Johan Franzen #93 of the Detroit Red Wings reacts next to Niklas Hjalmarsson #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks after scoring a goal in the third period, as referee Chris Rooney #5 makes the goal signal, in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on May 18, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.
CHICAGO — In case they weren't aware already, the Chicago Blackhawks now know they're going to have to earn it if they want to get past Detroit.
The Red Wings hammered home that message on Saturday.
Damien Brunner and Brendan Smith scored in the second period and Detroit beat the Blackhawks 4-1 in Game 2 to even their Western Conference semifinal series.
It was a strong response by the Red Wings after Chicago handled them easily in the series opener, 4-1.
"We've got a real good club now," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. "And we haven't been good all year. We've just gotten better."
Their confidence got a big jolt after they knocked off the Presidents' Trophy winners and avoided falling into a deep hole. It was another big win by a team that finished seventh in the conference, only to knock off second-seeded Anaheim in the first round.
Now, they're even with a team that's been rolling along all season and is eyeing its second Stanley Cup in four years.
"Both teams would be stupid if they thought they were going to come in here and either team win four straight," Chicago's Brent Seabrook said.
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