Detroit Red Wings Clips January 22, 2015

Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 KGB is to blame for 'Miracle on Ice,' says Fetisov PAGE 3 Red Wings bolt for southern climes at break of dawn PAGE 4 Best of the best: 5 fun things to do Jan. 15-21 PAGE 6 Niyo: Fast, young Wings knock down obstacles to playoffs PAGE 9 Red Wings head for warmer climes during All-Star break PAGE 11 UM's Dylan Larkin lives up to first-round potential PAGE 13 Report: Detroit Red Wings to play outdoor game at Colorado next season PAGE 14 Red Wings heading to warmer climates to recharge during All-Star break -

- except Mike Babcock PAGE 16 All-Star break provides Red Wings GM Ken Holland chance to assess

prospects in Grand Rapids PAGE 18 Detroit Red Wings Q&A: Niklas Kronwall on Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas

Holmstrom, superstitions and his post-hoc PAGE 20 After scoring first NHL goal, Teemu Pulkkinen headed back to minors and

AHL All-Star Game PAGE 22 Teemu Pulkkinen still has ‘some things to learn PAGE 24 Wings reportedly to play outdoor game in Colorado PAGE 25 Duff: Pulkkinen to play in AHL All-Star Game PAGE 27 Chicago 4, Grand Rapids 2: Wolves win with three unanswered goals

KGB is to blame for 'Miracle on Ice,' says Fetisov Steve Schrader, Detroit Free Press 5:22 p.m. EST January 21, 2015 Finally, the mystery is solved. How could the Soviet Union lose to the overmatched USA team in the Miracle on Ice? And why did Viktor Tikhonov pull the great Vladislav Tretiak? Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Slava Fetisov blames the KGB. But it wasn't a spy thriller that played out at the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid. It was politics. Fetisov — in the new documentary "Red Army," which is the subject of a feature in this week's Sports Illustrated — says then-CCCP coach Tikhonov was beholden to the KGB and favored Moscow Dynamo players such as goalie Vladimir Myshkin over Red Army players. Dynamo represented the KGB. Fetisov and Tretiak played for CSKA Moscow, which represented the Red Army. Of course, Tikhonov famously and inexplicably — until now — pulled Tretiak in favor of Myshkin after one period of the 4-3 loss. "Three out of four goals was scored on a Dynamo player defensively," Fetisov says. "It's a KGB organization. Three goals out of four. I didn't allow one goal in this game." If true, the move backfired on Tikhonov. "Tikhonov tried to kill Red Army," Fetisov says. "If Tikhonov would have won Olympic gold in Lake Placid, I guarantee, no (bleeping) Russian Five would exist. Dynamo would have dominated from then on. The loss of the Olympics in '80 helped me to become who I am." So Hockeytown thanks Tikhonov, too. As far the loss, Fetisov says it was just one game in Russia's long and glorious dominance of the sport. "For American people, selective memory, it's a national thing," he says. "I admit, I own one of the most famous silver medals in sports history. Correct? Done?" The film is currently scheduled to open in metro Detroit on Feb. 27 at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 01.22.2015

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Red Wings bolt for southern climes at break of dawn By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 12:16 p.m. EST January 21, 2015 Danny DeKeyser, be warned: Your teammates will abandon you like a broken stick. The Detroit Red Wings made like teenagers on spring break today, with many having scheduled break-of-dawn flights to get closer to the equator. The Wings will have five whole days to relish the All-Star break, all the better after racking up a five-game winning streak with a Tuesday victory over the Minnesota Wild. The Wings, as of this afternoon, were without a representative at this weekend's NHL All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, because their sole selection, goalie Jimmy Howard, had to pull out because of injury. The only way a Wings player will make it is if an All-Star skater gets hurt tonight and requires a replacement. But don't count on it. Tomas Tatar, highly eligible with 21 goals, was headed out of town today, too, and sounded like he'd be turning off his phone. Wings forward Riley Sheahan was part of a group headed to Cancun, Mexico. "There's probably not going to be much hockey talk," he said. "It's just going to be relaxation. It'll be nice. I think everyone is looking forward to the break. We don't get time to relax that often, so it'll be good to spend some time just laying low." Defenseman Brendan Smith was headed to Turks and Caicos with younger brother Reilly, who plays for the Boston Bruins. "We'll both go and hang out and get lots of sun," Brendan Smith said. "It's a good time to get away from the game." Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson said he, his wife and their 15-month-old daughter are "going someplace warm. But if I lived in Florida, I think I would go to a snowy place where I can ski." Petr Mrazek and Stephen Weiss also were headed to Florida, Weiss to visit his wife's parents. The veteran forward said that the All-Star break is timed perfectly because "you're past the halfway mark. Guys can use a few days to rest some things they've got going on physically, and also take a few days off mentally to prepare for that second-half charge. That's when the pace amps up and points become more crucial, so it's important to be fresh for that stretch. And these few days should help that." Possibly the Wing with the swankiest destination is Justin Abdelkader, who had a trip planned to Peter Island, a private island in the British Virgin Islands with one hotel that has just 52 rooms. He was among several Wings scheduled to begin the morning with a 6:30 flight to Atlanta. For a group used to having radio play-by-play man Ken Kal be their version of TSA security, it begged the question of who might flunk actual TSA screening. "Danny DeKeyser," Abdelkader said without hesitation. "He'll have something on him that he'll forget about, some liquid, and that'll get confiscated. We wouldn't wait for him. We'd tell him to catch the next flight."

