The Wings were able to rally from a two goal deficit to win their 5th straight road game.
Todd Bertuzzi got the lone goal in the shootout and even though Jimmy Howard didn’t have his best night in goal, he came up with some key saves late in regulation and in the shoot out period to preserve the win.
In regulation and playing in his 800th career game Brian Rafalski was able to get his first two goals of the season. Patrick Eaves also continued where he left off after sitting out three games with an infected elbow by getting his 12th goal of the season, this time on the power play. Darren Helm also got a goal and an assist tonight for the Wings.
All did not end well though for the Wings as they learned defenseman Brad Stuart suffered a broken jaw during tonight’s game. Stuart suffered the injury in the third period after taking a high hit to the face by Calgary’s Tom Kotsopoulos, who received a roughing penalty.
Wings head coach Mike Babcock was none too pleased with the hit. Here is an excerpt from an article by Ansar Khan of Mlive.com…
“It’s unfortunate, it was a bad hit, a blindside hit to the head, uncalled for, unneeded, disappointing,” Babcock said.
Babcock said he assumes the NHL will take action against Kotsopoulous.
“I would assume they’d look at it and I would assume he’ll be suspended,” Babcock said. “You’re supposed to look after good players in the league. I have no problem if the guy buries him … but you don’t hit him in the head, there’s no reason to do that. It’s disappointing.’’
He later added: “That’s disgraceful, it’s embarrassing.’’
This is another big loss for the Wings as the injuries continue to mount for them. The team will replace Stuart in the lineup with rookie Jakub Kindl.
The Wings continue their road trip through Western Canada tomorrow night when they take on the Vancouver Canucks from the Rogers Arena.
Chris Osgood is expected to get the start in net for the Wings.
Source: Mlive.com
