The Morning After: Blackhawks Fall Again, Bulls Down Detroit
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 29, 2010 3:00PM
Blackhawks Fall To Columbus Again
The Blackhawks fell to Columbus for the second straight game, losing 4-2. The Blue Jackets swept the two-game home-and-home series, outscoring the 'Hawks 12-5. A Dave Bolland goal put the 'Hawks up 1-0 early but the Blue Jackets scored three straight goals to take a lead they wouldn't relent. Patrick Sharp scored a short-handed goal late in the third to cut the lead to 3-2 but the Blue Jackets held tough and added an empty netter in the closing seconds. Antti Niemi stopped 16 of 19 shots he faced but allowed all three goals. The 'Hawks have lost three straight and four of their last five; they're now five points back of San Jose for first place in the Western Conference. They'll try to right the ship Tuesday night against St. Louis (7 p.m., VS).
Bulls Down Detroit
The Chicago Bulls are doing their best to claw their way back into the playoff race, downing the Pistons 110-103 for their second straight win and their fourth in five games. It was a quick start for the Bulls who took an 18-point lead at the half thanks to an 18-5 run in the second quarter. The Pistons were able to trim the lead to within seven in the second half but quickly fell behind by double digits again. Derrick Rose had 21 points and 9 assists but Ronald Murray came off the bench to lead the team in scoring with 23 points. The roller coaster season continues as suddenly the Bulls are only a half-game out of the playoffs behind Toronto for the "Get Obliterated By LeBron in the First Round" spot. Next up for the Bulls will be the Phoenix Suns who visit the United Center on Tuesday (7 p.m., WCIU).
Spring Training
Ryan Dempster pitched seven shutout innings (with 9 K's) to lead the Cubs past the Mariners 1-0. Meanwhile, the Sox couldn't get any offense going against the Rangers, losing one split squad game 5-0. The other Sox squad managed to score a bevy of runs but couldn't hold off the Royals, losing 10-8.