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Best of the best: 5 fun things to do Jan. 15-21 Greg Crawford , Detroit Free Press 11:29 a.m. EST January 21, 2015 Planning to catch "I LOVE LUCY LIVE ON STAGE" this weekend at Macomb Center? Here's what you can expect: You'll find yourself in a 1952 audience at Desilu Productions and awaiting an "I Love Lucy" taping. A host will explain the particulars of this new thing called "television" and a group of singers will perform '50s advertising jingles in perfect harmony. Then actors portraying Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel will take the stage to re-create two very familiar episodes of the beloved sitcom. The first, "The Benefit," finds Lucy trying to (what else?!) weasel her way into an act with Ricky. The second, "Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined," finds our heroine rendered nearly blind by eyedrops just before she takes the stage as a dancer in Ricky's show. 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield, Clinton Township. 586-286-2222. www.macombcenter.com. $54-$59, $69 pit seating. It goes without saying that Ted Lindsay, 89, has some interesting hockey stories to tell. From playing alongside Gordie Howe and winning four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings in the 1950s to feuding with Maple Leafs owner Conn Smythe and leading the fight for a players union, Lindsay lived up to the moniker Terrible Ted during a playing career that lasted 21 years. (After that, he spent several seasons as a hockey broadcaster and was the Wings' GM from 1977 through 1980.) Lindsay will look back and reflect during ONE NIGHT IN HISTORY on Jan. 21 in Warren. Mickey Redmond, current TV color analyst for the Wings, will moderate the discussion, and the guest list includes Igor Larionov, Chris Chelios and Scotty Bowman. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. Fourteen Mile, Warren. 586-268-3200. www.tedlindsay.com. $49, $99 VIP. There must be some eternal truths lurking somewhere in author John Gray's "MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS." Since its publication in 1992, the book has sold 50 million copies, been translated into 40 languages and inspired everything from workout videos to his-and-hers salad dressings. It also has given birth to a one-man theatrical event, which returns to Detroit on Jan. 21 with actor Peter Story, who riffs his way through stories involving everything from dating and marriage to bedroom activities. The show, a fusion of theater and stand-up comedy, was first produced in Paris in 2007. Opens at 8 p.m. Jan. 21 and continues through Jan. 25, City Theatre, 2301 Woodward, Detroit. 313-471-3464. www.olympiaentertainment.com. $54. More than 7,000 canines representing more than 160 breeds are headed to Novi this weekend for the MICHIGAN WINTER DOG CLASSIC, an 81-year-old event that bills itself as the state's largest dog show. Along with various competitions (agility, obedience and so forth), the four-day event will include breed seminars, educational demonstrations and the return of popular attraction My Dog Can Do That! The latter

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allows owners to put their pooches through American Kennel Club tests of agility and skill. New this year are a diving event, which tests dogs' retrieval skills in water, and a barn hunt, which measures sniffing instincts. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi. 248-348-5600. www.themichiganwinterdogclassic.com. $10, $8 children 7-12 and seniors, free to children 6 and younger. Though his stand-up act is adult in nature, BRUCE BRUCE prides himself on keeping it free of vulgarity. The funny man, actor ("Think Like a Man," "Top Five") and former host of BET's "ComicView" leads a comedy lineup Thursday night at Sound Board at the MotorCity Casino Hotel that includes FINESSE MITCHELL, a former "Saturday Night Live" cast member and a regular on Disney Channel sitcom "A.N.T. Farm," and CHAUNTE WAYANS, niece of comedy's storied Wayans brothers. Wayans, 31, made her feature film debut in 2009 in the Wayans family parody "Dance Flick" and has been seen lately on MTV2's "Wild 'n Out," an improv and sketch comedy series. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 01.22.2015

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Niyo: Fast, young Wings knock down obstacles to playoffs John Niyo, The Detroit News 4:29 a.m. EST January 22, 2015 Detroit — It took some time — years, really — but now that the transformation is nearly complete, they all marvel at one thing. "The speed," said Henrik Zetterberg, the Red Wings' captain. Of his team, he means. And for a franchise better known for its tradition than its transition game for much of this decade, this is what really stands out now, with the Red Wings emerging as NHL front-runners again. It's the pace of their play, and the immediacy of their attack, as much as the points they're accumulating, that have them humming a happier — and yes, much healthier — tune heading into the All-Star break. The Red Wings are tied for second in the Eastern Conference, one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning, after Tuesday night's 5-4 shootout win against the Minnesota Wild. That's 13 points better than they were a year ago at this point in the season, when the injuries began to mount and the specter of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1990 really began to take hold. It's also fair bit better than even the men in charge envisioned six months ago, after coming up empty in free agency, something coach Mike Babcock admitted after watching his team blow a three-goal, third-period lead Tuesday and then notch a rare shootout win. "Around July 5, when not much happened this summer, I was disappointed — just like a few of my veteran players who called me were disappointed, too," Babcock said. "I don't think any of us would've believed we'd be in this spot, the general manager and myself included." And yet here they are, right where they need to be, bound for a welcome five-day break with a five-game winning streak — their longest in three years — and buoyed by their organizational progress. To become legitimate Stanley Cup contenders again, they knew they'd need to go the homegrown route, which they most certainly have. Of the 20 players in uniform for Detroit on Tuesday night, 18 were either drafted or signed out of college by the Red Wings. And to make a serious bid this season, the Wings, who have had home-ice advantage in the playoffs just once since losing in Game 7 the 2009 Finals, knew they'd need a strong first half, particularly with a brutal February schedule looming. (They'll have just two home games the entire month.) That's certainly what they've gotten as well, even with a few key injuries, including a significant one to goalie Jimmy Howard, the team's lone All-Star selection, who went down with a torn groin muscle Jan. 10.

