Recap: Wings 1, Avs 0

Much to the dismay of Joe at Mile High Hockey, the Detroit Red Wings (33-8-3) defeated Colorado last night in Detroit, 1-0.

As a power play drew to a close in the second period, WIM favorite Niklas Kronwall took a shot inside the faceoff circle. In his first game back from a knee injury, Tomas Holmstrom did what he did best (screening the goaltender and trying to tip the shot). Pavel Datsyuk got the puck from Homer, took a shot, and scored the only goal of the game. It was Datsyuk's 17th goal of the season and he was given the game's second star for his efforts. The goal was scored after Colorado's penalty had ended.

Dominik Hasek earned his second straight shutout (79th career shutout) last night after stopping all 19 shots. He was named the first star of the game.

Chris Chelios became the second oldest player to ever play in an NHL game by passing Moe Roberts last night. He is still behind another former Wing Gordie Howe, who played at the age of 52, so Cheli has awhile before he's close to passing Mr. Hockey.

In other news...
The team is making a player personnel announcement at 11:45 this morning on the team's official website before the start of practice.

Three Red Wings players were named as starters for the NHL All-Star Game taking place on January 27th in Atlanta. Captain Nicklas Lidstrom received the most votes for any Western Conference player and second overall (only behind Sidney Crosby). He will be joined by teammates Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Datsyuk and Lidstrom have both played in the All-Star Game before. Zetterberg was a reserve for last year's game, but had to pull out due to injury.

Pavel Datsyuk made his way around the Red Wings' locker room Tuesday, the sparkle in his eyes matching his smile.

"I'm a big star now," he said. ...

"I'm happy fans choose me because I have good season," Datsyuk said. "Now I try to keep going and progress after All-Star game. Never stop, never give up."

If that wasn't good enough, head coach Mike Babcock will be coaching the Western Conference team.