DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings are one win away from eliminating the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks thanks to their 2-0 victory Thursday night in Game 4 of the best-of-seven series.
Goalie Jimmy Howard, who has been strong all series, turned away early opportunities from Chicago. Howard continued that trend all game, stopping 28 shots and earning the shutout.
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The game was scoreless after the first 20 minutes. Howard faced 14 shots while his counterpart Corey Crawford faced 10.
View: Game 4 boxscore
The 2nd period started with more offensive pressure from the Blackhawks. Both teams found penalty trouble as the period progressed, but no one could find the back of the net. Howard and Crawford both stood solid between the pipes.
The Red Wings finally took advantage of a Jonathan Toews penalty. Jakub Kindl made it 1-0 on a shot that beat Crawford, who was screened, low blocker side. It was the first power play goal Chicago had allowed in the playoffs.
The Wings took a 1-0 lead into the 3rd period. Both teams had 22 shots on goal after two periods.
The tempo picked up in the 3rd period as the teams flew up and down the ice, exchanging quality scoring chances. The Blackhawks went on the power play with just less than 5 minutes to go in regulation. However, the Red Wings were able to kill it off in fine fashion, maintaining the 1-goal lead.
Chicago pulled Crawford for the extra attacker with just more than a minute to go in the 3rd. Dan Cleary got the open net goal to give the Red Wings a 2-0 lead. The Wings held on in the final seconds to secure the shutout and their 3rd win in the series.
The teams meet for Game 5 Saturday night in Chicago.