Detroit Red Wings News

Johan Franzen will play vs. Blues; others ailing
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February 9
Detroit Free Press
 
"Right wing Johan Franzen will return to the Red Wings' lineup tonight against the host St. Louis Blues. Franzen, out since Oct. 8 with a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, will play three games before the NHL shuts down for two weeks because of the Vancouver Olympics. "He's been trying to get back for over two weeks," Wings coach Mike Babcock said of Franzen. "He thinks he's been ready, but there's a process they go through." Though Franzen returns, the Wings aren't getting everyone back they had wanted. Defenseman Niklas Kronwall (knee) practiced Monday, but said he won't play because he's waiting for a knee brace. Tomas Holmstrom (knee) will be a game-day decision, and Patrick Eaves ..."
Red Wings' Niklas Kronwall will sit vs. Blues; Tomas Holmstrom might, too
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February 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"Forward Johan Franzen will make his long-awaited return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but the Detroit Red Wings might not have all the players they hoped to be available Tuesday at St. Louis. Defenseman Niklas Kronwall (knee) said he won't play because he's waiting for a better-fitting brace to arrive. Forward Tomas Holmstrom (bruised left knee) will be a game-day decision. He tried to skate at practice today but left the ice early, rode a stationary bike and worked out instead. "I was out skating before practice. I couldn't really push away hard," Holmstrom said. "I'm going to skate tomorrow, and then we'll see.""
Red Wings coach Mike Babcock not concerned about overplaying goaltender Jimmy Howard
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February 8
Michigan Live
 
"Jimmy Howard will start for the 21st time in the last 23 games for the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday in St. Louis. Asked why he chose to start Howard instead of Chris Osgood, coach Mike Babcock said, "Because I think it's the right decision.'' Babcock added that he's not concerned that the 25-year-old Howard could get worn down with too heavy a workload."
Red Wings feel need to win, not just pick up sparse points for shot at postseason
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February 8
Michigan Live
 
"The Detroit Red Wings have left too many points on the table the past few weeks, squandering leads and wasting opportunities to put themselves solidly into playoff position and create separation from teams on their heels. They are 4-6-4 in their past 14 games and have little margin for error as they try to extend their playoff streak to 19 seasons. The Red Wings have three games before the Olympic break, including Tuesday at St. Louis, when they hope the return of power forward Johan Franzen from a four-month absence because of a torn knee ligament will provide a boost. "Every game for us from here until the end is an incredibly important two points," general manager Ken Holland said. "We ..."
Pressure is on with only 24 games left
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February 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"With 24 games remaining, the pressure is on for the Red Wings to establish themselves as a playoff-bound team -- a task that may include the services of big defenseman Andreas Lilja. The Wings found themselves back on the outside of the eight-team picture Sunday after going 1-2 on their swing west, but their position all season has been adversely affected by the numerous long-term injuries they've suffered. They finally caught a break in Saturday's 4-3 loss at Los Angeles, it appears, as general manager Ken Holland said Sunday that Tomas Holmstrom (bruised left knee) and Drew Miller (sore left ankle) both are expected to play Tuesday after leaving during the Kings game. Niklas Kronwall ..."
Red Wings a mighty presence at Vancouver Olympics
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February 8
Detroit News
 
"They represent Canada, Sweden, Russia and Finland. But for as many as nine months at a time, year after year, they are Detroiters. Denizens of Hockeytown all -- Mike Babcock, Pavel Datsyuk, Valtteri Filppula, Tomas Holmstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Nicklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski, Steve Yzerman and Henrik Zetterberg -- they nonetheless will represent their countries at the Vancouver Olympics. All say it is a source of pride for them, an honor they will always remember. In many ways, these Red Wings are "ours," even though they are not all American citizens. Many fans will monitor the progress of the eight Red Wings. Given Yzerman's position as the executive director of Team Canada, some are ..."
Red Wings' injured players are all day-to-day
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February 7
Michigan Live
 
