The Detroit Red Wings (29-15-1) glided gracefully and explosively to a franchise record in a 5-0 win over the visiting Buffalo Sabres (19-20-5) at Joe Louis Arena on Monday night.
Plenty of Red Wings shared the spotlight, as goals by Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen, Niklas Lidstrom, Todd Bertuzzi and Darren Helm -- all within the first two periods of the game -- gave Detroit its franchise-record 15th straight win at home.
Jimmy Howard was also flawless in goal for Detroit, stopping all 26 shots.
The Detroit Red Wings are continuing their total dominance on home ice in Detroit, taking a 5-0 lead into the second intermission against the Buffalo Sabres at Joe Louis Arena on Monday night.
After three first period goals by Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen and Niklas Lidstrom, two more Red Wings got on the scoresheet in the second period as Todd Bertuzzi and Darren Helm scored just 13 seconds apart to give Detroit a huge lead heading into the final period.
The Red Wings, who have only outshot the Sabres 19-18 in the game, are attempting to win a franchise-record 15th straight home game. Sabres goalie Ryan Miller was pulled after allowing five goals on 14 shots. Jhonas Enroth has fared better so far, stopping all five shots against him.
Detroit has not lost since Nov. 3, and after two periods, it does not appear as though tonight will be the night that they fall.
The Detroit Red Wings are one-third of the way to making a bit of history tonight, as they lead the Buffalo Sabres 3-0 after one period of play at Joe Louis Arena.
Home ice has treated the Red Wings spectacularly well thus far this season, and tonight has been no different. Henrik Zetterberg opened the scoring for Detroit and then Johan Franzen and Niklas Lidstrom proceeded to pile the goals on for the Red Wings, who have a commanding 3-0 lead despite tying the Sabres with 11 shots on goal in the first period.
As our game preview noted, the Red Wings are aiming for a 15th straight home win in a row, which would set the team record. The Red Wings have not lost at Joe Louis Arena since falling 4-1 to the Calgary Flames way back on Nov. 3, almost two and a half months ago, and if the first period is any indication, their home winning streak is in little to no danger.
