• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Crawford solid as Blackhawks down Red Wings

Jan 23, 2011 - 1:32 AM Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Corey Crawford stopped 36 shots as Chicago took down Detroit, 4-1, in an Original Six battle at Joe Louis Arena.

Tomas Kopecky scored twice while Troy Brouwer and Dave Bolland both had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks, who have won five of their last six games.

"When we play games like this against the top teams it's a boost for our confidence," said Crawford. "We just have to keep it going tomorrow and build a streak."

Cory Emmerton had a goal in his first NHL game while Jimmy Howard was tagged for all four goals on 33 shots for the Red Wings, who have lost four of six.

"They were driving the net hard and getting on top of our defense all day," said Howard. "They were able to get inside and were able to battle for position. We have to forget about this game and come back ready to play."

Detroit received some bad news prior to the game -- the New York Islanders claimed goaltender Evgeni Nabokov off waivers Saturday. The Red Wings had signed him to a contract on Friday, but he had to clear waivers.

Detroit was looking for some help in net because Chris Osgood will be out until early March after having surgery last week, while Howard recently missed two games with a bruised right knee.

Detroit took the initial lead midway through the first period when Emmerton sent a simple shot on net from the top of the left circle. Crawford tried to turn it aside with his stick, but popped it into the air and the disc sailed behind him.

Chicago, though, scored on the power play 6 1/2 minutes later, the result of Duncan Keith's slapshot from the high slot. The puck was tipped to the right side for Brouwer, who sent it across the goalmouth to the left, where Bolland tapped it in.

The Blackhawks used their power play to take a 2-1 lead midway through the second. Bolland sent a hard pass from the left circle to the left side of the net, and Kopecky redirected it past Howard.

Kopecky made it a 3-1 game just under six minutes later, as he chipped in the rebound of a Marian Hossa shot.

Brouwer netted his 14th goal of the season at the 8:35 mark of the third, and Crawford turned aside 20 shots in the final frame to preserve the lead.

Game Notes

The Blackhawks have a rematch with their Stanley Cup opponents from last season when they welcome the Flyers to Chicago on Sunday...Detroit hosts New Jersey on Wednesday...Chicago has won two of the three games with Detroit this season...Chicago went 2-for-3 on the power play while Detroit was 0-for-2.