"Off-day injuryfor the Detroit Red Wings: General manager Ken Holland said on Sunday that forwards Tomas Holmstrom (bruised left knee), Drew Miller (bruised left ankle) and Patrick Eaves (sprained left ankle) are all day-to-day. He said Holmstrom and Miller are possible for Tuesday's game at St. Louis. Eaves is doubtful. Defenseman Niklas Kronwall (knee) got in a full off-ice workout Sunday and will skate on his own before Monday's practice before his availability for Tuesday is determined."
Kings rally for record win
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February 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"When the Kings stepped onto the ice at Staples Center on Saturday afternoon, they were greeted by a sellout crowd waving signs that read "We Believe." When they skated off 2 1/2 hours later, they left to a raucous standing ovation. But the big news is what happened in between, when the Kings rallied from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Detroit Red Wings, 4-3, setting a franchise record with their ninth consecutive win. Which, according to Coach Terry Murray, is nothing more than a good start. "I know the [NHL's] undefeated record is 35 games," he said with a grin. "So we'll see." The Kings would have to go unbeaten into the postseason to match that record, set by the 1979-80 ..."
Flyers acquire Wings wing
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February 7
Camden Courier-Post
 
"The Flyers added some offensive depth Saturday when they acquired Finnish left wing Ville Leino from the Detroit Red Wings for little-used defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and a fifth-round pick in 2011. That news was trumped, however, by the revelation that goaltender Ray Emery sat out Saturday night's game against the Minnesota Wild with what general manager Paul Holmgren called "tightness in his left hip." Emery was replaced by Michael Leighton, who made his second straight start. The goalie underwent surgery Dec. 9 to repair a torn muscle in his lower abdominal wall and returned to the lineup Jan. 17, when he began a stretch of eight straight starts. He was pulled from the lineup ..."
Our winter of discontent
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February 7
Detroit Free Press
 
"The last time the Red Wings missed the playoffs, George H.W. Bush was president. The Wings' 18-year run of consecutive playoff appearances is almost incomprehensible; it is also the longest active streak of any professional sports franchise in North America. So ingrained are the Wings and the postseason that any hockey chatter this time of year invariably revolves around what goalie is going to lead Detroit to its next Stanley Cup. How strange then, that if the playoffs began Saturday, the Wings would not be participating? Perhaps not as startling, but still demoralizing, is the state of the other winter sports franchise in town. The Pistons lost 10 times in January. They lost games by a ..."
Red Wings trade Leino to make room for Franzen
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February 7
Detroit Free Press
 
"At a time the Red Wings needed all the offense they could squeeze out of their lineup, Ville Leino repeatedly failed to make any kind of favorable impression. With the pending return of Johan Franzen, Leino's time finally ran out Saturday when he was traded to Philadelphia. He brought a fifth-round draft pick in 2011 and defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, who was promptly put on waivers. If he clears, he'll be sent to Grand Rapids on Monday. Come Tuesday the Wings plan to activate Franzen, who has spent the past four months recovering from surgery on his left knee. "With Johan coming back, we had to make a tough decision on how to fit him in under the cap world," general manager Ken ..."
Holmstrom, Miller and Eaves all injured in loss to Kings
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February 7
Detroit News
 
"All coach Mike Babcock could do, really, was shrug his shoulders. "It just seems to be part of the equation here," he said, after losing three players during the Red Wings' 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings Saturday. "There's nothing you can do about it. Just suck it up and try to find a way to win." The Wings seemingly had this game in their back pockets. Henrik Zetterberg scored twice and Valtteri Filppula once, and they led 3-0 lead after the first period. But things unraveled very quickly in the second. First Tomas Holmstrom went out with a bruised left knee in the first period. Drew Miller left with an ankle bruise in the second after blocking a shot. Patrick Eaves left in the second ..."
Red Wings trade Leino to make room for Franzen
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February 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"As expected, the Red Wings have moved Ville Leino, opening the room they need to activate Johan Franzen when he returns Tuesday. The Wings traded Leino to Philadelphia, in the Eastern Conference, for a fifth round pick in 2011 and defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen. Tollefsen will be put on waivers at noon today and, if he clears, will be sent to Grand Rapids Monday afternoon."
Johan Frazen: Swedish Olympic officials making 'excuses' about why he's not on the team
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February 6
Michigan Live
 
