In Historic Shootout Win
It was a historic night at the United Center with the Blackhawks making their triumphant return home after the Circus Trip and winning in dramatic fashion over the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in an 11-round shootout. Kris Versteeg scored a short-handed goal to give the 'Hawks a 1-0 first period lead. The Jackets answered with a pair of second period goals, but Patrick Sharp netted a power play goal to tie the game at 2-2 after the second. A Columbus goal in the opening minute of the third was followed a few minutes later by a Jonathan Toews power play goal that tied the game at 3-3, where it would end up even after the overtime period. Marian Hossa scored the first 'Hawks goal in the shootout's second round only to have Columbus answer in the next. The teams then were at a stalemate until Brent Seabrook found the back of the net in the 11th round of the shootout to give the 'Hawks the win in the longest shootout in the team's history. The win, as noted, was also the 500th victory of Coach Quenneville's career. In goal, Cristobal Huet had 20 saves through the overtime period but also had an incredible nine more saves in the shootout (the Jackets scored once and missed once). The 'Hawks, who have 8 of their first 10 games of the month at home, host Nashville on Friday (7:30 p.m., CSN).
College Basketball
did their part in the Big 10-ACC Challenge, upending NC State 65-53. Michael Thompson scored 22 for the Wildcats and Jeremy Nash added 12 as Northwestern improved to 6-1 on the year. As for the challenge overall, at point last night, the Big 10 was up 3-0, but the ACC won the three last games on the schedule to notch the challenge at 3-3 going into tonight's final round of games.