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Long road ahead "Obviously, we're doing a lot of good things," said Zetterberg, who singles out Detroit's special teams — ranked second on the power play and sixth in penalty killing — near the top of that list. "But we know it's a long road left. We have to keep winning games. We know that Montreal and Tampa will win games, Boston will win games. We need to keep playing well." And, well, fast. But that seems a given now for this group, with a regular lineup that features eight players age 25 or younger, including their top two goal scorers and half their defensemen. A healthy Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk make a huge difference, of course. Don't discount the changes Babcock made with his own staff, either, particularly the addition of assistant coach Tony Granato. But the youth movement that began in earnest last season, when the roster was decimated by injuries, has taken hold. And so has the way some of those younger contributors approach the game — and think it — which has sped up the entire process for the Red Wings as they continue to rebuild on the fly. "What's different?" defenseman Brendan Smith said, repeating the question he has heard quite a bit lately. "We're a lot faster. And I think that's just because of the youth that we have. "It's familiarity, yeah. But I think the biggest thing is we have young guys with quick feet." And a hard-driving coach — arguably the best in the game — who insists they keep them moving, shift after shift. The Corsi numbers — possession-based metrics — rate the Wings as a top-five team at even strength, along with Chicago, Los Angeles, Tampa Bay and the New York Islanders. But you don't need advanced statistics to see that. And while they've always been billed as a puck-possession team, there's something more to it these days, with a system that swarms in the defensive zone and then "when we get it back, we're on the attack quickly," said Tomas Tatar, who leads the team with 21 goals — two more than he had in his 73-game debut a year ago. Tatar, much like Gustav Nyquist (19 goals), is learning what life is like as a marked man in the NHL, as well as what it means to be a two-way player. But both are top-six talents who possess some necessary traits, among them tenacity to find space in a league that doesn't offer much of it. Asked about Tatar's scorer's knack prior to Tuesday's game, Babcock nodded in agreement. But after rattling off what he likes about the 25-year-old winger's game, he finished with the thing he likes best. "He's early in his development," Babcock said, "and he can get a lot better." Trade deadline looms

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So can this team, obviously, and that's where it'll get tricky for GM Ken Holland from here. The March 2 trade deadline is still six weeks away, but if the Wings can keep up this pace, Holland knows he'll have to pick up his own, working the phones to "add that one more piece." Presumably, the search for playoff reinforcements will center on a right-shot defenseman, something Babcock desperately craves and something Holland tried in vain to add last summer. So you can expect plenty of chatter involving names like Mike Green, Zach Bogosian, Jeff Petry and so on, until then. But regardless of whether Holland decides to make a move or stand pat, this much seems clear. More than anything, Smith said, "We just know we can't slow down." Detroit News LOADED: 01.22.2015

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Red Wings head for warmer climes during All-Star break Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 5 p.m. EST January 21, 2015 Detroit — While the snow was falling Wednesday around Detroit, many Red Wings players were on their way to climates nothing like they left here. With the NHL officially on its All-Star break beginning after Wednesday's games, the Red Wings caught a break having their last game scheduled Tuesday, which turned out to be a 5-4 shootout victory over Minnesota. With coach Mike Babcock and his staff deciding to cancel Wednesday's practice, it was off to the sun for many Red Wings players. "Going somewhere warm," said defenseman Jonathan Ericsson, echoing the answer of other Red Wings. Florida, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Cancun appeared to be the popular destinations. All were more warm and inviting than cold, snowy Detroit through the weekend. The only Red Wings player selected for the game Sunday in Columbus was goalie Jimmy Howard, who suffered a slight groin tear forcing him out of the Red Wings lineup and the All-Star Game. The NHL opens back for business Monday afternoon — at which point the Red Wings will practice at Joe Louis Arena and immediately board a plane flying to South Florida to open a two-game road trip to Florida and Tampa Bay. Talk about ideal scheduling. "The big thing now is just getting the guys away and getting them freshened up, so we can get ready for a (second half) push," Babcock said. "Just like you guys (the media), enjoying the time off." Babcock, for his part, isn't going any place warm. Babcock is headed to Muskegon to watch his son Michael, who plays in the United States Hockey League. For the NHL, this is the first All-Star weekend since the 2011-12 season. The NHL locked out players two seasons ago, canceling the game, and was involved in the Sochi Winter Olympics last winter, wiping out any All-Star game. "Everyone is looking forward to it," said Luke Glendening of the time off. Glendening is heading to the Caribbean with his mother. His mother? "I don't have a girlfriend," Glendening said. Different paths

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Teemu Pulkkinen will take part in the American Hockey League All-Star festivities Sunday and Monday in Utica, N.Y. Xavier Ouellet, on the other hand, is going to rest. The two young players made the AHL All-Star Game while starring in Grand Rapids this season. The two have been with the Red Wings recently, and weren't sure what their plans were going to be until after Tuesday's game. Babcock said Ouellet has been bothered by a sore wrist, so the rest would benefit the young defenseman. "It's a great honor and opportunity (to play in the AHL All-Star Game) but the other side is, if I'm going to stay up here, I want the time for my body to recover so I'm ready to compete," said Ouellet, before the decision was made. "It's a long, demanding season." Pulkkinen scored his first NHL goal Tuesday, but was given areas where he needs to work on from Babcock. "He has some things to learn," Babcock said. "We're going to send him down and he's going to play in the (AHL) All-Star Game. "I went through it with him. We'll send those (video) clips to Blash (Griffins coach Jeff Blashill), too, so Blash knows exactly what he (Pulkkinen) needs to work at. "He has a dimension of shooting the puck and he's tenacious. He should be able to play in the NHL. He just has to fix some things." Detroit News LOADED: 01.22.2015