"Johan Franzen believes Swedish Olympic officials were trying to deflect criticism for excluding him from the team in December by accusing the Detroit Red Wings this week of rushing him back too soon following surgery to repair a torn ACL in October. "It's pretty obvious that they tried to make excuses instead of saying, 'Maybe we made a mistake (by not selecting him),'" Franzen said. The Swedes didn't anticipate Franzen returning before the Olympics (he will return Tuesday), so they didn't include him on the team. Franzen said he's not really upset about not being selected from the start."
Red Wings ready to take aim at red-hot Kings
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February 6
Michigan Live
 
"For nearly two decades, the Los Angeles Kings have been looking up at the Detroit Red Wings in the standings -- usually, way up. Now the Red Wings are doing the chasing. The Kings are nine points ahead of Detroit in the Western Conference. The last time they finished ahead of the Red Wings was 1990-91. The teams meet for the fourth and final time this afternoon at the Staples Center with the Kings riding a franchise record-tying eight-game winning streak and the Red Wings just trying to develop some consistency and stay in the playoff picture. "Eight in row, that means they're due," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "Their good players have been real good. (Anze) Kopitar has really taken ..."
Wings' Niklas Kronwall out for Saturday's game against streaking Kings
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February 6
Michigan Live
 
"Update from the Detroit Red Wings practice Friday at the Toyota Center: Defenseman Niklas Kronwall (knee) did not skate and will not play Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings (4 p.m., Fox Sports Net Detroit). Kronwall, injured during the first period of Tuesday's 4-2 win in San Jose when he was slew-footed by Jed Ortmeyer, said he wants to give the knee a rest. He expects to skate Monday and be ready for Tuesday's game in St. Louis. "It feels better than it did right after the San Jose game,'' Kronwall said. "Take it day by day, hopefully two more days can make it even better. I think this will do me good in the long run.'' As for the play by Ortmeyer, Kronwall said, "I think stuff like ..."
Red Wings defenseman Andreas Lilja feels good after two games with Griffins
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February 6
Michigan Live
 
"As far as Andreas Lilja is concerned, so far, so good. The Detroit Red Wings defenseman skated in just his second game in 11 months in the Grand Rapids Griffins' 6-3 win against the Toronto Marlies on Friday night at Van Andel Arena. Lilja said he's felt no complications from the concussion that sidelined him on Feb. 28, 2009. His first game back was the Griffins' 5-3 loss at Rockford on Wednesday night and he went scoreless with a minus-1 rating. Against Toronto, Lilja received a nice ovation from the crowd when he was announced during the starting lineups and saw plenty of time throughout the game, but finished with no shots and an even rating. Lilja has no idea if the Red Wings will ..."
Wings' Kronwall: I must have looked like an idiot
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February 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"Niklas Kronwall didn't practice Friday and said after a good workout that he hopes to play Tuesday against the Blues. He also had some pretty funny comments about the other thing that happened in Tuesday's game at San Jose, when he was unable to stand up after losing the steel on his right skate when it flew off after he went into the boards awkwardly.

"I don't think that's ever happened to me before," Kronwall said. "It felt really weird - I wasn't sure what was going on there for a while. I tried for a few times to get up, but ... finally I figured it out, I heard Stuie (Brad Stuart) yell 'what's going on?' and I just told him I lost the steel. I was looking the at the ref, but he ..."

