Blackhawks vs. Red Wings Game 5 recap: Chicago staves off elimination

The Chicago Blackhawks came to play in Game 5, beating the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. Chicago avoided elimination and the series will head back to Detroit at three games to two.

Chicago came right out of the gates with guns blazing, pressing the attack and immediately putting the Wings back on their heels. They broke through Jimmy Howard once in the first and then added two more in the second after Detroit had mounted a brief rally to equalize.

Nothing changed in the third. The Blackhawks kept attacking, and their defensemen began joining the rush even more than they had in the first two periods. Andrew Shaw scored the inevitable fourth goal, and Chicago held on to win 4-1.

Will Jimmy Howard continue to be the story on the Detroit side?

He has to be, right? He faced well over 40 shots and yet, if not for him, Detroit could've been absolutely routed. The Wings had no answer for the Hawks, and Jimmy Howard had to play the role of the lone ranger in Game 5.

Will Jonathan Toews' struggles continue to be the story on the Chicago side?

The struggles of the entire team seemed to disappear on Saturday. Toews broke through for the first time. Nick Leddy, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith all played their best games of the series on the blueline. Michal Handzus had an assist. So did Marian Hossa. This was a game that showcased the dominant Blackhawks we've seen all season. You have to wonder if this was a major turning point in the series.

Is Detroit's 'D' the difference?

The great performances of the past four games were a thing of the past in Game 5, but can you blame them? The Blackhawks simply carved them up like every other team they've played this season. Detroit still has two chances to pull it together and win the series, however.

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