DETROIT, Mich. — On a day when the Red Wings were celebrating Gordie Howe’s 85th birthday, the Chicago Blackhawks got the best gifts.
The Red Wings laid an egg on Easter Sunday as the Blackhawks crushed Detroit 7-1 at Joe Louis Arena. Chicago scored three goals in the first 4:12 of the game.
Jeremy Morin got the scoring started at the 2:33 mark of the first period. Brandon Saad made it 2-0 Chicago just 48 seconds later, and then 51 seconds after that Dave Bolland made it 3-0 Chicago when Jakub Kindl put the puck into his own net.
Red Wings starter Jimmy Howard was pulled after Jonathon Toews made it 4-0 Chicago 3:52 into the second period. Jonas Gustavsson replaced Howard but didn’t have much more success as Chicago would add one more in the second frame and two more goals in the third period. Cory Emmerton ruined Corey Crawford’s shutout attempt with his third goal of the season with just 33 seconds left in the game.
Detroit hosts the Colorado Avalanche Monday night.