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UM's Dylan Larkin lives up to first-round potential David Goricki, The Detroit News 3:54 p.m. EST January 21, 2015 Ann Arbor — Dylan Larkin was a big fan of the Red Wings and University of Michigan's hockey team while growing up in Waterford. Oh, and yes, he kept an eye close to the TV when USA played in the Olympics as well. Well, it's easy to say Larkin is living a dream. He was drafted in the first round — 15th overall by the Red Wings this past summer in the NHL Entry Draft and is enjoying a strong freshman year with the Wolverines. And, the 18-year-old Larkin broke up his rookie year with Michigan by competing for Team USA in the World Junior Championships in Montreal late last month, leading the team with five goals and seven points in five games, ending with a loss to Russia in the quarterfinals Jan. 2. All the hype this season has gone to Boston University freshman Jack Eichel, but Larkin has been equally impressive with the Wolverines, especially since coming back from the World Junior games. Eichel, the leading scorer (11 goals, 34 points) in college hockey, is expected to be a top two pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. He was recently showcased with a three-page spread in Sports Illustrated and is said by the publication to be "them most anticipated U.S. prospect since Bobby Carpenter in 1981." Larkin, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound center, wears the No. 19 jersey and thrills Michigan fans like Steve Yzerman got Red Wings fans out of their seats. Larkin outperformed Eichel in the World Junior Championships and was the team's leading scorer despite not playing on the power play. Ask him about Eichel and there's no jealousy of his former teammate on the U.S. National Team Development Program and World Junior Championship, just mention of Eichel's class and sense of humor. "We went through the two years at the NTP together and he's a special player," said Larkin of Eichel. "Even though he didn't have his best tournament there's a lot of pressure on him, fifty cameras in his face every time he's talking to the media twice a day. "He's playing against the top lines and the best players in the world and he handles it well and he's a special person too. He makes you welcome off the ice and he has funny jokes, too." When asked to compare himself with Eichel, Larkin replied: "We both play hard. We like to play fast and have the puck. He doesn't have to spend as much time in the defensive zone because of his offensive abilities, so I think I get a little bit more credit on the two-way game. I think good defense leads to better offense." Larkin is humble and works hard at both ends, reasons Michigan coach Red Berenson is thrilled to have him on the Wolverines. He has centered a line, which includes senior

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Zach Hyman, who leads them in goals (13), assists (16) and points (29) after having just 13 goals and 35 points in 115 games heading into this season. Yes, Hyman has become one of the nation's top players and Larkin has played a role in his improvement. Larkin carried the momentum from the World Junior games back to Michigan. After the three weeks with the U.S. team, he took a couple of days off before returning to practice with the Wolverines. Larkin had a solid first half, being more of a play-making center. He had three goals and 16 points in his first 15 games, then came back to help the Wolverines sweep No. 9 Minnesota, chipping in with a goal and an assist in a 4-3 in overtime Jan. 9 and scoring two goals in a 7-5 win the following night to earn Berenson his 800th career victory. He had two goals and two assists last Friday in a 10-6 rout of Ohio State and now has eight goals and 25 points this season. The sweep of the Gophers is a great measuring stick for the Wolverines since the Gophers have one of the premier programs in the country, winning national titles in 2002 and '03 and losing to Union in last year's national championship game. The No. 16 Wolverines (13-7) are on a roll, winning 11 of their last 13 games heading into this weekend's Big Ten series at Wisconsin (2-13-3, 0-3-1). They will be coming in with a 5-1 Big Ten record, just one point behind Penn State (5-2-1) which has played two more games. Michigan leads the nation in scoring (4.15 goals per game). Oh, and a successful power play — 13 goals in its last 28 chances during the past eight games — has given Berenson reason for optimism while they continue their eight game road trip that includes a Jan. 30 date at Joe Louis Arena against MSU (7-11-2, 1-3-2) and an outdoor game, the Hockey City Classic, Feb. 7 at Soldier Field against the Spartans. Detroit News LOADED: 01.22.2015

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Report: Detroit Red Wings to play outdoor game at Colorado next season Ansar Khan on January 21, 2015 at 8:27 PM, updated January 21, 2015 at 8:52 PM The Detroit Red Wings are expected to play an outdoor game next season in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche. TSN's Bob McKenzie, speaking on the pregame show on NBC Sports Network, said the NHL is expected to announce during All-Star Weekend in Columbus outdoor games for Colorado and Minnesota next season. These would be Stadium Series games, which typically take place in mid-January or February. Next season's Winter Classic will be at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 1, 2016. The Avalanche likely would want the Red Wings as the opponent to help fill Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. The teams had the most heated rivalry in sports from 1996-2002. They play only twice a season now, being in different conferences, but there are many Red Wings fans in the Denver area. This would be the Red Wings' third outdoor game and first Stadium Series event. They defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4 in the 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field and lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in a shootout in the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. McKenzie said the Blackhawks are expected to be the opponent for Minnesota's outdoor game. Michigan Live LOADED: 01.22.2015

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Red Wings heading to warmer climates to recharge during All-Star break -- except Mike Babcock Ansar Khan on January 21, 2015 at 6:04 PM, updated January 22, 2015 at 4:13 AM DETROIT - While most of his players flew south for tropical climates Wednesday, Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock planned on driving west on I-96 to Muskegon. He'll spend part of the All-Star break watching son Michael play in two games for the USHL Fargo Force Friday and Saturday at the Muskegon Lumberjacks. "I'm the lucky one. I'll be in Muskegon," Babcock said after Tuesday's 5-4 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild. "There must be a hotel there, right?" There are plenty, but they might not compare to the ones many Red Wings players will be staying at over the next several days. The Red Wings were anxious to get away from hockey and get some sun in the middle of winter. Brendan Smith was headed to Turks and Caicos. "For sure it's going to be real nice to get away, get in the sun, have a good time in that sense where we can just relax and get away from the game," Smith said. "It's a nice chance to get some Vitamin D." They left in a great frame of mind, winning five games in a row. "It's definitely marked down on the calendar and something that you look forward to," Riley Sheahan, who's headed to Cancun, Mexico, said. "All the guys are looking forward to (the break), whether they're going somewhere nice and warm or wherever. The biggest thing is having the break mentally and resting your body because a lot of guys are banged up." The Red Wings, who have no representatives in Sunday's All-Star Game in Columbus because goaltender Jimmy Howard is injured (groin), will return to practice on Monday. Then they'll fly to Florida for games against the Panthers (Tuesday) and Tampa Bay Lightning (Jan. 29). While 12 teams play on Wednesday, the Red Wings were happy to be getting out of town. "A couple years ago we got stuck with playing on the last day (before the break, in 2012); we were the only (game)," Justin Abdelkader, who was going to Peter Island, said. "The extra day is huge. Anytime you can get some days off, especially late in the season, it's crucial. "It'll be nice for 4-5 days, and then come back and go to Florida." Darren Helm looked forward to going to Disney World for the first time, with his daughter.

