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Brian Rafalski News & Rumors

Niklas Kronwall can offset loss of Brian Rafalski
August 4
Detroit Free Press
 
"With the Red Wings' roster for the upcoming season pretty well set, it's a good time to take a closer look at select players. Today's subject: Defenseman Niklas Kronwall. Kronwall, 30, produced 37 points during 77 games in 2010-11. He was supposed to start the season partnered with uber-defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, but instead played opposite Doug Janik during the opening month after an injury to Brian Rafalski forced the team to reshuffle on the back end. Kronwall ended up spending most of the season with Ruslan Salei, a stay-at-home type who enabled Kronwall to get involved offensively. Kronwall reached a career-high 11 goals and played with a confidence that had taken a hit as he"
Red Wings have money for free agents, but there are 'not many Brian Rafalskis' out there
May 26
Michigan Live
 
"July 1, the start of NHL free agency, hasn't had that Christmas Day feel to it for Detroit Red Wings fans since the implementation of the salary cap in 2005. The formerly free-spending organization hasn't had the money to splurge on free agents in recent years. This year, general manager Ken Holland will have millions of dollars burning a hole in his pocket when the market opens, following the retirement Wednesday of defenseman Brian Rafalski. His departure frees up $6 million in cap space. Couple that with an anticipated increase in the cap from $59.4 million to roughly $62 million and the Red Wings will have plenty of cash to acquire a high-priced free-agent defenseman, or perhaps two"
Ken Holland not apt to pursue a restricted free agent to replace Brian Rafalski
May 26
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland on Wednesday restated his reluctance to purse restricted free agents. This won't come as any surprise to anyone who's followed the team for the past dozen or so years, but it probably won't stop some from continuing to fantasize about the possibility of the Red Wings landing Nashville defenseman Shea Weber this summer. Holland has never signed a restricted free agent to an offer sheet. It's not because he's philosophically opposed to it, he just thinks it's a waste of time or would be cost prohibitive, since the player's team can match any offer or receive compensatory draft picks. That makes it highly unlikely that he will make a pitch for"
Brian Rafalski was pleasant surprise for Red Wings
May 26
Detroit Free Press
 
"As he labored through his 11th NHL season, beset by relentless and debilitating pain in his back and knees, defenseman Brian Rafalski steadily grew convinced life could hold more than hockey. He discussed it with his wife, Felicity, leaned on his faith and, ultimately, came to the point that found him, on Wednesday, announcing his retirement from the Red Wings a year before his contract expired. "This was probably the most challenging season of my career, both physically, mentally and spiritually, but it was the also the most rewarding and most blessed," Rafalski said. "The decision was made between myself and my wife approximately two months ago. We went through a long process of weighing"
Devils GM wishes retired Rafalski best
May 26
New York Post
 
"Devils GM Lou Lamoriello lauded defenseman Brian Rafalski, who retired today from the Red Wings after winning two Stanley Cups with New Jersey and another with Detroit. "Brian is a quality individual, whose character, commitment, work ethic, and team-first attitude made him the player and person he is. We were fortunate to have him in a Devils' sweater for seven seasons, including two Stanley Cup Championships," Lamoriello said in a statement. "We wish Brian, Felicity, and their three sons well as they move on to the next chapter in their lives." Rafalski, 37, totaled 79 goals and 515 points in 833 games over 11 NHL seasons. Undrafted, he signed with the Devils on June 18,1999, remaining"
Injuries took a toll on retiring Wing Brian Rafalski
May 25
Detroit News
 
