Wow. What a game!

The Chicago Blackhawks (11-6-7) definitely dominated the Detroit Red Wings (18-4-4) during the first two periods with four of the six goals during that span. However, the Wings somehow managed to pounce on a couple opportunities to tie the game back up at four goals apiece and send it into overtime.

The Joe definitely seemed more alive tonight with our Central Division rivals in town and there was also a fair share of 'Hawks fans to keep it interesting. And then when it was time for the shootout, the entire crowd stood and got really loud with cheers for Detroit and plenty of booing for the Hawks players.

Surprisingly, only one of six players scored in the shootout and Pavel Datsyuk's beauty was the difference-maker. He was the first player to go in the shootout. While Ty Conklin had a shaky start, he was fantastic in the shootout stopping all three shots by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, and Patrick Kane which is pretty impressive if you ask me!

Valtteri Filppula and Jiri Hudler each had a goal and an assist. Dan Cleary tallied two assists. Detroit also had goals from Henrik Zetterberg and Marian Hossa in the third and then Datsyuk got the game-winner in the shootout. My favorite moment of the game was actually Datsyuk's big open-ice hit late in the third period. I can't think of a time when I've seen Datsyuk actually lay out an opponent on the open ice like that.

Chicago's Toews deservingly earned the first star after scoring two goals in the contest including a beauty at 16:27 in the first period. Sharp and Andrew Ladd also got on the board for the Blackhawks.

Christy's Wings Player of the Game: Marian Hossa

Despite other players getting more offensive points in the effort, Hossa's goal to send the game into overtime was huge and it was a beauty. I still can't believe that we have him on our team and he has been such a big boost to this team offensively. Gotta love it!

Marian Hossa

#81 / Right Forward / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 6-1

Weight: 210

Born: Jan 12, 1979

I can't speak for anyone else, but I really look forward to the Detroit-Chicago games now. I can't say I did so much two seasons ago, but as Chicago has improved last season and this season the quality of play on the ice from both teams has been fantastic. I love seeing the young talented forwards on Chicago's team and I obviously believe that the Wings have a great star-studded forward line-up.

Our Chicago counterpart here at SBN, Second City Hockey, has their thoughts on the game and they are understandably unhappy that the Blackhawks lost after a two-goal lead.