The Detroit Red Wings have tied the 1970-71 Boston Bruins for the second longest home winning streak in the NHL at 19. It was a little too close for comfort, but a win is a win, and Joey McDonald did his best to earn it for the team.
The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Anaheim Ducks by the score of 2-1 in a shootout on Friday, February 10. With the win, the Red Wings improve to 37-17-2 on the season with 76 points.
Detroit has gone 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and is five points ahead of the St. Louis Blues in the Central Division. Both the Blues and the Nashville Predators are on a hot streak meaning the Red Wings cannot afford to get too comfortable.
With the next four games at home and the streak on the line, I seriously doubt they are even considering losing any intensity, especially playing without All-Star goaltender Jimmy Howard.
"The home win streak is really unique," said left wing Drew Miller, "I don't think we go into it really trying to say, 'Hey, let's do it to get this streak.' I think we're just trying to establish our game at home and play night in and night out the way that we should play."
MacDonald played like a seasoned pro in the net saving 29 of 30 shots on goal to pick up his second win of the season. In the absence of Howard, he gives me much more confidence than former backup Ty Conklin. It appears coach Mike Babcock feels the same way.
George Parros got on the board late in the first period for the Ducks, but his goal was quickly countered by Justin Abdelkader to even the score at 1-1. It would remain that way through the overtime period.
During the shootout, Pavel Datsyuk scored for Detroit, but so did Teemu Selanne for the Ducks. Jiri Hudler missed and MacDonald saved Corey Perry's shot. Todd Bertuzzi scored while Bobby Ryan missed giving Detroit the 2-1 victory.
Needless to say, the nerves were sky-high during the shootout, but like nearly every game at Joe Louis Arena, Detroit came away with the win in the end.
Detroit will have a day of rest before they face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday, February 12.
More Detroit Red Wings Commentary from this Contributor:
Detroit Red Wings defeat Oilers as home streak continues: A fan's reaction
Detroit Red Wings' Jimmy Howard could miss up to six weeks: A fan's reaction
Detroit Red Wings fall to Edmonton Oilers in shootout 5-4: A fan's reaction
Detroit Red Wings win road battle over Vancouver Canucks: A fan's reaction
Detroit Red Wings extinguish Calgary Flames 3-1: A fan's reaction
Sources:
All stats provided by NHL.com
Paul Rados is an avid Detroit Red Wings fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.
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