"Brian Rafalski called it a career on Wednesday, leaving hockey after 15 pro seasons and 11 in the NHL. "This was probably the most challenging season of my career," said Rafalski, 37, of the numerous injuries. "Physically, mentally and spiritually." Rafalski has been bothered with knee and back injuries the past few seasons. He played in 63 games in 2010-11, with four goals and 44 assists. He averaged 20:25 of ice time. The injuries took a toll. "There wasn't a day this year I wasn't on the training table," Rafalski said. "It played a role (in his decision to retire). I wasn't able to skate the way I'd like to. It wasn't as much fun coming to the rink." Rafalski left with one season"
Brian Rafalski announces his retirement
May 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"Citing injuries that hampered his effectiveness, Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski announced today that he is done playing. "After 15 years of playing professional hockey, I'd like to announce my retirement," Rafalski said during a news conference at Joe Louis Arena, adding he made the decision two months ago. "It's been a challenging season, both physically, mentally and spiritually, but also rewarding. "It's time for me to move on." Rafalski, 37, had one season at $6 million left on the five-year deal he signed with the Wings in the summer of 2007."
Search on for candidates to replace Brian Rafalski
May 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"For four years the Red Wings have relished seeing Brian Rafalski rush back to get the puck and then send it to a forward with laser-like precision. They were counting on a fifth but instead have called a news conference for 11 a.m. today at which Rafalski will announce his retirement. He hasn't spoken to the media yet, but it's believed his decision is spurred by nagging injuries to his back and knees. Speaking in mid-May, two days after the Wings exited the playoffs, Rafalski, 37, said such pain had hampered him and would continue to do so. He leaves with one year and $6 million left on the deal he signed in 2007. "Raffy was a huge part of our blue line, our PP, and the ability to move"
Brian Rafalski to retire Wednesday, giving Wings $6M to spend
May 25
Detroit News
 
"The free-agent market suddenly has become top of mind for the Red Wings. Thought to be minor players come July 1, the Red Wings now figure to make some sort of statement with the retirement of Brian Rafalski. Rafalski's decision, which becomes official during a news conference at 11 a.m. today, gives the Wings $6 million to work with. But losing one of the best offensive defensemen in the league, a great puck mover and quarterback of the power play wasn't the way general manager Ken Holland had hoped to come up with some extra cash. "Brian Rafalski has been a major part of our success," Holland said this week. Rafalski, however, has been bothered with knee and back injuries in recent"
Brian Rafalski to announce retirement on Wednesday
May 25
Michigan Live
 
"Brian Rafalski's unexpected retirement leaves the Detroit Red Wings needing a skilled, puck-moving defenseman, preferably one who shoots right-handed. It also leaves them with plenty of salary-cap space to go shopping when NHL free agency begins July 1. Rafalski, 37, will announce his retirement Wednesday morning during a news conference at Joe Louis Arena. He has been battling back and knee issues, particularly this past season. He had one year remaining on his contract at $6 million. The Red Wings will miss Rafalski's offensive abilities, particularly on the power play. But his departure gives them more financial flexibility than they had anticipated. Detroit has 16 players under"
Brian Rafalski to retire; whom can Red Wings sign as replacement?
May 24
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Red Wings have called a news conference for 11 a.m. Wednesday to announce the retirement of defenseman Brian Rafalski. Rafalski, 37, is leaving hockey with one year and $6 million left on his contract because of recurrent pain in his back and knees. The Wings signed Rafalski, a Dearborn native, in the summer of 2007 and have come to depend on his pinpoint breakout passes and overall offensive skills. There's also the possibility that six-time Norris Trophy winner and team captain Nicklas Lidstrom will retire. But let's presume, for now, that he'll return. That means the Wings' defense for 2011-12 would feature Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Brad Stuart and Jakub Kindl. Jonathan"
Rafalski to announce retirement during Wednesday press conference
May 24
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski is expected to announce his retirement at an 11 a.m. news conference Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena. The club hasn't confirmed that Rafalski will retire, saying only that he will "discuss his plans for his playing career'' in a press conference in which general manager Ken Holland will attend. But a source confirmed to Booth Newspapers on Monday that Rafalski, 37, has decided to retire after 11 NHL seasons, the last four in Detroit."
Brian Rafalski set to retire after 11 NHL seasons
May 24
Michigan Live
 
