AP NHL Headlines

Blackhawks-Red Wings Preview

DETROIT (AP) Jimmy Howard's cat-quick reflexes in net and easygoing nature out of it are big reasons the Detroit Red Wings are on a roll.

Howard has held top-seeded Chicago to only one goal in two straight games, lifting seventh-seeded Detroit to a 2-1 series lead. He was the star of the end-to-end, high-paced Game 3 the Red Wings won 4-1 on Monday night, when he became their first goalie to face at least 40 shots without giving up more than a goal in the playoffs since Greg Stefan did it 1987.

"That was probably the fastest playoff game I've ever been a part of," Howard said. "I expect it just to get faster Thursday night. They're going to step it up. We need to come even harder."

Blackhawks, Red Wings have 2 of NHL's top coaches

DETROIT (AP) Joel Quenneville has accomplished a lot in the NHL, hoisting the Stanley Cup once and with as many postseason victories as any active coach.

The Chicago Blackhawks coach, though, has never gotten past the Detroit Red Wings in the playoffs.

Quenneville is 0-5 as a head coach against the Red Wings in postseason series, getting eliminated by them in 2009 to end his first season in Chicago, once with Colorado, and three times while leading St. Louis.

Red Wings beat Blackhawks to take 2-1 series lead

DETROIT (AP) The Chicago Blackhawks were controlling the puck and dominating play early in the second period. It took all of a half-minute for the Detroit Red Wings to swing the momentum.

Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference second-round series.

The top-seeded Blackhawks refused to roll over, pulling to 2-1 on Patrick Kane's goal 4:35 into the third period, and were a judgment call away from tying it about a minute later. Andrew Shaw's goal, however, was waved off because he was in the crease, the officials ruling he interfered with Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard.

Red Wings top Blackhawks 3-1, take 2-1 series lead

DETROIT (AP) The young Detroit Red Wings have made the mighty Chicago Blackhawks look vulnerable, beating them two straight times to gain an advantage in their last playoff matchup as Western Conference rivals.

Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through the second period and Pavel Datsyuk restored a two-goal lead in the third to help Detroit beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 Monday night and take a 2-1 lead in the second round series.

As good as the Red Wings have looked - scoring six straight goals to earn momentum in the matchup - their hard-driving coach isn't ready to celebrate.

Red Wings beat Blackhawks 4-1, even series

CHICAGO (AP) In case they weren't aware already, the Chicago Blackhawks now know they're going to have to earn it if they want to get past Detroit.

The Red Wings hammered home that message on Saturday.

Damien Brunner and Brendan Smith scored in the second period and Detroit beat the Blackhawks 4-1 in Game 2 to even their Western Conference semifinal series.

Defensive forwards center stage in NHL playoffs

CHICAGO (AP) Pavel Datsyuk is one of the NHL's most feared scorers, a wizard with the puck who is equally adept at setting up his teammates for easy plays. Jonathan Toews has at least 23 goals in each of his six seasons in the league, and Patrice Bergeron is one of the top offensive threats for one of the league's best teams.

If you want to stop a Datsyuk, Toews or Bergeron, it sure helps to have a Datsyuk, Toews or Bergeron.

The three finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the NHL's best defensive forward are still alive in the playoffs, and it's no coincidence. The league's top teams count on their forwards to come back and pressure the opponent's top scorers, not only for defensive purposes but also to create chances on the other end.

Blackhawks practice without D Keith, F Handzus

CHICAGO (AP) Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith and forward Michal Handzus missed practice Friday, though coach Joel Quenneville said both players are fine and will play in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series against Detroit on Saturday.

Handzus also missed two practices before Wednesday night's series opener, but the 6-foot-4 center managed to play 17 minutes in the 4-1 victory over the Red Wings.

Forward Viktor Stalberg worked outside of the top four lines in practice once again, and he said Quenneville wants him "to produce more and be more effective." Stalberg was benched for Game 1 and Quenneville declined to say if he would play on Saturday.

Kane helps Blackhawks maintain fast pace

CHICAGO (AP) Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane has a habit of attracting attention.

Maybe you recall the former No. 1 overall pick hitting the Internet last season, when photos show him partying in Madison, Wis. Or the 2009 arrest in his hometown of Buffalo, N.Y., after an altercation with a cab driver.

All that seems so long ago for Kane, who on Thursday was named one of the finalists for the Lady Byng trophy given to the NHL player who exhibits the best sportsmanship and "gentlemanly conduct" along with top skills on the ice.

Blackhawks beat Red Wings 4-1 in series opener

CHICAGO (AP) Two role players each came up with a big goal. The stars had a handful of key plays. The goalie made all the stops.

Even gruff coach Joel Quenneville had to like this one.

Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger scored in the third period, Corey Crawford made 20 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 in the opener of their second-round playoff series Wednesday night.

Blackhawks edge Red Wings 4-1 in series opener

CHICAGO (AP) Maybe it was the extra rest, or another raucous crowd at the United Center. Maybe it was just the resumption of one of the NHL's biggest rivalries.

Whatever it was, the Chicago Blackhawks finally found that extra gear they talked about for days.

Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger scored in the third period, Corey Crawford made 20 saves and the Blackhawks beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 in the opener of their second-round playoff series Wednesday night.