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"It's a little bit warmer weather, though we can't really complain about the weather we've had here; it's been nice," Helm said. "Still, it'll be nice to see a little bit more sun, get some shorts on, go down by the pool and relax for a little bit. "We've had such a busy schedule and so many late nights it will be nice to kind of just relax a little bit, spend some time with the family, gain some energy that's been kind of draining over the last couple of games and get ready for the last stretch." Tomas Tatar and Petr Mrazek were heading to Miami. "I'm just going to rest," Mrazek said. "That's awesome." Xavier Ouellet didn't know until Wednesday that he was excused from Monday's AHL All-Star Game because of a sore wrist. "I'd like to get away a little bit for a few days, pretty much like everybody else is doing," Ouellet said. "It's been a grind. Its' a long season, there's a lot of games. I've played already 50 games. You got to take care of your body. I'm going to take (the break) and rest and make sure I'm ready to compete." This promises to be a much more relaxing respite than the three-day Christmas break. "It's different because with Christmas there's so much other stuff that you have to consider," Jonathan Ericsson said. "You have to chase to get presents and everything. Then there's going to be dinners and you have family in, so there's really no relaxing time. Now it's more about getting relaxed and getting recharged." Michigan Live LOADED: 01.22.2015

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All-Star break provides Red Wings GM Ken Holland chance to assess prospects in Grand Rapids Ansar Khan on January 21, 2015 at 3:30 PM, updated January 21, 2015 at 4:31 PM DETROIT - While his team is off until Tuesday during the All-Star break, Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland will head to Grand Rapids to catch-up on some of the organization's prospects. Holland will watch the Griffins' final three games - tonight, Friday and Saturday - before the AHL All-Star break. "Watch all the players, see where they're at," Holland said. "There's some players there we think are going to eventually be Red Wings. They're just in the process of becoming better pros." Right wing Anthony Mantha, the organization's top prospect, has had a tough adjustment from junior hockey to the professional ranks. He has six goals and 12 points in 27 games after dominating in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The 6-foot-4, 214-pound pure scorer got a late start after missing eight weeks due to a broken tibia suffered during the September prospects tournament. "It's been a bit of a struggle for Anthony Mantha," Holland said. "Going from junior hockey to pro hockey, you don't realize how good the American Hockey League is, and he got two months behind because of the injury. "I think he's going through what (Tomas) Jurco went through, what Riley Sheahan went through. The first 40 games are tough." Holland said center/left wing Tomas Nosek, 20, is still adjusting to North American hockey after signing with the Red Wings as a free agent last summer out of the Czech Republic. "Nosek got off to a tough start because he sliced a tendon in his hand with a knife (on Oct. 20) when he was moving in," Holland said. Nosek returned in early December. Nosek has good size (6-2, 205) and skills and has picked up three goals and 12 points in 22 games. He was one of the final cuts in training camp. Forwards Mitch Callahan and Landon Ferraro, who cleared waivers after the preseason, are playing well, Holland said. Callahan has 12 goals and 28 points; Ferraro has 16 goals and 21 points. "Ferraro has had a really good year," Holland said. "Callahan's had a pretty good year. Calli was here up until we made our last cuts. He's a guy we'd be comfortable calling up if we had to."

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Big, fast-skating center Andreas Athanasiou is out until mid-February due to a broken jaw suffered on Dec. 12. He has seven goals and 16 points in 25 games during his first full season as a pro. Veteran AHL center Andy Miele, 26, is averaging a point a game (13 goals, 33 points in 33 games). He's missed a few games with an ankle injury. Teemu Pulkkinen was reassigned to the Griffins following the Red Wings' 5-4 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild Tuesday, a game in which the sniper scored his first goal. Pulkkinen will play three games with the Griffins this week and will represent the Griffins at the AHL All-Star Game on Monday. His return to Detroit could depend on Jurco's status. Jurco, out since Jan. 6 with lower back pain, isn't expected to be ready to play next week but should start practicing. Alexey Marchenko, Nick Jensen and Ryan Sproul are three defense prospects Holland will be watching closely. Marchenko, who underwent ankle surgery late last season, has 16 points and a team-best plus-13 rating, appearing in all 38 games. Jensen, whose stock soared during a strong training camp and preseason, has 11 points and a plus-8 rating. Sproul, who got off to a rough start, has 15 points and a minus-6 rating. "Jensen's had a pretty good year," Holland said. "Marchenko, from the reports I'm getting, it's taken him a while, but it appears he's closer to where he was last year just before he got hurt. Ryan Sproul is learning to play the pro game." Because of injuries to Jimmy Howard (groin) and Jonas Gustavsson (shoulder), both Griffins goaltenders, Petr Mrazek and Tom McCollum, are in Detroit. The club is pleased with the progress of Jared Coreau, signed as a free agent in 2013 out of Northern Michigan. "He had a real tough time last year (he went 1-16-6 between ECHL Toledo and Grand Rapids)," Holland said. "He's played very well. It looks like he's in the process of establishing himself as a legitimate American Hockey League goaltender." The Griffins (19-15-3-1, W-L-OTL-SL) are in eighth place in the Western Conference, battling with several teams for the final playoff spot. "They've had a lot of their best offensive players down," Holland said. "Up until (last) Wednesday they were playing pretty good. They're sort of in a race like we were last year (for a playoff spot). They've been hit pretty hard with injury call-ups (to Detroit) the last 2-3 weeks." Michigan Live LOADED: 01.22.2015