"Brian Rafalski was an integral part of the Detroit Red Wings' 2008 Stanley Cup championship team, with his ability to move the puck with fast, accurate passes and his shot from the point. But injuries have worn him down in recent years. In a surprising move, the 37-year-old defenseman has decided to retire, a source told Booth Newspapers on Monday. Rafalski is expected to announce his decision Wednesday during a news conference at Joe Louis Arena. He had one year remaining on his contract at $6 million. General manager Ken Holland said on Monday that he hasn't spoken to Rafalski in a week and would not confirm his decision. "I think (retirement) is an option for him," Holland said. "I met"
Source: Brian Rafalski will retire
May 24
Detroit News
 
"Defenseman Brian Rafalski will retire from the NHL following four seasons with the Red Wings, a source told The Detroit News on Tuesday. Rafalski, 37, has been bothered with knee and back injuries in recent seasons. His retirement announcement could come as early as Wednesday. Rafalski's decision suddenly makes the Wings a factor in the free-agent market this offseason. Rafalski has one year remaining on a contract that would have paid him $6 million. Rafalski's decision comes as the Wings are still waiting on defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, 41, to make up his mind about retirement. Lidstrom, a Norris Trophy (best defenseman) finalist, is expected to make his decision in the next few weeks."
Brian Rafalski indeed to retire; who can Red Wings sign as replacement?
May 24
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski has decided to retire a year before his contract runs out, the Free Press has learned. There's also the possibility six-time Norris Trophy winner and team captain Nicklas Lidstrom will retire. But let's presume, for now, that he'll return. That means the Wings defense for 2011-12 would feature Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Brad Stuart, and Jakub Kindl. Jonathan Ericsson may benefit from Rafalski leaving as it gives the Wings more salary-cap space, but the Wings aren't going to overpay for Ericsson if another team offers him a fat contract. Ruslan Salei isn't likely to be back, as he'll be searching for a place to play closer to his family's home in"
Brian Rafalski hasn't decided on retirement
May 24
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski has played through the pain of a bad back and knee for a while now and might decide he can't continue. Canada's Sportsnet reported this afternoon that Rafalski is retiring. No sources were cited, and Wings general manager Ken Holland told the Free Press he had not received such information. "I know there are tons of rumors out there," Holland said. "Rafi has told me he's not 100% sure what he's doing next year. I've had a couple of conversations with him, and he's doing a lot of thinking about whether he's playing next year or not. But I haven't talked to him in a week." Rafalski could not be reached for comment. He has one year and $6 million"
Wings GM: Brian Rafalski hasn't told me he's retiring
May 24
Detroit News
 
"With all the talk about Nicklas Lidstrom possibly retiring, news emerged Monday that another Red Wings defenseman might be ending his NHL career — Brian Rafalski. Canadian outlet Sportsnet reported that Rafalski, 37, would announce his retirement "in the coming weeks," but Wings general manager Ken Holland said it wasn't a done deal. Holland spoke with Rafalski last week during season-ending meetings and Rafalski told Holland he "had decisions to make." "I don't really have much comment after that," Holland said. "I haven't talked to him since then. I know there are a lot of rumors out there, but he hasn't told me he's retiring. "I expect to hear from him this week." Rafalski's agent Bill"
Brian Rafalski fine, Pavel Datsyuk questionable for Red Wings' game at Nashville
March 19
Michigan Live
 
"The Detroit Red Wings received a bit of good news Friday. General manager Ken Holland said defenseman Brian Rafalski's right knee is fine and he should be able to play Saturday at Nashville. Forward Pavel Datsyuk, however, is questionable. He's still sore, but Holland said the team won't know Datsyuk's state until Saturday, but added that no tests were needed for his lower body injury. Both were injured in the third period of the Red Wings' 2-0 win against Columbus on Thurdsay night. "Rafalski's planning to play, unless he has a setback between now and tomorrow,'' Holland said. "He says he feels pretty good."
Wings Pavel Datsyuk, Brian Rafalski escape serious injury
March 19
Detroit News
 
