Happy Wednesday.
Quick hits
The Red Wings started off their four-game road trip on the right foot, posting a 5-4 win over Dallas last night. Jiri Hudler had a big game, posting two first-period goals to help the Wings build an early lead. Valtteri Filppula, Cory Emmerton, and Johan Franzen also scored for Detroit, while Jimmy Howard made 25 saves for his 24th win of the year.
Austin Watson had quite a game yesterday. The Ann Arbor native posted a natural hat trick, then four assists, to lead Team USA to a 12-2 win over Latvia in the World Juniors relegation round.
Meanwhile, the US U-17 squad will play for gold today. Yesterday, the NTDP’s team topped Sweden 2-1 in a shoot-out. They will face Russia at 7 p.m. tonight in the championship game.
Highlight reel
Here’s the highlights from the Wings’ win.
Outside the Mitten
Ryan Miller picks up another Michi-gamer of the night title. He topped some fellow Spartans in a win over Edmonton last night.
Team Canada nearly completed an improbable comeback against Russia in the World Junior semifinals last night, turning a 5-1 deficit early into a down-to-the-wire 6-5 loss. Russia will take on Sweden in the gold medal game.
Chicago forward Dan Carcillo has been suspended indefinitely for his hit on Edmonton’s Tom Gilbert Monday night. Carcillo has to wait for a hearing with Brendan Shanahan before any timetable is set for his return.
Check it out
Sports Illustrated’s Michael Farber checks in from Montreal to report on how “life is never dull for the Canadiens.”
Next up
More hockey coming tomorrow, as we gear up for another fun-filled weekend of college hockey.