Blackhawks storm back to beat Red Wings
If the Blackhawks are ever going to flip the switch and start stringing needed wins together, Sunday presented the perfect starting point.
Not only were the lowly Red Wings in town, the Hawks played their first of four straight home games against teams currently out of the playoffs. The Flames are up next on Tuesday, followed by the Predators and Ducks.
"We have to be really good at home," goaltender Corey Crawford said. "We talked about that. These are big points coming up so we have to take care of home ice."
Coming in with the worst record (10-29) in the NHL, Detroit looked like the surest of wins during this favorable stretch.
But as they've shown during another erratic season, nothing is guaranteed with the Blackhawks.
The managed to beat the Red Wings 4-2 at the United Center, but it was far from a waltz.
Getting a break just 20 seconds into the game when Detroit's Dylan Larkin went to the box for a tripping penalty, Patrick Kane beat goalie Jimmy Howard from the right circle but his shot hit the post.
Just 22 seconds after the Wings killed off the rest of the penalty, Dominik Kubalik was called for slashing and Filip Zadina scored a power play goal to put Detroit in front.
Luke Glendening scored late in the first period to make it 2-0, and the unpleasant tone was firmly set.
"We didn't have a good start in the first period, a lot of bounces and stuff," Blackhawks defenseman Adam Boqvist said. "But I think there's a lot good confidence with this group. Stay positive and never panic."
The Hawks didn't exactly come out flying in the second period, but they scored two quick goals late to pull into a tie.
Dylan Strome ended Howard's shutout bid at the 15:07 mark. Scoring his first NHL goal, Dylan Sikura got the equalizer 45 seconds later.
Boqvist put the Blackhawks in front for good at the 8:47 mark of the third period and Kubalik added an empty netter.
"We don't have the best home record, so we have to find a way to be good at home," Strome said. "That seven-game homestand (2-5) at the beginning of the year, we didn't take advantage of it. Now we have another stretch here."
Crawford might play the remaining three games at the United Center this week if Robin Lehner can't get healthy. Lehner hurt his right knee at Vancouver Thursday night and is day-to-day.
Crawford was back in net Sunday night for the first time since Dec. 23, when he was pulled during a 7-1 loss at New Jersey.
Against Detroit, Crawford faced only 21 shots.
"I didn't really feel that great at the start," Crawford said. "Kind of in-between on the plays sometimes. I think traffic's the toughest thing, which way to look, which way the play is going. It was good to get the win and just move on and try to get better."