"The Red Wings are breathing a little easier this afternoon. It appears Pavel Datsyuk and Brian Rafalski both escaped serious injuries from Thursday's 2-0 victory over Columbus. General manager Ken Holland said Datsyuk (lower body) will travel with the team to Nashville for Saturday's game and could play against the Predators. Holland said Rafalski is "planning on playing." Datsyuk was hurt on a play along the boards midway in the third period against Columbus. "He woke up this morning and was sore, but there weren't any significant symptoms," Holland said. Rafalski was taken out by Blue Jackets forward Antoine Vermette and appeared to hurt his right knee. But the fact Rafalski was wearing"
Brian Rafalski gets back on track vs. Capitals
March 17
Detroit Free Press
 
"Valtteri Filppula left Joe Louis Arena on Wednesday night with two victories: one personal and one with the Red Wings. Filppula won a very informal pool where the objective was to guess how many shifts it would take defenseman Brian Rafalski to get a point. Rafalski got his first assist on his fourth shift and ended up having a hand in every goal the Wings scored in the 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. "These guys over here were betting when I was going to get a point, how many shifts it was going to take," Rafalski said, looking left down the row of stalls at Niklas Kronwall and company. "I pretty much hit the numbers they were guessing at lunch. I think Kronwall won." Kronwall"
Brian Rafalski returns with a flourish
March 17
Detroit News
 
"Forget about the notion that players need to slowly work their way back into effectiveness when returning from injury. Brian Rafalski certainly smashed that notion Wednesday night against Washington. Rafalski, returning from an eight-game absence (back spasms), assisted on all three goals in the 3-2 victory over the Capitals. "I felt good," Rafalski said in an apparent understatement. "You try to take advantage of the opportunities and try to do the right thing." Rafalski played 19:10 and was plus-2, with one blocked shot to go with his three assists. "It's good to see him come back," goalie Jimmy Howard said. "For our lineup and the power play, it's nice to have him back there. He"
Red Wings activate Chris Osgood; Brian Rafalski, Patrick Eaves also healthy
March 15
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Red Wings will have nearly all personnel available Wednesday against Washington, as goaltender Chris Osgood, defenseman Brian Rafalski and forward Patrick Eaves are ready to play. Osgood was activated off injured reserve today, two months after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia. The Wings play back-to-back games Wednesday and Thursday, hosting the Capitals and then playing at Columbus, but coach Mike Babcock wouldn't commit to playing Osgood against the Blue Jackets -- as would be the normal routine for games on consecutive nights. "I want to win games," Babcock said. "Whatever gives us the best chance to win, that's what we're going to do." Osgood, who missed 27 games, is"
Wings' health improving with return of Rafalski, Eaves, Osgood
March 15
Detroit News
 
"If winning two tough games last weekend wasn't good enough for the Red Wings, they returned to practice Monday as close to full strength as they've been in a long time. Brian Rafalski (back spasms), Patrick Eaves (groin) and Chris Osgood (sports hernia) are all available to play Wednesday against Washington, coach Mike Babcock said. All three practiced Monday afternoon. Rafalski hasn't played since Feb. 24 and would like to start getting into games regularly with the playoffs just a month away. "You don't want to wait too long," Rafalski said. "Conditioning is important come playoff time. One year I played one game before the playoffs (coming off a late-season injury) and it wasn't"
Wings' Brian Rafalski plays it safe with back
March 10
Detroit News
 
