Originally Posted by Larry Wiggie
February 2, NHL.com: How many times have we heard the battle cry: Big players play big in big games? For the Detroit Red Wings and their so-far-unbelievable season, the first game after the All-Star break might not seem important when you're looking from the outside. But all games are important to this Detroit team. That day-to-day drive, no matter who they face, is key. That's why the Wings are 38-10-4 following their 3-2 come-from-behind victory against Phoenix on Jan. 30 -- a game in which captain Nicklas Lidstrom was the big player who played real big. Trailing 2-1 well into the third period, Detroit tied the game at 9:09 when Lidstrom's shot was deflected in front by Tomas Holmstrom -- giving "Homer" his third straight 20-goal season and fourth in five seasons. Just 3½ minutes later, Lidstrom teed up another blast that eluded Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov for the winning margin. The goal was Lidstrom's sixth of the season, but first at home. With one goal and two assists, it was Lidstrom's 44th career game with three or more points.
The Red Wings have a 41-2-1 record in games in which Lidstrom scored at least three points, including a current streak of 32 consecutive wins.
Henrik Zetterberg returned from a two-game absence with back spasms to put Detroit on top against Phoenix with his 29th goal of the season. Amazing what some extra California sun and several deep massages can do for a back during the All-Star break, isn't it?
Do you like trends? Here's one you might not have been expecting. With the win against the Coyotes, the Red Wings are now 10-0 in Wednesday games this season.
Grind Line, Part II? If Darren McCarty shows the Red Wings he's still got passion for the game in a 25-game tryout at Detroit's Grand Rapids affiliate in the AHL, he could be reunited with former Grind Line linemates Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby later this season.
