Darren Helm's overtime goal sealed the Western Conference title for Detroit, the defending NHL champions, who will now host Game One of the Stanley Cup finals against the Penguins.
Pittsburgh booked their return to the finals on Tuesday by completing a 4-0 sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Detroit's Dan Cleary opened the scoring at 6:08 of the third period, redirecting Brett Lebda's blast past Chicago netminder Cristobal Huet.
However, Patrick Kane answered for the Blackhawks almost seven minutes later, rifling a backhand over Chris Osgood's shoulder to send the contest into overtime.
Helm sent the Red Wings back to the Stanley Cup finals for the fourth time in 12 seasons when he slammed home a loose puck as it trickled across the crease 3:58 into the extra session.
Detroit won the best-of-seven series 4-1.
