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The NHL-leading Red Wings have won four straight after enduring their worst slump in nearly two decades.
Detroit's Kirk Maltby scored in the first period and Johan Franzen added an empty-net goal in the final minute. Chris Osgood made 19 saves, including one against former Red Wing Robert Lang on a penalty shot midway through the game.
Goaltender Corey Crawford kept the Blackhawks in it with 44 saves, playing just his sixth career game and fourth this season.
Chicago's Rene Bourque tied the game at 1-all midway through the first period, about two minutes after Maltby scored.
The Blackhawks were 10-5-1 heading into the game, giving themselves a chance to rally for a playoff spot.
Before Detroit's current winning streak, the Red Wings had won only one of 11 games in their worst skid since going 12 games without a win in 1989.
In his 1,000th game, Dallas Drake made his 300th assist by knocking a Blackhawk off the puck and setting up Maltby's goal with a pass from behind the net.
Notes: Chicago D James Wisniewski was ejected from the game late in the first period for cross-checking Mikael Samuelsson in his neck area. ... Datsyuk extended his points streak to seven games. ... Red Wings D Chris Chelios returned to the lineup after missing six games with a knee injury. ... Detroit signed RW Dan Cleary to a $14 million, five-year contract on Tuesday. Cleary, out with a broken jaw, matched his career high with 20 goals and has 40 points in 57 games.
[Associated Press; By CURT ANDERSON]
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