Wings' Kronwall (leg) out Saturday
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February 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"Defenseman Niklas Kronwall isn't on the ice for the Detroit Red Wings' practice this afternoon at the Toyota Sports Center and won't play Saturday, when the Wings take on the Los Angeles Kings. Kronwall tweaked his left knee in Tuesday's game at San Jose and was held out of Wednesday's game at Anaheim as a precaution. Kronwall has only played five games since missing 30 games recovering from a sprained left MCL. "I'll take it day-by-day here," Kronwall said. "If I rest tomorrow, then we have two more days before the next game, so hopefully, then I can be even better." Kronwall hopes to play Tuesday at St. Louis."
Zetterberg knows he has to step up
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February 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"Coach Mike Babcock likes to say the Red Wings' best players need to be their best players. Henrik Zetterberg is aware how much that includes him. "I feel I can play better," Zetterberg said following Friday's practice at Toyota Sports Center. The Wings play the Kings, winners of eight straight, today at Staples Center. "I know I have to do more." Zetterberg, the highest-paid forward on the team at $7.4 million, has 14 goals and 43 points in 49 games. Datsyuk, No. 2 with $6.7 million, has 15 goals and 45 points in 55 games. "I think both me and Pav feel pressure," Zetterberg said. "It's real important we get on a good streak here and get some points, because we need them to get into the ..."
Niklas Kronwall will miss Kings game
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February 6
Detroit News
 
"Here's the setup: The Red Wings will play a Los Angeles Kings team Saturday afternoon that has won eight straight and positioned itself among the top four teams in the Western Conference. The Wings, who remain a point below the playoff cutline, will be without defenseman Niklas Kronwall, who will miss his second game after wrenching his left knee in San Jose. "They've won eight in a row, that means they are due (to lose)," coach Mike Babcock said, after a practice at the Toyota Sports Complex Friday. Babcock, despite Detroit losing 3-1 in Anaheim on Wednesday, feels his front-line players are slowly but surely finding their groove and that the team is starting to gain some momentum. "I ..."
Andreas Lilja's return creates roster roulette for Wings
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February 5
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings general manager Ken Holland planned to take the red-eye home Thursday to catch the second game of Andreas Lilja's attempt to return after nearly a yearlong battle with a concussion. Lilja is scheduled to play tonight for the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins, who have him on loan for three games, as they host the Toronto Marlies. Wings doctors have the final say on whether Lilja will be cleared to rejoin Detroit, but if that happens, Holland must make room for the defenseman by clearing out a body and $1.25 million in cap room. "He played last night, and in talking to different people, there were no medical issues," Holland said Thursday. "I think in the third period ..."
Andreas Lilja elated over return to ice
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February 5
Detroit News
 
"The 2,064 people in attendance at the Rockford (Ill.) MetroCentre Wednesday night probably had no idea of the significance of the game for No. 26 of the Grand Rapids Griffins. Defenseman Andreas Lilja played in his first game since suffering a severe concussion in a fight with Nashville's Shea Weber last Feb. 28. Even a veteran like Lilja had some nerves before the game. "I was nervous during the day, I couldn't sleep," he said. "Once you get out there on the ice, it's just so much fun. I think I had a smile on my face almost the whole game, just enjoying it." Justin Abdelkader, who has practiced with Lilja with the Red Wings, is enjoying watching Lilja play games for a change. "I ..."
St. Louis Blues do it with one big period
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February 4
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Blues woke up Wednesday morning knowing that the next 11 days would likely make or break their season. There are seven games squeezed into those 11 days, and depending on how the club fares during its pre-Olympic stretch, management will decide to buy, sell or stand pat at the March 3 trading deadline. While the Blues had reason to wake up with some anxiety, the club earned a good night's sleep after a 3-2 victory over Chicago at United Center, where the Blackhawks owned the best home record in the NHL. "It's a good start, but it's not done," said Blues center David Backes, who scored two goals in Wednesday's win. "The next two games are just as hard, and they don't get any easier ..."
Ville Leino isn't pressing about his future with Red Wings
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February 4
Michigan Live
 