"Better to be careful now, with the playoffs about a month away, then jumping back into the lineup too quickly. Sure, Brian Rafalski wants to play. After not playing against Los Angeles Wednesday, Rafalski has now missed six straight games because of back spasms. But here's where Rafalski would rather be careful, and forego some regular season time, rather than miss any of the playoffs. "You don't want that," said Rafalski, who continues to be day to day, and is hopeful of a return by the weekend. "I just want to make sure it's ready to go for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs. "I don't want any setbacks. This time of year, you can't afford to have a setback and lose a week or"
Red Wings' Brian Rafalski quickly shows how much he's been missed
November 9
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski prepped for his return to the NHL with a bunch of 6-year-olds, not quite the level of competition he's used to, but at least they were in the right time zone. It was a decision that paid off as he needed less than two minutes Monday night against Phoenix to demonstrate why his right-handed shot is so valuable to the Wings. Mike Modano fired the puck back from the right circle, and Rafalski one-timed it toward the net. The puck ricocheted off the back boards and out to Danny Cleary, who turned the play into a goal in the eventual 3-2 overtime victory. "The script was right out of preseason -- same thing happened, I think it was Cleary, too," Rafalski"
Brian Rafalski returns to action for Red Wings
November 8
Michigan Live
 
"Defenseman Brian Rafalski will return to the lineup tonight for the Detroit Red Wings, who host the Phoenix Coyotes (7:30 p.m., Versus). Rafalski has sat out the last four weeks, after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Oct. 12. He will be paired with Jonathan Ericsson at even strength and his usual power-play partner, Nicklas Lidstrom. Rafalski flew home Friday afternoon, following the morning skate in Edmonton. He arrived at midnight and was back on the ice Saturday morning with his 6-year-old son's hockey team. "Got a couple of more days to adjust to the time zone so I don't have that jet lag,'' Rafalski said. "Things felt good out there this morning, didn't have any issues."
Wings' Brian Rafalski out 3-4 weeks after knee surgery
October 13
Detroit News
 
"Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday and will be out three or four weeks. The Red Wings called up Doug Janik to replace Rafalski. Janik, 30, was to play Tuesday night against the Avalanche at Joe Louis Arena. Rafalski also had back surgery last summer. Janik played in 13 games with the Wings last season, earning two assists. Janik will pair with Niklas Kronwall, while Brad Stuart goes with Nick Lidstrom. Babcock will keep the Ruslan Salei-Jonathan Ericsson defensive pairing. Said Janik: "I'm looking forward to it. Just play simple and have a good game tonight.""
Wings' Rafalski to have knee scope; Janik recalled
October 12
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski is to undergo a scope on his sore knee this afternoon, prompting the Red Wings to call up reserve defenseman Doug Janik for tonight's game against Colorado. Asked how long Rafalski would be out, Mike Babcock said, "We don't think very long, but until they get in there and look at it ... He had a little pain and we just decided that it hadn't reacted the way it had in the past. He had the back surgery this summer and then you don't do the same training, so his quads probably aren't as strong.""
Red Wings' Brian Rafalski jumps in with 4-point game
September 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"Brian Rafalski had a four-point night in his first game of the preseason to help the Red Wings beat the Rangers, 5-3, on Sunday night. Rafalski had his knee drained last week and had not played in the first three exhibition games. He said after the morning skate that he didn't feel he needed a lot of action to get ready for the season because he'd been working out before training camp started. "You need the reps and timing and getting used to playing at a faster speed," Rafalski said. Rafalski assisted on Dan Cleary's goal at 1:45 of the first and on Henrik Zetterberg's goal, which gave the Wings a 2-0 lead less than four minutes into the game. Rafalski scored at 5:42 of the second to give"
Red Wings Jiri Hudler, Brian Rafalski debuting tonight vs. Rangers
September 26
Detroit Free Press
 
"Exhibition games are a little more important this year for a few of the Red Wings, some of whom are adjusting to new partners or new positions and need the extra practice. Tonight is an opportunity for the third line and second defensive pairing to gel as Jiri Hudler and Brian Rafalski are slated to make their exhibition season debuts against the Rangers. Hudler has been out with a sore left foot, and Rafalski had to have his knee drained Thursday. "There was some fluid in there just from pounding on it," he said. "No structural damage, just had to get it drained to be ready to go. It was no big deal. Something got shifted in there and just puffed up." Rafalski is to be paired with Brad"
17-year-old Red Wings prospect compared to Brian Rafalski
July 11
Detroit Free Press
 
