Kronwall made it 1-1 at 16:43, beating Matt Murray with a one-timer from the high slot for his fourth goal of the season and 400th NHL point.
"Everyone in this room knows what he's been going through with his body and how he battles through it thanks to his work ethic," Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said of Kronwall. "It was nice to see him get rewarded."
Hicketts saved a goal at 23 seconds of the second period, when the defenseman knocked aside Crosby's stick as he was about to score into an open net.
"I think I was a little star-struck starting the game against him," Hicketts, 21, said. "He's the best player in the world for a reason, but as the game went on, I kind of figured out a better way to play him."
Detroit scored twice in 41 seconds to take a 3-1 lead.
Nielsen put the Red Wings ahead with a power-play goal at 14:28 of the second period, one-timing Martin Frk's pass. Hicketts got his first NHL point with an assist.
Glendening scored at 15:09, tipping Nick Jensen's slap shot between Murray's legs.