Sometimes you get a game that's billed as a showdown, and it doesn't live up to the hype. Tonight's did.

The Chicago Blackhawks rebounded from getting skunked by the Kings Wednesday night to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in regulation at the United Center.

Let's get right to this:

THE GOOD:

The Hawks and Wings. Anyone who wants to know just how awesome hockey can be needed to watch this game. The first 2 periods were non-stop action. Until Detroit started getting a little sloppy in the third, this was a really crisp game. Just a blast to watch. Anything less than these teams meeting in the Western Conference Final will be a damn shame.

Marian Hossa. He came out tonight looking to make his mark, and he did. His second period goal was everything we love from #81. He had speed, power, and hands soft as a baby's ass. All night long he was a big pain in Detroit's ass. More of that, please.

Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Right now there is no defensive pair in the NHL this good. Seabrook's game winner in the third was an absolute beast of a slapshot - his stick shaft bent to about 90 degrees. All night they were taking away lanes and angles. It's good to see these guys back together and in sync.

Jimmy Hayes. The book on him has been a big guy who doesn't take the body. Then he nails Mike Commodore and knocks a pane of glass loose. He looked strong and confident on the ice. He sure as hell didn't look like a guy playing his first NHL game.

THE BAD:

The Red Wings taking liberties. Twice they pretty much tackled Corey Crawford. Fortunately, after QStache barked at the refs on Wednesday after there were no goalie interference calls, he got two tonight. Still, it's up to the guys in front of Crawford to protect him.

Corey Crawford could actually be in all three categories tonight. He's still giving up some juicy rebounds, and not really commanding his crease. Last year as the season progressed he pretty much made the transition from Walter Mitty to Billy Smith. He's still more Mitty than Smitty at this point. We're coming up on the halfway point, and there are still 5 more games with these guys. Time to nut up.

THE UGLY:

Dan Carcillo fighting Todd Bertuzzi. Two idiots squaring off in a scoreless game. And it's not even a good fight.




Next up for the Hawks is a game Monday night against the Edmonton Oilers, the first time these teams have met since the 9-2 debacle in Alberta. Hope the Hawks have long memories.