Osgood makes 30 saves in a 2-1 Detroit win

In his first start since February 15, goaltender Chris Osgood made 30 saves in the 2-1 victory for the Detroit Red Wings (41-13-8). Detroit won all four of its games against the Los Angeles Kings (26-26-9) this season.

The big-name offensive stars did not get on the board in the win, but Derek Meech and Tomas Kopecky chipped in with a goal apiece. Surprisingly, the game only had four penalties. Kirk Maltby started his 1,000th NHL career game on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.

Meech scored the first goal of the night at 12:08 in the second frame. Ville Leino brought the puck from behind the LA net and made a backhanded shot. Meech capitalized on the rebound in the scramble around the crease. Kris Draper also earned an assist on the marker. Leino continues to amaze as he now has five goals and nine points in 12 games since he was called up from Grand Rapids.

Kopecky tallied his fourth goal of the season at 1:08 in the third period. The game-winner occurred when Valtteri Filppula picked the puck up behind the LA net, thanks to a misplay from goaltender Jonathan Quick. Filppula then slid a pass to Kopecky, who one-timed the shot to give Detroit a two-goal lead.

The Kings' lone goal came on the power play at 4:48 in the final stanza. Alexander Frolov's 26th goal of the year came on a rebound in a scramble in front of the Detroit net. Former Red Wing Kyle Quincey posted an assist on the goal, his 30th this season. LA went 1-for-2 on the power play Friday night.

For his strong play that evening, Osgood earned the first star of the game and the JLA faithful chanted "Ozzie, Ozzie" at numerous points during the game. Osgood told Dave Dye at The Detroit News that the support he has received from the Wings fans has really helped him over the past 10 days.

"It felt good," Osgood admitted. "Sometimes it's hard to play here, but overall, the last 10 days I got tons of letters to my house, people calling me. I ran out to the pub once and they bought me enough beers I never could drink them all.

"People are great to me all the time. I appreciate it a ton. They're one of the reasons I've been here this long and lasted is because of them.

"I didn't want to take a lap. I was a little tired. But I just showed my appreciation for them always being behind me. It helps me a ton. It really does. I've just got to keep it going from here."

Christy's Red Wing of the Game: Chris Osgood

Chris Osgood

#30 / Goalie / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 5-10

Weight: 178

Born: Nov 26, 1972

The Wings headed to Nashville right after Friday's game as they take on the Predators at 8 p.m. on Saturday night at the Sommet Center.