Rivalry re-ignited, as Blackhawks take series lead with 4-1 win.
The Chicago Blackhawks cruised to a 4-1 win over rivals the Detroit Red Wings in Game 1 of their Western Conference semi-finals clash.
Having looked a little a lacklustre to begin with, the Blackhawks were sparked into life in the third period as they put on quite a show for the United Center faithful.
Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger both scored in the third to make the result safe, while Corey Crawford made 20 saves as Chicago got off to the perfect start in their bid to reach the Conference finals.
After dispatching of the Minnesota Wild in five games in the first round, there were fears that the break between series would have an impact on the Blackhawks.
However, after brushing off the rustiness they returned to the type of form that have many tipping them for a Stanley Cup triumph this season.
Jimmy Howard had 38 stops for the travelling Red Wings, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Chicago as they stormed to their eighth consecutive win over Detroit.
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