Good morning, everyone. Did you save me some coffee?
Quick hits
The Red Wings visited their old friends in Chicago yesterday, and they left with a 3-2 overtime victory. Pavel Datsyuk scored from an impossible angle by using Nick Leddy as a backboard to break the tie 3:08 into the extra period. Dan Cleary and Valtteri Filppula scored the Wings goals in regulation, helping them overcome an early 2-0 deficit. Ty Conklin made 29 saves. The win moves Detroit over Chicago in the conference standings, meaning if the season ended today, the Wings would have the second seed in the West.
Miss any college hockey this weekend? We had four different writers covering the Michigan/LSSU and Michigan State/Miami games over Friday and Saturday:
Friday – Spartans fall to RedHawks in OT & Merrill returns, Wolverines post win over LSSU
Saturday – Spartans shut out by RedHawks & Janecyk shines despite shootout loss
Here’s a recap on how the CCHA teams fared this weekend.
Before the games had started, we got you fired up for the second half of the season with a look at Drew Palmisano’s performance in the GLI.
Highlight reel
Here’s a look at the Red Wings’ game from last night.
Outside the Mitten
Fraser native Chad LaRose scored a goal on East Lansing native Ryan Miller on Friday. Turned out to be the game-winner for the Hurricanes, which means he’s our Michi-gamer of the weekend.
Former Plymouth Whalers star James Neal is out indefinitely for the Penguins after breaking his foot. He joins Sidney Crosby (concussion) and Jordan Staal (knee) on the injured list for coach Dan Bylsma.
And in case you’re really behind in your hockey news, the NHLPA rejected the realignment proposal by the league Friday night. As of this point, there will be no division/conference changes for next season.
Check it out
Help support Minnesota high school player Jack Jablonski by visiting this website. Jablonski was paralyzed in a game from an illegal check. Latest reports say he has been able to move his arms, and we all hope that his recovery continues to progress.
Next up
More hockey tomorrow. First issue of the magazine in 2012 comes out later this week.