Go Chris Conner.
Quick hits
The Red Wings traveled out to Pittsburgh to take on those all-too-familiar Penguins last night, and Pavel Datsyuk put on a show. The Russian superstar scored the Wings’ first goal of the night by firing a backhand through the legs of Brooks Orpik to the top shelf of the Penguins net. Then he set up Johan Franzen for the team’s second goal by knocking a clearing attempt down out of midair, and finding Franzen with a cross-ice pass – again on the backhand. Toss in stellar play from Dan Cleary (two goals), Westland native Chris Conner (a great pass to set up Cleary’s first goal), and Jimmy Howard (25 saves), and it’s easy to figure out why the Wings were able to post a 4-1 win over one of their top rivals.
Here’s an article from the Vancouver Sun on how Michigan forward Phil Di Giuseppe is doing at Team Canada’s World Juniors camp. (Update: TSN reports that Di Giuseppe has not made the final roster)
Highlight reel
Here’s more Datsyuk tricks. Honestly, I just feel bad for the goalie.
Outside the Mitten
We went with James Wisniewski as our ‘Michi-gamer‘ of the night. Click on that link to find out why.
Former Red Wing Sheldon Kennedy spoke at Capitol Hill yesterday to help fight against child abuse in the midst of the Penn State scandal.
The NHL’s leading scorer, Claude Giroux, is the latest star to suffer a concussion.
Check it out
Our favorite Sports Illustrated columnist stands up for Jimmy Howard. Read it here.
Next up
We’ll think of something.