A great day for a hockey game (AP-Nam Y. Huh)
The defining moment and play of the 2009 Winter Classic played at Wrigley Field was Pavel Datsyuk’s goal with just 2:43 remaining in the second period. It merits that honor for its significance in the game as well as for its artistry.
Datsyuk weaved through the two Chicago defensemen and move the puck around their stick checks before deking Chicago goalie Christobal Huet to the ice and sliding the puck through his feet. The goal capped a three goal second period rally and gave Detroit a 4-3 lead in the game, a lead they would never relinquish.
Chicago’s Kris Versteeg scored the first goal of the game, and the first goal ever at Wrigley Field, to give the Hawks the early lead. Mikael Samuelsson replied for Detroit near the middle of the first period. The Hawks restored the one goal lead less than three minutes later when Martin Havlat converted a Versteeg pass on the powerplay. Fourth line winger Ben Eager opened the Hawks lead to 3-1 late in the first period.
The Wings managed to climb back in to the game in the second period on a pair of goals by Jiri Hudler who combined good positioning and a quick stick to bury a couple of loose pucks at the goal mouth to tie the score at three.
The Wings opened their lead to three in the third period on two goals 17 seconds apart. First Brian Rafalski made some nice stick handling moves to turn a broken play into a powerplay goal. Brett Lebda, who is from Buffalo Grove, Illinois which is about 30 miles outside of Chicago, then scored for Detroit. Referee Tim Peel had originally waved off the goal but after video review, which was more complicated than normal because there were no cameras intalled above the nets, it was determined that Lebda had indeed stretched Detroit’s lead to 6-4. Duncan Keith scored for Chicago with 10 seconds remaining to make the final score 6-4. For more odds and ends, and facts and figures from the 2009 Winter Classic click here.
For more info: www.nhl.com., www.chicagoblackhawks.com, www.detroitredwings.com
Comments
Another nice write up. Love seeing the video replays too. The classic was a very enjoyable event to watch and just as wonderful with a redwing win. Maybe one of these seasons we can get a detroit and toronto outdoor game to enjoy. Now that would be perfecto. Go wings go.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!