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Detroit Red Wings Q&A: Niklas Kronwall on Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom, superstitions and his post-hockey career Brendan Savage on January 21, 2015 at 10:10 AM, updated January 21, 2015 at 10:15 AM DETROIT - Niklas Kronwall has been a fixture on the Detroit Red Wings' blue line for more than a decade and currently plays on the team's top defense pairing with fellow Swede Jonathan Ericsson. Kronwall, 34, was there in 2008, when the Red Wings won their last championsihp and he got to watch countryman Nicklas Lidstrom become the first European-born captain to accept the Stanley Cup. In a Q&A with MLive, the 11-year veteran talked about Lidstrom's historic moment, Tomas Holmstrom's superstitions and the one teammate who never fails to keep the team loose with his sense of humor. MLive: As a fellow Swede, what was it like to see Nick Lidstrom be the first European-born captain to accept the Stanley Cup? Kronwall: Obviously a very proud moment and to have a chance to be there, to see him on the ice lifting the Cup, is something I will never ever forget. MLive: A lot of national pride? Kronwall: Yeah, absolutely. But I think that's something yo think about later on in life. At the time we were just so happy were able to pull through it. MLive: Other than family, what do you miss most about Sweden? Kronwall: Friends and just hanging out. I'm from Stockhollm and I just love that city. MLive: What's the best prank you've ever seen a teammate pull? Kronwall: (Laughs.) You're putting me on the spot here. I might have to think about that one. There have been a few good ones. I can't really think of one right now. MLive: Are you a superstitious guy? Kronwall: Some might say so. I don't think so. For me it's about routines. MLive: Why would they say you're superstitious? Kronwall: You tie the same skate first every time. You're tying the skates at the same time every time. Small things like that. MLive: Who is the most superstitious guy on the team? Is there somebody who really sticks out? Kronwall: Homer used to be when he was here. Right now, I don't know if we have somebody that is overkill. MLive: What did Homer do?

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Kronwall: He had all kinds of things. Eating at the same restaurant, eating the same meal, just things like that. MLive: Do you remember your dreams? Kronwall: Sometimes. MLive: Do you dream in Swedish or in English? Kronwall: Oooh. I think it goes both ways to be honest with you. I think it's in English and Swedish. MLive: What is something people would be surprised to know about you? Are you a closet General Hospital fan or do you play on-line games? Anything crazy? Kronwall: I don't like video games. I think it's more about things I don't like. I don't like hospitals. I don't know if there's anything special about me whatsoever. I'm just a regular guy. MLive: Who's the funniest guy on the team, the one who keeps everybody loose on the bus and on the plane and in the room? Kronwall: Tats is a guy that you hear his voice a lot and you laugh when he's around. MLive: What do you see yourself doing in 20 years? Kronwall: Ooh, good question. Twenty years? That's a long time from now. MLive: Ten years? Kronwall: Ten years, I've always liked the real estate business as far as owning a few buildings and renting them out or owning apartments and renting them out. Something in the real estate business. MLive: If you had to be stranded on a desert island with one teammate, who would it be? Kronwall: I'd probably hang out with E. We spend a lot of time together. He's a guy who always has your back. MLive: Who's the one guy you wouldn't want to be stranded with? Kronwall: (Laughs.) I don't know if there is a guy. We've got all good guys here. Michigan Live LOADED: 01.22.2015

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After scoring first NHL goal, Teemu Pulkkinen headed back to minors and AHL All-Star Game Brendan Savage on January 21, 2015 at 6:06 AM, updated January 21, 2015 at 6:10 AM DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings lone All-Star won't be getting much R&R while the rest of his teammates catch a breather before beginning their playoff push. But that's OK. Teemu Pulkkinen is not only young, he's riding a wave of adrenaline after scoring his first NHL goal Tuesday night in the final game before the Red Wings took a week off for the All-Star break. After getting the Red Wings started toward a 5-4 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild, Pulkkinen was headed back to Grand Rapids to play three games for the Griffins before suiting up in the AHL All-Star Game Monday night. He's the lone Red Wings player who will take part in All-Star festivities this season unless one of his NHL teammates is added to the Eastern Conference roster before Sunday's game. Pulkkinen was named to the AHL All-Star team after leading the league in goals with 20 when he was recalled by the Red Wings. But he hadn't scored an NHL goal in eight games - three last year and five this season - before finally connecting midway through the first period against Minnesota. He took a pass from Stephen Weiss in the high slot and one-timed a rocket past goaltender Devan Dubnyk to give the Red Wings a 1-0 lead at 9:09 of the first period. "I was waiting for six games now so it was good to get that," Pulkkinen said. "Obviously it was a great pass from Weisser. I kind of had an easy job there because I was in the middle and I just shoot it. "I had a couple chances there. Me and Weisser played together, I think, in every game so we had some chances there. Luckily we get the one tonight." Weiss retrieved the puck for Pulkkinen, who showed it to reporters after the Red Wings overcame a third-period meltdown to win their fifth straight game. They led the Wild 4-1 after 40 minutes but needed shootout goals from Pavel Datsyuk and Gustav Nyquist to avoid a huge disappointment going into the All-Star break. Teemu Pulkkinen scores first NHL goal Pulkkinen opened the scoring in Detroit's 5-4 shootout win over Minnesota. "He's a shooter, so when you get a chance in certain situations I'm trying to look for him as much as possible, and that was a great shot by him," said Weiss, a 12-year veteran who did a conditioning stint in Grand Rapids this season.

