CHICAGO, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Brent Seabrook scored the tiebreaking goal 1:52 into the third period Friday and the Chicago Blackhawks held on to edge Detroit 3-2.
The Blackhawks expanded their lead over the Red Wings in the Central Division to five points, winning three out of four to close out December.
Detroit twice took a one-goal lead, getting scores in the first period from Justin Abdelkader and in the second from Todd Bertuzzi. Chicago answered each time, scoring on a penalty shot from Jonathan Toews in the opening period and on a slap shot by Marian Hossa in the second.
Seabrook also scored on a slap shot for his second goal of the season. He had nine goals last season, equaling his single-season high.
Corey Crawford made 26 saves, shutting out the Red Wings for the final 34:35. Jimmy Howard surrendered the three goals on 28 shots.