Avalanche 1-2 Redwings 3/5/13

The Colorado Avalanche traveled to Detroit Tuesday morning to take on the Redwings, which would be the first meeting of the season. The Redwings came out strong in the first 40 minutes out hitting Colorado and out-shooting them as well. The Redwings took a 2-0 lead after two periods of play with goals from Johan Franzen and Nicklas Kronwall. Johan Franzen played in his 2nd game since returning from a groin injury that sat the big forward out a stretch of 8 games.

Heading into the 3rd period, goaltender Jimmy Howard knew he would need to stand on his head as this was a game Detroit could not afford to let up. The New York native stopped 36/37 shots as he held on to give the Redwings a huge 2 points with a 2-1 victory. Howard was just 1 minute and 26 seconds away from a shutout when the loan goal came from Avalanche F Paul Stastny. It does not bother Jimmy Howard though as all that matters in the end, is the result along with the rewarded points.

(Retrieved from Youtube)

After the game, Redwings' Coach Mike Babcock was asked how his team has progressed and managed to still perform defensively regarding all their injuries. Coach Babcock responded in saying "Yeah I mean the injuries are tough to accept, but we are getting better every game and defensively we have been outstanding as we've only conceited 3 goals in 3 games with 5 out of 6 points in return".

The Redwings will have a 3 game stretch that are considered as "must wins" as they are taking on below.500 teams in the Edmonton Oilers (Thursday), and a home-and-home series with last placed Columbus Blue Jackets (Saturday and Sunday).