While the rest of the world was drooling over the spectacle that has become Jeremy Lin, the Detroit Red Wings were making history. Last night, the Wings won their 21st consecutive game played at Joe Louis Arena, breaking a 36 year old NHL record.
The Red Wings looked as business-like as ever on Tuesday night, leading from beginning to end. When the horn finally sounded, the Wings had a 3-1 victory and 21,000 screaming fans. The Joe was rocking all night with chants of “Let’s go Red Wings” and “twenty-one,” showing everyone why it is so hard for opposing teams to come in and win games in Detroit.
“In the end when they were really cheering, before and after the buzzer went, it was a pretty cool feeling,” forward Henrik Zetterberg said.
Hudler celebrates the game-clincher
Zetterberg led off the scoring for Detroit when he drove the puck along the goal line, got his own rebound, and put the puck past goaltender Kari Lehtonen. Defenseman Brad Stuart followed Zetterberg’s goal with one of his own just over a minute later. The Red Wings held a 2-0 advantage until Jiri Hudler scored the game-clinching goal with just under five minutes to play.
The Stars’ lone goal came with just over 30 seconds left in the game, as centerman Adam Burish deflected the puck past Detroit goaltender Joey MacDonald, spoiling the shutout.
It is truly sad that none of this was seen on Sportscenter this morning. The Red Wings haven’t lost at home in over three months, yet the sports world is more concerned about a guy who has averaged 20 points per game for two weeks. I’m not hating on Lin, I actually really like the guy, but c’mon ESPN, give my Wings some love!
The state of American hockey aside, this was just another example of a great team taking care of business as usual. Detroit outshot Dallas 37-21, and looked like they were on the power play several times when the teams were even strength. The Red Wings’ offensive prowess has given them the ability to dominate teams at times when they get it going, and solid defense has limited teams to two goals or less in 19 of 21 during the streak (in the other two games, Detroit allowed only three goals).
The Wings and coach Mike Babcock have downplayed the streak from day one, saying that every game is a must win because the Central Division is so tough. The Red Wings have to keep this attitude if they expect to continue winning, because the Central is going to be contested until the very end.
What to watch for
Hey, maybe if the Red Wings get to 50 consecutive at home, you might finally see them on Sportscenter! Also, Jimmy Howard looks to make his return to the ice either Friday or Sunday
Upcoming schedule
Friday vs Nashville (7:30pm, FSD+, NHLN)
Sunday vs San Jose (12:30pm, NBC)
Tuesday @ Chicago (8:00pm, FSD, NBCSP)
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