"Ville Leino's future as a Detroit Red Wing is in doubt, but he's not worrying about things he can't control. "You can't really think about it,'' Leino said. "Obviously, it's crossed everybody's mind who's on the (bubble). It's going to happen if it's going to happen. Nothing you can do about it right now.'' The Red Wings need to trim about $700,000 to get under the salary cap before activating Johan Franzen, who is scheduled to return Tuesday."
Niklas Kronwall listed as day-to-day
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February 4
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall, who missed Wednesday's game after tweaking his left knee in the first period of Tuesday's 4-2 win in San Jose, is listed as day-to-day. "He's sore,'' Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "We're going to be careful, especially because he just had the injury. We're hoping he's back Saturday (at Los Angeles). If not, then Tuesday (at St. Louis).'' It was Kronwall's fifth game back after missing 30 games with a sprained left MCL. He was injured in the first period after getting slew footed (having his legs taken out from underneath him) by Jed Ortmeyer during Dan Cleary's goal."
Red Wings' Brad Stuart not worried about his falling plus-minus rating
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February 4
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart said a recent stretch that has seen his plus-minus rating dip does not indicate he is getting worn down or has hit a wall. Stuart, by most accounts, was the team's best and most consistent defenseman the first half of the season. It might seem like the extra ice time and added responsibilities (power play) because of injuries have taken a toll, since he has posted a minus-10 rating over the past 13 games."
Sweden officials may not like it, but Red Wings forward Johan Franzen set to play Tuesday
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February 4
Detroit Free Press
 
"The countdown for Johan Franzen's return to play for the Red Wings hit the one-week mark Wednesday -- and that apparently appalls the powers that be of Swedish Olympic hockey. Franzen is slated to play Tuesday at St. Louis, exactly four months after he tore his left ACL. Franzen had surgery Oct. 16 by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Clancy. An ACL usually requires four to six months recovery, and given that the Winter Olympics start mid-February, that led Team Sweden to exclude Franzen, a premier power forward, from the December provisional roster. Franzen said after an optional morning skate Wednesday at Honda Center, site of the evening's game vs. the Ducks, that he hadn't been ..."
Jonas Hiller's 46 saves stops Red Wings in Anaheim
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February 4
Detroit Free Press
 
"This night, Jonas Hiller denied the Red Wings' attempt at pulling off a second straight rally. Playing 24 hours after polishing off a top contender and then flying on to their next stop, the Red Wings weren't able to solve Hiller, who made 46 saves to hand the Wings a 3-1 loss Wednesday at Honda Center. "We played a good game, we generated a lot of scoring chances," Jimmy Howard said after making 27 saves. "Their guy stole two points for them tonight, basically." With Calgary picking up two points against Carolina, the Wings dropped to ninth place in the Western Conference standings, though it's a logjam around that spot. The Wings were in eighth after rallying from a two-goal deficit to ..."
Keeping third man high in offensive zone sparks Wings
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February 4
Detroit News
 
"Scheduling losses is part of the package in the NHL, especially in a condensed Olympic season, and on Wednesday the Red Wings were dealt one against the home-happy Ducks. Playing their sixth game in eight nights in three different time zones, and playing without top-four defenseman Niklas Kronwall (knee), the Wings were beaten, 3-1, at the Honda Center where the Ducks are 9-0-1 in their last 10. The loss, coupled with Calgary's win Wednesday, drops Detroit below the playoff cutoff line again. But the Wings, to their credit, didn't just roll over and take the loss without a fight, even after falling behind 3-0. Pavel Datsyuk's 15th goal of the season, a power-play goal with 10 seconds ..."
Anaheim Ducks 3, Detroit Red Wings 1: Quick turnaround bites Wings
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February 4
Detroit News
 
