Blackhawks’ 3-goal third period sparks Game 1 win over Red Wings

One of the advantages the Chicago Blackhawks have over the Detroit Red Wings in their second-round series is depth. That depth was on display during their 4-1 win over Detroit in Game 1 Wednesday night.

Marian Hossa and Damien Brunner traded goals in the opening period, but the game shifted in Chicago's favor during a 3:21 span in the third when Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger gave the Blackhawks a commanding 3-1 lead.

Oduya's second of the playoffs came after Patrick Kane drew two Red Wings along the boards, while Johan Franzen failed to provide any cover while the Blackhawks' defenseman floated through the circles untouched:

After a first period where the Red Wings outshot their opponents 7-6, it was all Blackhawks in final 40 minutes. The final shot total was 41-21 in Chicago's favor, keeping Jimmy Howard on his toes all night. As happened often during the regular season, the Blackhawks were outhit 43-24, displaying their grip on puck possession throughout the game.

Game 2 is Saturday afternoon, and the two-day break should help the Red Wings rest up after going through a seven-game series with Anaheim in the opening round. Just as important, it will allow Mike Babcock and his staff time to figure out a way to improve their puck management, something the Blackhawks feasted on.

Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy