Morning Box Score: Hawks Handle Red Wings

By Staff in News on Dec 18, 2010 3:00PM

The Blackhawks played one of their best defensive games of the season after honoring one of the best defenesemen to ever play. The Hawks snapped their three-game losing streak on Chris Chelios Heritage night in a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings Friday night.

Tomas Kopecky, a former Red Wing, scored twice and rookie goaltender Corey Crawford denied 29 of 30 shots on goal. The Hawks started strong with a 2-0 lead over Detroit in the first five minutes, with Patrick Sharp scoring the only power play of the night.

Fernando Pisani was back on the ice Friday after missing eight games with an upper-body injury. Pisani played just under 18 minutes, recorded an assist and finished plus-1 while Bryan Bickell's goal was his fifth in his last six games. Jack Skille had a team-leading nine shots on goal in the win.

Patrick Kane missed his fifth game with an injured left ankle. Marian Hossa sat out his eighth game with a lower body injury but he and Kane skated on Friday. Kane said he was hopeful to play on Sunday while Hossa was hesitant on his return. "It all depends on how it is after the skate (Saturday) morning. If it's good I'll skate Sunday morning and we'll see," Hossa told CSNChicago.com. "I didn't feel good Wednesday and Thursday. I was making it stronger with different exercises. I feel better and it's progress."

By: Angie Wiatrowski

The Blackhawks continue their home stretch and will host the LA Kings Sunday night.