"Benjamin Marshall won't be Minnesota's next Mr. Hockey, but he might play for the Red Wings one day. Marshall, a 5-foot-9, 165-pound defenseman, is skating at the Wings' development camp, after being a seventh-round pick in the NHL draft last month. Marshall, who turns 18 on Aug. 30, is an ideal gamble for a late-round pick. He just completed his junior year of high school and is slated to play college hockey for Minnesota starting in 2011-12, so the Wings will have at least four years to see him develop before making a decision on him. Because he was intent on playing at Minnesota as a true freshman, and because Gophers coach Don Lucia wanted him to have a year of experience in the U.S."
Defenseman Brian Rafalski good to go for Red Wings in Game 4
April 20
Michigan Live
 
"Update from the Detroit Red Wings' morning skate Tuesday: Coach Mike Babcock confirmed that defenseman Brian Rafalski will play tonight in Game 4 vs. the Phoenix Coyotes. Rafalski didn't practice Monday or skate this morning. No lineup changes for Detroit. "I think we just have to be really fired up and come out skating with everything we've got right from the first shift and keep coming at them,'' Detroit defenseman Andreas Lilja said. "I think in the second game, we proved that if we play for a full 60 minutes, they can't handle us.''"
Wings' Brian Rafalski sits out practice
April 20
Detroit News
 
"Brian Rafalski did not practice on Monday, but coach Mike Babcock said he expected the veteran defenseman to play in Game 4 Tuesday. "Raffi had a maintenance day, and we expect him to be fine," Babcock said. Rafalski did leave Game 3 for a brief time Sunday, but returned and played 23 minutes."
Red Wings' Brian Rafalski will play in Game 4; Coach Mike Babcock not planning any changes
April 19
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski did not practice Monday, but coach Mike Babcock said he will play in Game 4 of their Western Conference quarterfinal playoff series against Phoenix on Tuesday. Rafalski apparently hurt his back in Game 3, though he came back to finish the game. Babcock said he took a "maintenance day'' on Monday. Jonathan Ericsson was paired with Nicklas Lidstrom in practice, while Brett Lebda took Ericsson's place on the third pairing with Andreas Lilja. Babcock said he does not anticipate any lineup changes."
Red Wings' Rafalski: No conflicts over proposed hit rule
March 26
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Red Wings watched a video Wednesday morning that outlined the NHL's plan to prohibit hits to the head of unsuspecting players. The NHL's Board of Governors unanimously approved the rule change after a series of recent incidents and is waiting to hear back from the players' association. Rather than wait until next season to make the change, the NHL decided to fast-track it and is expected to put the rule change into effect this week. Players who violate the rule will be subject to a minor or major penalty and possible supplemental discipline. Wings union rep Brian Rafalski said the PA is discussing the rule change. "Everyone's pretty much on board with it," Rafalski said. "I haven't"
Rafalski: No conflicts over proposed hit rule
March 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Red Wings watched a video Wednesday morning that outlined the NHL's plan to prohibit hits to the head of unsuspecting players. The NHL's Board of Governors unanimously approved the rule change after a series of recent incidents and is waiting to hear back from the players' association. Rather than wait until next season to make the change, the NHL decided to fast-track it and is expected to put the rule change into effect this week. Players who violate the rule will be subject to a minor or major penalty and possible supplemental discipline. Wings union rep Brian Rafalski said the PA is discussing the rule change. "Everyone's pretty much on board with it," Rafalski said. "I haven't"
Brian Rafalski's overtime goal lifts Red Wings over Sabres, 3-2
March 14
Michigan Live
 
