• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Crawford, Blackhawks blank Avs

Jan 13, 2011 - 5:55 AM Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Corey Crawford turned away all 24 shots he faced to record his second straight shutout as the Chicago Blackhawks blanked the Colorado Avalanche, 4-0, at United Center.

Crawford had made 29 saves Sunday against the New York Islanders to earn his second career whitewash and first since March 5, 2008.

Dave Bolland and Fernando Pisani both registered a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks, who have won three straight and four of their last five games.

"I thought we've been playing well the last couple games, but tonight was a good test for us to measure up against a team in our [conference]," Pisani said.

Peter Budaj stopped 27 shots for Colorado, which has dropped five of seven.

The Avalanche had totaled 15 goals in winning the first three meetings with the Blackhawks. Colorado was aiming for its first season sweep of Chicago since the 2002-03 campaign.

Troy Brouwer and Bolland scored 40 seconds apart to give Chicago a 2-0 lead in the first period. Brouwer backhanded a Duncan Keith rebound between the pads of Budaj at 7:08, then Bolland scored on a broken play in front of the Colorado netminder.

Pisani lit the lamp midway through the second period and Jack Skille capped the scoring at 8:36 of the third.

Game Notes

Colorado fell to 8-2-1 against the Central Division this season...Chicago forward Marian Hossa celebrated his 32nd birthday...The Avalanche were 0-for-4 on the power play...Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook notched a pair of helpers.