CHICAGO (AP) — Two role players each came up with a big goal. The stars had a handful of key plays. The goalie made all the stops.

Even gruff coach Joel Quenneville had to like this one.

Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger scored in the third period, Corey Crawford made 20 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 in the opener of their second-round playoff series Wednesday night.

“Much better from our prior series,” Quenneville said. “I thought what we’re talking about in our team game was in place. Had some pace, had some speed, zone time.”

Marian Hossa had the opening goal in the first, and Patrick Sharp finished with an empty-netter and two assists to give him nine points in the postseason.

“I thought it was our best game of the playoffs, no question,” Sharp said.

Jimmy Howard had 38 stops in a terrific performance, but Detroit still lost to rival Chicago for the eighth straight time.

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