"Brian Rafalski and Ryan Miller were teammates two weeks ago, leading the U.S. to the silver medal at the Olympics, one named the tournament's best defenseman, the other selected the event's best player overall. They were on opposing sides Saturday night, and Rafalski got the best of Miller, scoring 31 seconds into overtime, on the power play, to lead the Detroit Red Wings to a 3-2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres at Joe Louis Arena. Rafalski, on a pass from Nicklas Lidstrom, blasted a one-timer from the top of the faceoff circle past Miller, enabling the Red Wings to move one point ahead of the idle Calgary Flames into the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. "We were"
Rafalski nets game-winner
March 14
Detroit Free Press
 
"Brian Rafalski scored on the power play in overtime as the Red Wings beat the Sabres, 3-2, tonight at Joe Louis Arena. "Every point is crucial," said Rafalski. "I'm glad we got two." Nicklas Lidstrom passed to Rafalski on the top of the left circle and shot it past his U.S. Olympic teammate, Ryan Miller (Michigan State), who was screened, 31 seconds into the extra period. Henrik Zetterberg had the other assist. The win gives Detroit 78 points and moves the Wings into eighth place in the Western Conference, one ahead of Calgary, who has 77 points and is off tonight. The Wings got on the board early thanks to Pavel Datsyuk's wrist shot at 2:02. Just one minute, 15 seconds later, Patrick"
After Olympic run, Wings' Rafalski back to business
March 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"Brian Rafalski had the option to go home and get some needed rest, but all he wanted to do was play more hockey. So, Rafalski made his way Monday morning to Denver from Vancouver, where he had helped the U.S. squad to the silver medal Sunday in a 3-2 overtime loss to Canada in the Winter Games. "The only problem was my equipment didn't make it on my flight," Rafalski said after the Red Wings' 3-2 victory over the Avalanche Monday night at Pepsi Center. "It arrived here at 3 o'clock and then showed up here about 5. So, I just came to the rink and took a short nap here and waited for the equipment to show." Coach Mike Babcock -- behind the bench at the Olympics for Canada -- said: "I offered"
Stalwart Brian Rafalski principal reason behind America's Olympic semifinal matchup with Finland
February 26
New York Daily News
 
"He's bald and small and the oldest player on his team. He has a crooked smile and the flamboyance of an accountant. Brian Rafalski doesn't do much of anything to command attention, except trying to do whatever is required to win. "Whatever they put me out there for that's what I'll play," Rafalski said after practice Thursday. The 5-10, 194-pound Rafalski is a three-time Olympian and a three-time Stanley Cup winner, two with the Devils, one with the Red Wings, his current team. Along with goaltender Ryan Miller, and the play of forwards Zach Parise and Ryan Kesler, he's been a backline stalwart - and a principal reason why the U.S. (4-0-0) finds itself in the Olympic semifinals against"
'Old guy,' Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski likes what he sees
February 17
Detroit Free Press
 
"The self-proclaimed "old guy" on the U.S. hockey team likes the youthful 2010 group more each day. Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski, one of three Team USA players with Olympic experience, praised his counterparts as they fought their way to a 3-1 win over Switzerland on Tuesday. In Team USA's Olympic opener four years ago in Torino, the United States tied Latvia 3-3 and finished the tournament in eighth place. Rafalski is a veteran of that team and the 2002 group that won a silver medal in Salt Lake City."
Wings' Brian Rafalski focuses on victory, not age
February 16
Detroit Free Press
 
