The Chicago Blackhawks showed up in Joe Louis Arena today rested and ready to go following 5 days of rest, beating the depleted Detroit Red Wings 4-1 in a matinee.

Detroit has been racked by injuries lately, losing Pavel Datsyuk, Dan Cleary, Tomas Holmstrom and Chris Osgood. They tried getting some help, signing Evgeni Nabokov to a deal, only to see the New York Islanders claim him off waivers. But, hell...two points is two points. Better to see the Hawks get them than give them away.

Let's get to this:

THE GOOD:

Tomas Kopecky. Two goals in the second spurring this one, turning a 1-1 tie into a 3-1 lead.  At first, people thought putting him & Marian Hossa together would make Hossa better, The exact opposite seems to have happened. Kopecky is in his contract year, and he's certainly making his case for the Hawks to ont only keep him, but he's also looking ready to start stacking some serious cheddar.

Troy Brouwer. Speaking of guys in a contract year...another goal and assist, along with 3 hits. Not only does he look happier than a whore in a dance hall to be skating with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane again, but he is also looking ready to back up the Brinks truck.

Corey Crawford. There were a couple patches where the Wings looked like they had 5 pucks on the ice, and Crawford stood tall. they created a lot of traffic and contact in the crease. As CT's daughter said, "maybe since the Red Wings knocked over the Blackhawks goalie, Chicago should do that to their goalie".

Dave Bolland. A nice goal and an assist. It's nice to see Playoff Bolland show up with half a season to go. Tough day in the faceoff circle, but the fact that he's racking up a lot of points right now can only portend well for the team.

THE BAD:

The officiating. First they call a puck clanging off the crossbar a goal (it got overturned - did the replay official want Stan Bowman's job?) then the quick whistle on the Detroit goal. Not good.

THE UGLY:

Thank God the Wings wore their whites, since they lead the NHL in gingers.

The Hawks go at 11:30 tomorrow morning, before a football game of some note. It also marks Hockeenight's invasion of the United Center. Stop by Section 314 and say hello. Bring Malort.