"Red Wings coach Mike Babcock views these last 30-odd games as a time for one of his candidates to secure a claim on the sixth defenseman spot.

The opportunity went to Mike Commodore on Tuesday against Calgary at the Saddledome. Commodore got the nod ahead of Jakub Kindl. Commodore fought Tim Jackman in the first period and blocked a few shots to help the Wings to a 3-1 victory.

"Any time a guy steps up for his teammates, you really appreciate that, so that's a positive thing," Babcock said. "We're just looking for someone to grab that job and hang on to it. You don't want to be in or out on a nightly basis.""