"Scheduling losses are part of the package in the NHL, especially during a condensed Olympic season. On Wednesday the Red Wings were dealt one against the home-happy Anaheim Ducks. Playing their sixth game in nine days in three different time zones, and playing without top-four defenseman Niklas Kronwall (knee), the Wings were beaten, 3-1, at the Honda Center. The Ducks improved to 9-0-1 in their last 10 at home. The loss, coupled with Calgary's win Wednesday, dropped the Wings below the playoff cut line again. But the Wings didn't take the loss without a fight, even after falling behind 3-0. "I didn't think we were playing terribly," said Brad Stuart. "We got some good chances. But when ..."
Red Wings' Niklas Kronwall (leg) out for tonight's game
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February 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"The news so far on defenseman Niklas Kronwall, who tweaked his left leg Tuesday at San Jose, is that he definitely won't play tonight, when the Detroit Red Wings take on Anaheim. "I know he was frustrated last night when we got on the plane," general manager Ken Holland said. "He got injured on our first goal, when (San Jose's) Scott Nichol kind of took his legs out from under him, slew-footed him, and Nik got his leg behind him. The leg started to bother him after two periods, and we pulled him. To what I know, he's day-to-day, and isn't playing tonight.""
Red Wings hope sitting helps Jonathan Ericsson
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February 3
Michigan Live
 
"The Detroit Red Wings have waited all season for defenseman Jonathan Ericsson to perform like he did in the playoffs, or close to that level. Their patience has worn thin. So coach Mike Babcock made Ericsson watch Tuesday's game against San Jose as a healthy scratch. "We've talked over and over and over again. He's known this has been coming," Babcock said. "We think he's a good player. We like what he's done in the past. We like his size (6-foot-4, 220) and his talent. It hasn't gone (well) for him, for whatever reason. He's got to get that fixed. "We've talked enough now. He's got to decide that he wants to be in the lineup each and every night. Maybe sitting (Tuesday) is what he needs." ..."
Red Wings' Niklas Kronwall tweaks knee, won't play Wednesday at Anaheim
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February 3
Michigan Live
 
"Quick postgame update following the Detroit Red Wings' 4-2 victory against San Jose on Tuesday night: Niklas Kronwall tweaked his left knee in the first period and did not play in the third period. He will not play Wednesday at Anaheim, Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. Babcock also said the injury has nothing to do with Kronwall's knee, saying the defenseman hurt his ankle while getting slew footed."
Sharks lose again to Red Wings
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February 3
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Things started well for the Sharks on Tuesday night. Dany Heatley was firing away and Joe Thornton pounced on a pair of rebounds to break a six-game mini-drought with two goals. But it went downhill from there, and when it was over, the Sharks had suffered their third straight loss to the Detroit Red Wings, a 4-2 defeat that once again frustrated the Western Conference's top team. "We can beat them. And we know how to beat them," Sharks center Joe Pavelski said. "It's just about committing ourselves for 60 minutes to play a certain style. We know what that is. We just haven't done it yet." The Red Wings started the game 19 points behind the Sharks and have struggled this season because of ..."
Mike Babcock benches rookie Jonathan Ericsson
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February 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Red Wings have a method when it comes to dealing with an underachieving player: Talk to him, and if that doesn't work, sit him. That's what happened Tuesday to defenseman Jonathan Ericsson, who entered the season with such promise only to falter at both ends of the ice. "We've talked enough," coach Mike Babcock said after the morning skate at HP Pavilion, where he announced Ericsson would be a healthy scratch for the game against the Sharks. "He's got to decide that he wants to be in the lineup each and every night, and sitting ... that's what he needs. Sometimes it's just a chance to get your breath and get started again. That's what we're hoping for.""
Wings rally to top first-place Sharks
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February 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"Clearly, it suits the Red Wings to play the Sharks. Even on a night the top-ranked team in the Western Conference ran out of the gate and collected a two-goal lead, the Wings showed their opponent a thing or two about playing like a champion. Goals from Dan Cleary, Henrik Zetterberg, Derek Meech and Patrick Eaves rallied the Wings to a 4-2 victory Tuesday at HP Pavilion, the Wings' fourth victory in the 12 games since they last put on an inspired performance against the Sharks. "We'd been due to play well, let's be honest," Mike Babcock said. "I thought we stuck with it. I thought our good players were good, I thought our specialty teams were very good. We just found a way to score enough ..."
Jonathan Ericsson fighting slump he can't explain, either
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February 3
Detroit News
 
