STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS : Blackhawks Take a 2-0 Series Lead

The Chicago Blackhawks call it the “system.”

The Blackhawks’ combination of tight defense and good goaltending is helping them back the Detroit Red Wings into a corner.

Defensemen Chris Chelios and Steve Smith turned in outstanding performances and Jeremy Roenick had a goal and an assist as the Blackhawks defeated the Detroit Red Wings, 3-1, Monday night at Detroit to take a 2-0 lead in the Norris Division finals.

“We’re playing the system we have outlined for us,” Roenick said. “We’re working incredibly hard and putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the other team.”

The Blackhawks, who have allowed only three goals in three consecutive road games, have won five playoff games in a row.

First-period goals by Roenick and Greg Gilbert gave the Blackhawks a 2-0 lead and Steve Larmer made it 3-0 in the second period.

Steve Yzerman scored a third-period goal for the Red Wings, who also fell behind Minnesota 2-0 in the semifinals before rallying to eliminate the North Stars in seven games.

The Blackhawks’ defense held the Red Wings to only three shots on goal in the second period and Chicago had a 23-13 edge in shots after two periods. Chicago finished with a 28-25 edge in shots.

Vancouver 4, Edmonton 0--Cliff Ronning scored twice and the Canucks dominated from start to finish at Vancouver to even the Smythe Division finals at one win apiece.

The Canucks, who beat the Oilers for the first time in five playoff meetings, connected on three consecutive power plays in the first period, passed effectively and shut down the Oilers so thoroughly that goalie Kirk McLean often spent minutes by himself as Vancouver outshot Edmonton, 39-14.

The Oilers went nearly 16 minutes before a 160-foot clearing pass on net was credited as their first shot on goal.

Oiler goaltender Bill Ranford, who made 40 saves in the Game 1 victory, did not come out for the second period with what the Oilers called a bruise to the upper body.