"The average age on Team USA men's hockey roster is 26 1/2 . Defenseman Brian Rafalski, the lone Red Wing on the team, is 36. There's nothing he can do about that, but one thing is certain: "I don't want to be here just because I'm the old guy with experience," he said. "Obviously, I know I can contribute." Rafalski is one of three players with Olympic experience on a team that will play its first game of the Winter Games this afternoon against Switzerland. Rafalski, an alternate captain for Team USA, also was a member of the 2002 Salt Lake team that lost to Canada in the gold medal game and the 2006 Torino team that lost to Finland in the quarterfinals."
Brian Rafalski named alternate captain for Team USA
January 12
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski was named as one of four alternate captains for the 2010 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team for the Vancouver Games. Jamie Langenbrunner of the New Jersey Devils was selected to captain the squad. The announcement was made this afternoon on a teleconference call by USA Hockey. "It's a great honor," said Rafalski, 36, who'll be participating in his third straight Olympics. "I think we have a great team heading into the Olympics. Having a younger team will give us a lot of energy and enthusiasm that we can use. All these guys are great pros on this team. Our goal is to go out there and make sure we're focused on every shift.""
Brian Rafalski named alternate captain for U.S. hockey team
January 12
Detroit News
 
"Brian Rafalski, the veteran defenseman of the Red Wings and two U.S. Olympic teams, was named today as an alternate captain of the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, which will compete in Vancouver next month. "Obviously, it is just a great honor," Rafalski said. "I think we have a great team entering the Olympics. We're a younger team, and that will give us a lot of energy and enthusiasm. All of these guys are great pros, on the team. "I think our goal is to go out there and make sure we are focused on every shift," said Rafalski, 36, who was born in Dearborn. "Obviously, how this tournament is set up, we can not afford to take shifts off." Jamie Langenbrunner, 34, the New Jersey"
Rafalski may not play for Wings tonight
December 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski has the flu and didn't skate this morning. He's questionable for tonight's game against the Blackhawks. "Is Raffy playing tonight? I'm hoping so," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. Asked if anyone was being called up from Grand Rapids, Babcock said: "No, but I don't do the calling anyways. "I just told Kenny (Holland) if we gotta do that, don't call me till game time. I'm going to have a good afternoon.""
Wings' Brian Rafalski might miss Blackhawks game with flu
December 23
Detroit News
 
"Defenseman Brian Rafalski missed the Red Wings' morning skate Wednesday with the flu. "We are hoping he will be able to go (Wednesday night against the Blackhawks)," said coach Mike Babcock. Grand Rapids defenseman Jakub Kindl would most likely be recalled if Rafalski can't play, but he hadn't been called as of Wednesday morning. "I told Ken (Holland, general manager), 'If you've got to do that, don't tell me until game time,'" Babcock said about possibly losing Rafalski. "I want to have a good afternoon." Wednesday game at Joe Louis Arena is at 7:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Detroit. Newly recalled Mattias Ritola played center on the fourth line during the morning skate. He also practiced"
Lundqvist again allows late goal in loss
December 7
New York Post
 
"The "backbone" of the Rangers, as head coach John Tortorella last night called Henrik Lundqvist, is bending. If he breaks, the impotent Blueshirts have no chance at being a factor in the race for the playoffs, let alone qualifying for the tournament. For the third time in his last eight starts, Lundqvist allowed either a winning or tying goal in the final five minutes of the third period. More disturbing is that the goal he yielded to Dan Cleary with 2:03 to go in regulation that broke a 1-1 tie and propelled the Red Wings to a 3-1 Garden victory, was a stinker, coming from no angle parallel with the goal line to the netminder's right side. "It's a bad goal," said a dejected Lundqvist,"
Wings' Kindl ready to make NHL debut
December 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"Jakub Kindl will make his NHL debut tonight in place of defenseman Brian Rafalski as the Detroit Red Wings host the Edmonton Oilers. Rafalski has a stiff back, didn't skate today and is day-to-day. "Kindl's a real good player, moves the puck well, and we think he can bring us that," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "He'll play on our first power-play (unit) because he has that kind of ability." Kindl, 22, said he had trouble sleeping after getting the call. "I've been waiting for this opportunity," Kindl said."
Wings' Brian Rafalski leaves practice with stiff back
December 2
Detroit News
 
"Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski left Wednesday's practice early with a stiff back. "I skated for about 10 minutes and it's just a little tight," Rafalski said. He said he would get some treatment and take anti-inflammatory medication ahead of the Wings' home game against Edmonton."