"Niklas Kronwall has been where Jonathan Ericsson is right now. He's been the defenseman with huge talent and great expectations fighting through a befuddling slump. He's been the guy sitting up in the press box watching his teammates play. "It's certainly not easy," Kronwall said about Ericsson, who was benched by coach Mike Babcock for Tuesday's game against San Jose. "But I think it all comes down to, you've got to try not to be too hard on yourself. You have to try to keep it simple on the ice and keep working hard. That's the only way out of it." After playing so well in the playoffs last season, Ericsson has battled injuries and inconsistent play virtually all season. His minus-12 ..."
Wings rally from 2-0 hole
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February 3
Detroit News
 
"Beating the best team in the league three times -- twice on the road -- is a wonderful accomplishment, but it certainly begs a tough question. "If you can do this against the good teams, why can't you do it every night?" coach Mike Babcock asked Tuesday after the Red Wings rallied from a two-goal deficit to steal a 4-2 victory from the Sharks at HP Pavilion. "That's something we have to talk about." The Wings got third-period goals from Derek Meech (his second of the season) and Patrick Eaves (his ninth) to break a 2-2 tie. The Sharks, who came in with the best record in the NHL, were 8-0-2 since last losing to the Wings here on Jan. 9. "They are the top team in our conference," Wings ..."
Red Wings face decisions with Tomas Holmstrom, Johan Franzen and maybe Andreas Lilja returning
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February 2
Michigan Live
 
"After experiencing the most unusual rash of injuries in recent memory this season, the Detroit Red Wings soon will be feeling the uncomfortable effects of a salary-cap crunch and roster pinch. Tomas Holmstrom will return to the lineup Tuesday in San Jose. No problem fitting him in. That is why rookie Justin Abdelkader was assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) on Friday. The first difficult decision comes before Johan Franzen's projected return Feb. 9, when the club must trim one player to meet the 23-man roster limit and shed roughly $700,000 to get under the $56.8 million cap. One or more cuts will follow if Andreas Lilja is successful in his comeback from a concussion. He will begin a ..."
Red Wings send Andreas Lilja (concussion) to Grand Rapids for conditioning
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February 2
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Red Wings defenseman Andreas Lilja has been assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins on long-term injured-reserve conditioning loan, general manager Ken Holland said this evening. That means Lilja can be with the Griffins for three games and six days, and the Wings can appeal for two more games, Holland said. Lilja went to Grand Rapids today. "He'll practice tomorrow, and then play Wednesday, Friday and Saturday," Holland said. "We'll probably decide by Saturday whether we appeal for two more games, but it certainly appears that way." Lilja has not played since suffering a concussion while fighting Nashville's Shea Weber last Feb. 28. Lilja is attempting to return to the Wings' ..."
Wings hope to find their rhythm against Sharks
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February 2
Detroit Free Press
 
"The last time the Red Wings were out this way, they put together an inspired performance and soundly defeated a top contender. They haven't played near that level since, however, winning just three times in the 11 games since beating the Sharks, 4-1, on Jan. 9, despite being much healthier. Tonight, the Wings get healthier yet, as Tomas Holmstrom is slated to return after being sidelined since Jan. 6 with a broken foot, which should improve the power play. Defenseman Niklas Kronwall, four games into a comeback from a sprained left knee, tweaked the knee Sunday at Pittsburgh, but said following a short, skating-intensive practice Monday that he feels OK and expects to play tonight. While it ..."
Howard saves the day, again; Mule set for return
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February 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Red Wings finished January with 16 out of a possible 30 points, many of them collected thanks to outstanding performances from Jimmy Howard. Howard bailed the Wings out through a slow start Sunday at Mellon Arena against the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins, making 16 saves in the first period and 26 before finally being solved by superstar Sidney Crosby, who also scored in the shoot-out to deal Detroit a 2-1 loss. Two nights earlier, Howard also made 46 saves to lift Detroit past Nashville, 4-2. Earlier in the month, he made 51 saves to steal a victory from the Kings. "He's been playing great for us," Nicklas Lidstrom said. "I think we've been leaving our goalies out to dry on ..."
Howard (46 saves) gives the Red Wings a chance
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February 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"Jimmy Howard did what he could to get the Red Wings another pair of points, turning away one puck after another. It took until a shoot-out against some of the top players in the NHL before the Wings had to make do with one. A pair of goals from Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby left the Wings with a 2-1 shoot-out loss Sunday afternoon at Mellon Arena, with Howard's 46-save performance carrying his teammates as they were outplayed the first 40 minutes. "I thought they skated better and were quicker than us," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "It's interesting. We played on NBC against Chicago two weeks ago and since that time, and probably the Washington game, we haven't skated near as good. I ..."
Johan Franzen to return Feb. 9 against St. Louis
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February 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"Update from Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh: Mike Babcock said following the Red Wings-Penguins game that power forward Johan Franzen will play Feb. 9 at St. Louis. Franzen has been sidelined since the third game of the season, when he tore his left ACL. "He'll be back against St. Louis," Babcock said. "The doctors (say he's ready).""
Wings' Jimmy Howard impressive again, even in loss
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February 1
Detroit News
 
