The Chicago Blackhawks began the evening by raising their Stanley Cup championship banner to the rafters of the United Center. But the night ended with a 3-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
Valtteri Flippula scored two goals, including the eventual game-winner, to lead the Wings in scoring. Flippula’s go-ahead score came with 6:01 in the third period on a power play. Jiri Hudler and Nicklas Lidstrom notched assists on the goal.
Todd Bertuzzi added Detroit’s other goal. Goalie Chris Osgood made 26 saves to earn the 397th win of his career.
Meanwhile, the defending Stanley Cup champions begin the season 0-2. Marty Turco made 23 saves for the Blackhawks, but his overall record against the Wings fell to 6-13-5. (Some home state sympathy from a former Michigan Wolverine, perhaps.) Brent Seabrook and Bryan Bickell scored Chicago’s two goals.
The Wings are off to a 2-0 start after beginning last season 0-2 on a trip to Sweden. Detroit hosts the Colorado Avalanche for their next game on Tuesday. The game will be broadcast nationally on Versus.