Morning Box Score
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 24, 2009 4:20PM
Blackhawks Shutdown Red Wings Again
Second verse, same as the first. A few days after shutting out the Detroit Red Wings 3-0 at the United Center, the 'Hawks traveled to Detroit and once more shut out their rivals 3-0. Patrick Kane opened up scoring in the first minute of the second period with a power play goal to put the 'Hawks up 1-0. Patrick Sharp got his 11th goal of the year early in the third and Jonathan Toews added the third goal in the closing minutes, the cherry on top of another big win for the young 'Hawks. Antti Niemi had another sterling performance in goal, saving all 33 shots he faced; it was his fourth shutout on the season. At 24-9-3, Chicago remains atop the Central Division, four points over Nashville. The 'Hawks now get the holiday off before going to Nashville to face the Predators on Saturday night (7 p.m., CSN).
Illinois Falls To Mizzou For First Time In 10 Years
It wasn't a good start to the holidays for Illinois as the Illini lost their second straight game and fell for the first time since 1999 to Missouri in the annual Braggin' Rights game by an 81-68 final. All five Illinois starters scored in double-figures - led by Mike Tisdale's double-double (14 pts, 13 rbs) - but it wasn't enough to overcome Kim English's 24 points that paced Mizzou.