"Rookie goaltender Jimmy Howard is certainly earning his paycheck. Howard has made 46 saves in each of the last two games -- a win over Nashville and a shootout loss in Pittsburgh. "It's great, isn't it?" coach Mike Babcock said after the Penguins 2-1 victory Sunday. "I just thought he was real good, I thought he battled and gave us a chance." Advertisement Howard was especially sharp in the first two periods, stopping 28 of 29 shots, as the Wings were finding their legs. "The guys do such a great job of blocking key shots and deflecting guys to the outside," said Howard, "that I just stand back there and try to weather the storm.""
Penguins beat Red Wings, 2-1, in shootout
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February 1
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"In a rematch of the past two Stanley Cup finals, the Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings, 2-1, in a shootout today at Mellon Arena. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin each scored for the Penguins in the shootout. After a scoreless first period in which the Penguins outshot Detroit, 16-6, Crosby got the game's first goal at 16:46 of the second period. Crosby took a pass from Alex Goligoski, drove to the top left edge of the crease, pulled the puck around the left toe of Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard and deposited a backhand in the net for a 1-0 Penguins lead."
Red Wings lose to Penguins in shootout, 2-1
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January 31
Michigan Live
 
"Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin scored in the shootout Sunday afternoon, lifting the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Mellon Arena in a clash between the Stanley Cup finalists from each of the past two seasons. The Red Wings salvaged a point after being dominated the first two periods. Goaltender Jimmy Howard made it possible by keeping them in the game early. He finished with 46 saves for the second consecutive game. Pavel Datsyuk and Jason Williams failed to score in the shootout for Detroit. The Red Wings had an excellent chance to win it during a power play with 1:21 left in overtime but Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury made some big stops. Detroit ..."
Red Wings' Johan Franzen expected to play Feb. 9 at St. Louis; Niklas Kronwall says he's OK
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January 31
Michigan Live
 
"Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said after Sunday's 2-1 shootout loss to the Penguins that forward Johan Franzen should be back in the lineup Feb. 9 at St. Louis. Franzen has been out since the third game of the season on Oct. 8, when he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament. This would give him three games before the two-week Olympic break. -- Defenseman Niklas Kronwall said he is fine after hurting his left knee early in overtime, when he stepped up to hit Jordan Staal and got the worst of that exchange."
Crosby scores in second period, SO to beat Wings
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January 31
Detroit Free Press
 
"Sidney Crosby scored in regulation and in the shootout as the Red Wings lost to the Penguins, 2-1, in a shootout, today in Pittsburgh. Wings goalie Jimmy Howard turned aside 46 shots and Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 23 in regulation and overtime. Kris Letang was first up in the shootout, but he was stopped by Howard. Pavel Datsyuk took the first shot for the Wings, but was unable to score on the backhand. Sidney Crosby was next for Pittsburgh and went to the top shelf on his backhand for the goal. Jason Williams tried to beat Fleury on the glove side, but was stopped. Evgeni Malkin ended the game with a nice move on Howard to score. The Penguins are 7-0 in shootouts, while ..."