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"It wasn't an easy pass to handle. I've seen a lot of him, especially in Grand Rapids. Played a little bit with him down there and he doesn't need a lot of time to get it off. He knows where he's dangerous and he can find holes, then it's up to the rest of us to try and find him when he's in a good a shooting spot. "Luckily tonight we were able to do that. Sometimes they don't go in, but tonight it went in." Pulkkinen is known for his hard shot, which Weiss called one of the most powerful in the NHL, and he's been compared to former Red Wings sniper Brett Hull. Pulkkinen seemed almost embarrassed when asked about the similarities between him and Hull, who scored 741 NHL goals and won Stanley Cups with Dallas in 1999 and Detroit in 2002. ""It's great but I have one goal," Pulkkinen said sheepishly. "I don't know how many goals he's got. He's far away and I have to work hard to score more." Coach Mike Babcock agrees. Babcock likes what he's seen from the 23-year-old Finn but warned that the rookie winger still has some work to do simply to become an everyday player in the NHL. Babcock has already spoken with Grand Rapids coach Jeff Blashill and Pulkkinen about what needs to be done in Grand Rapids before Pulkkinen returns to Detroit - providing he does. Pulkkinen's return depends on the health of Tomas Jurco, who has been sidelined since Jan. 6 with a bad back. If Jurco is cleared to play that won't leave a spot in the lineup for Pulkkinen. Even if Jurco isn't ready to return after the NHL All-Star break, with the AHL All-Star Game Monday in Utica, N.Y., and the Red Wings playing Tuesday in Florida, Pulkkinen might not rejoin the Red Wings right away regardless of Jurco's status. "Obviously he's got some things to learn," Babcock said. "We're going to send him down. He's going to play in the All-Star Game. I went through it with him right now. I'm going to send those clips to Blash, too, so Blash knows exactly what he needs to work at. "He adds that dimension of being able to shoot the puck, he's tenacious. He should be able to play in the National Hockey League. He's just got to fix some things." Michigan Live LOADED: 01.22.2015

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Teemu Pulkkinen still has ‘some things to learn' By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily Posted: 01/21/15, 6:00 PM EST | DETROIT >> Teemu Pulkkinen got his first NHL goal Tuesday night against the Minnesota Wild. Soon after, the prospect with a booming shot was assigned back to Grand Rapids. “Obviously he’s got some things to learn,” Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “We’re going to send him down. He’s going to play in the All-Star game.” Pulkkinen was selected by fans to be in the starting lineup of American Hockey League All-Star Classic in Utica, N.Y. on Monday. “I’m going to send clips to (Grand Rapids coach Jeff Blashill) so Blash knows exactly what he needs to work at,” Babcock said. “He adds that dimension of being able to shoot the puck, he’s tenacious. He should be able to play in the National Hockey League. He’s just got to fix some things.” Pulkkinen scored the first goal of the game Tuesday before the 10-minute mark of the first period off a backhanded saucer pass from Stephen Weiss. “He’s a shooter, so when you get a chance in certain situations I’m trying to look for him as much as possible, and that was a great shot by him,” Weiss said. “It wasn’t an easy pass to handle.” Weiss played with Pulkkinen, who finished with two shots on goal in 11:20 of action, during a rehab stint with the Griffins. “He knows where he’s dangerous and he can find holes,” Weiss said. “Then it’s up to the rest of us to try and find him when he’s in a good shooting spot. “He has a hard shot, there’s no doubt about it,” Weiss continued. “When he’s got some time he can let it go. It’s almost like golf; he’s got a lot of club-head speed coming through. He can shoot it.” Pulkkinen, whose shot has been compared to that of former Wing Brett Hull, had no goals and no assists in his five previous games with Detroit this season, while averaging a little over 12 minutes a game. He also has just eight shots on goal. “There’s no space,” Babcock said. “It’s the NHL, so there’s no space. In the American League or in Europe you swing by something or you cruise around like a big shot. (In the NHL) if you’re not in the right spot you never get the puck and then if your feet aren’t turned right so you can release it on the one-touch you never get a shot. It’s just coming in and getting used to the league and understanding. It usually takes guys, unless you’re an absolute superstar, more than one try.”

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Prior to being called up, Pulkkinen led the AHL in scoring with 20 goals and was tied for second with 39 points. He had also equaled a Griffins franchise record prior to joining the Wings with goals in eight consecutive games. The mark was set by Donald MacLean in the 2005-06 season. “For me this is good experience and now I know I can play here and compete against these guys and battle hard against stronger and bigger guys,” Pulkkinen said. “When you try harder to score you never score so you just have to keep going. Feel calm and relaxed and just play the way you play. When you start pushing it too much it’s not going to be good. I just go out and play. “It’s hard here,” Pulkkinen added. “The game is faster, players are aggressive, stronger. The game is better here. The D knows how to block the shots, where to be when guys are shooting.” Pulkkinen, who had just four shots on goal in those three games last season in Detroit, could join the Wings in Florida if Tomas Jurco isn’t healthy to return from a bad back that’s sidelined him since Jan. 6. Xavier Ouellet won’t take part in the AHL All-Star Game due to a sore wrist. “His wrist isn’t great right now anyways, so we’re going to give some time to get a breather,” Babcock said. Ouellet has played in 19 games this season with the Wings registering two goals and an assist. Macomb Daily LOADED: 01.22.2015

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Wings reportedly to play outdoor game in Colorado DANA WAKIJI JAN 21, 2015 9:54p ET The Red Wings might not have a player in this weekend's All-Star Game but they will be mentioned. According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the NHL is going to announce this weekend that Colorado and Minnesota will get outdoor games in 2016. McKenzie said that the Avalanche's opponent is expected to be the Wings. McKenzie said the Minnesota Wild's opponent is expected to be the Chicago Blackhawks. The two contests will be part of the NHL's Stadium series of outdoor games. The Winter Classic on New Year's Day will be Montreal at Boston at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The Wings' All-Star representative, goaltender Jimmy Howard, is out with a groin injury. foxsports.com LOADED: 01.22.2015

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Duff: Pulkkinen to play in AHL All-Star Game

By Bob Duff / Windsor Star

The Detroit Red Wings will have a representative in the all-star game after all.

The American Hockey League All-Star game.

The Wings returned right-winger Teemu Pulkkinen to AHL Grand Rapids on Wednesday, which will allow him to play for the Griffins during the NHL All-Star break and also take part in the AHL All-Star Game festivities Jan. 25-26 in Utica, N.Y.

