How about that? Even with Jacques Lemaire using only four defensemen the final period and into overtime, the Wild gets a point from the Red Wings. Two goals 16 seconds apart to open the third period helps, and so, too, does a solid goaltending effort out of Josh Harding. Afterward, Harding praised the defense. Kim Johnsson and Brent Burns each played over 30 minutes tonight.

And how about Martin Skoula on the power play, Cal Clutterbuck 4-on-4 and Krys Kolanos as the first shooter in the shootout?

“It’s not like last year,” Lemaire said.

No kidding.

Three points against San Jose and Detroit - wouldya have thunk it a week ago watching this team against Chicago and Calgary?

Some things to wrap it up here before I go battle the elements:

–Owen Nolan scored his seventh goal of the season on the power play. He now has 144 career power-play goals, tied for eighth in the league among active players (Rod Brind’Amour).
–Brent Burns played in his 300th career game
–Kolanos’ shootout attempt was his first in the NHL
–Cal Clutterbuck recorded his first NHL assist

And finally, someone had some fun with Lemaire postgame. On the podium was a Marian Gaborik fan giveaway puck, inscribed in silver pen: “To Jacques, Love Gabby”

Russo got ahead of this weather and is already in Denver. He’ll be on tomorrow and through this four game road trip.

OK - here’s a new thread for the game discussion.

Marek Zidlicky is not playing tonight, meaning John Scott will make his NHL debut. Jacques Lemaire this morning said he likes what he sees out of Scott, a 26-year old defenseman who stands 6-foot-8 without skates.

“He’s a big guy, got a long reach,” Lemaire said. “His foot work has got to be a little better – and he’s working on it. He’s aggressive. When he left [training camp], I wish I could have kept him a little longer. I like what he brings.”

Benoit Pouliot and Derek Boogaard are the other scratches.

Josh Harding is in net. He is 1-1 in his career vs. Detroit - both games were played at Joe Louis Arena.

Lemaire was asked how you stop the potent Red Wings. The coach smiled, rubbed his fingers together like he was sprinkling salt to a recipe and said:

“Maybe they gotta get a sickness or something. Maybe put something in their food. Besides that, I don’t know.”

He was joking of course. But just in case, I hope the media was not served the same pregame meal as the visiting team

So far, I’m feeling OK.

Puck’s about to drop. Enjoy the game!

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm and is filed under Game coverage. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.