Revenge Served; Red Wings 2, Flames 1 Recap

It was a red-hot start for the Flamers, in stark contrast to the one they'd had the night before but they weren't able to build on the early goal, as the Wings slowly took control and in turn, control of the playoff race.

The Flames were quick to get on the board, as Craig Conroy nabbed his first goal in 2010 only 1:47 into the game to take a 1-0 lead.

The Red Wings then took over in the second piling the pressure on the Flames, but goalie, Miikka Kiprusoff, was equal to the task. The Wings first and only powerplay of the game came late in the second and it didn't get off to a great start as Curtis Glencross forced a breakaway early in the PK. In an attempt to stymie the chance, Jason Williams was forced to hook the streaking Glencross, resulting in a penalty shot. Jimmy Howard made the save and pumped his fist in relief which proved to be the turning point for the Wings.

40 seconds later, Pavel Datsyuk ties it up, to enter the final period all square.

After a big 4-minute penalty-kill for Detroit, in which Calgary mustered almost no offense, the third period was a stale-mate most of the way. The game looked destined for overtime until, with just 79 seconds remaining, Tomas Holmstrom tipped in a shot from Johan Franzen silencing the rabid Southern Albertan fans.

Jimmy Howard was able to withstand the barrage of the final minute to record his 27th win of the season and give Detroit a 3-point lead over the Flames with equal games remaining.

WOW Factor

The obvious turning point of this game was Howard's penalty shot save on Curtis Glencross. Without that, the Flames would've owned a 2-goal lead in a very tight game and the Wings would most likely be sitting out of the playoffs right now.

Special Teams

Only 16 PIM's were handed out in this game resulting in 4 powerplays but the Red Wings dominance of special teams was where the game was won. Going 1-1 on the PP and killing Calgary's 3 chances, including a 4-minute double-minor for high-sticking in the third period set up the victory.

In Net

- Jimmy Howard stopped 22 of 23 shots for Detroit including a penalty shot from Curtis Glenscross.

- Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 26 of 28 for Calgary.

Next...

Detroit heads to Kelowna for a few days before meeting the last-placed Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place on Friday night. Calgary will meet the Avs in Colorado on Wednesday.