“My plan is to go to Grand Rapids and play three games,” said Pulkkinen, who scored his first NHL goal in Tuesday’s 5-4 shootout win over the Minnesota Wild at Joe Louis Arena. “I’m going to play the AHL All-Star Game.”

A decision on if Pulkkinen returns to Detroit after the NHL All-Star break likely depends on whether forward Tomas Jurco (back) is ready to be activated from the injured list.

Pulkkinen, who was leading the AHL with 20 goals when he was recalled to Detroit six games ago, will be the only player to skate with the Red Wings this season who will participate in an all-star contest.

Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard, who was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game, suffered a groin injury in a game against Washington just over an hour after his selection was announced and is unable to participate. The NHL was not required to name a replacement for Howard and so the Wings will not be represented in this weekend’s all-star festivities in Columbus.

The Wings also went without representation at the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal after Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom bowed out claiming injury. Both players were suspended one game by the NHL because they had not missed any league games prior to the All-Star Game and the NHL felt that neither player was legitimately hurt.

Another Wing who was selected to the AHL All-Star Game won’t be going. Defenceman Xavier Ouellet, recalled to Detroit late last month, will be staying up with the big club.

“There’s one side that wants to go and there’s the other side that wants to rest a little bit to keep performing if I get the opportunity to stay up until the end (of the NHL season),” Ouellet said. “I want to take care of my body and make sure I can perform, so it’s kind of a tough situation.”

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Detroit coach Mike Babcock took the decision out of Ouellet’s hand, citing a wrist ailment that has been nagging the rookie defenceman.

“His wrist isn’t great right now anyways, so we’re going to give some time to get a breather,” Babcock said.

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Chicago 4, Grand Rapids 2: Wolves win with three unanswered goals

By MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Chicago Wolves clawed back from an early deficit with three unanswered goals en route to a 4-2 victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday at Van Andel Arena.

A goal by captain Jeff Hoggan less than nine minutes into the second period cut the Wolves’ lead to 3-2, but the Griffins were unable to net the equalizer over the final 31 minutes, ultimately ceding an empty-net goal to Adam Burish with 1:04 remaining for the final margin.

The Griffins (19-16-3-1), who have played four consecutive games without earning a point for the first time in Jeff Blashill’s three-year tenure as head coach, will attempt to snap their skid on Friday when the Utica Comets pay their first-ever visit to Van Andel Arena. Game time against the North Division leaders is set for 7 p.m.

Grand Rapids struck first 12:14 into the opening period, only to see Chicago answer 59 seconds later. Mark Zengerle stole the puck at the Wolves’ blue line and dropped a pass to Kevin Porter, whose wrist shot from the high slot ticked off the glove of Jordan Binnington on its way into the net.

Shane Harper tied matters in short order thanks to a turnover behind the Griffins’ net. He took a feed from Terry Broadhurst between the circles and quickly sent the puck past the blocker of Jared Coreau.

The Wolves (21-15-4-1) used a pair of goals early in the second period to forge a 3-1 lead. Pat Cannone set up shop just outside Coreau’s crease to redirect Brent Regner’s long-range attempt at the 2:14 mark, and Ty Rattie carried the puck along the arc of the left circle before beating Coreau top-shelf for a power play goal at 3:27.

Rattie had a golden opportunity to add to the visitors’ lead two minutes later when he was left alone for a one-timer at the bottom of the right circle, but Coreau flashed across to the near post to rob him with his glove.

That spectacular save gained importance at the 8:37 mark, when Hoggan potted a rebound from the doorstep to cut Chicago’s cushion to 3-2.

Despite outshooting the Wolves 22-14 over the last two periods and 11-6 over the final 20 minutes, the Griffins were unable to dent Binnington for a third time. He finished the night with 30 saves, while Coreau stopped 23 of 26 in defeat.

The game featured only one penalty, a hooking call against Nathan Paetsch at 2:55 of the second period that led to Rattie’s goal. The Griffins were not awarded a power play

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in a game for the first time since opening night on Oct. 10, when they lost 4-0 to Lake Erie at Van Andel Arena.

Notes: Teemu Pulkkinen, assigned to Grand Rapids late last night after scoring his first NHL goal for Detroit against Minnesota, saw his eight-game goal streak as a Griffin come to an end. It tied Donald MacLean’s run from 2005-06 as the longest in franchise history…The Griffins, who beat Chicago 5-1 in their most recent home game on Jan. 10, are 9-3-1-1 in their last 14 games at Van Andel Arena…The last time Grand Rapids lost four straight games in regulation was during a 0-5 streak from March 23-April 2, 2011, during the third of Curt Fraser’s four seasons behind the bench.

Chicago Wolves 4 at Grand Rapids Griffins 2 - Status: Final

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 - Van Andel Arena

Chicago 1 2 1 - 4

Grand Rapids 1 1 0 - 2

1st Period-1, Grand Rapids, Porter 7 (Zengerle), 12:14. 2, Chicago, Harper 16 (Broadhurst), 13:13. Penalties-No Penalties

2nd Period-3, Chicago, Cannone 8 (Regner, Broadhurst), 2:14. 4, Chicago, Rattie 17 (Broadhurst, Cannone), 3:27 (PP). 5, Grand Rapids, Hoggan 3 (Aubry, Czarnowczan), 8:37. Penalties-Paetsch Gr (hooking), 2:55.

3rd Period-6, Chicago, Burish 5 (Bordson, Fraser), 18:56 (EN). Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Chicago 13-8-6-27. Grand Rapids 10-11-11-32.

Power Play Opportunities-Chicago 1 / 1; Grand Rapids 0 / 0.

Goalies-Chicago, Binnington 12-6-1 (32 shots-30 saves). Grand Rapids, Coreau 6-6-1 (26 shots-23 saves).

A-7,037

Referees-Kendrick Nicholson (44), Fred Leblanc (30).

Linesmen-Kevin Hall (16), Jared Hoffmeyer (91).

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