Red Wings Today by Detroit Red Wings

DETroIT rED WINGS STAff

dIrector of new medIa & puBlIshIng

Mike Bayoff

managIng edItor

Bill Roose

creatIve dIrector

Michelle Chmura

wrItIng staff

Michael Caples, Christy Hammond, Anne Hayes, Kelli Kearly and Bill Roose copy edItor

Bill Roose

game day page contrIButor

Lisa Hickok

graphIc desIgner

Jim Ruffner

for sales advertIsIng opportunItIes, please contact:

Casey Gmerek (313) 396-7543 photography

Bruce Bennett, Dale MacMillan, Doug Pensinger, Dave Reginek, John Russell, Jamie Sabau, Bill Wippert via Getty Images, Inc. prInted By

Grand River Printing & Imaging and Johnston Lithograph, Inc.

Owner/Governor .................................................................................................MIKE ILITCH Owner/Secretary-Treasurer ............................................................................ MARIAN ILITCH President & CEO, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. .....................................................CHRISTOPHER ILITCH Senior Vice President/Alternate Governor .......................................................JIM DEVELLANO Exec. Vice President/General Manager/Alternate Governor .................................KEN HOLLAND Vice President/Assistant General Manager ................................................................ JIM NILL Vice President/Alternate Governor ................................................................STEVE YZERMAN Vice President/General Counsel/Alternate Governor ....................................... ROBERT E. CARR ———————— Senior Vice President of Business Affairs ...................................................... STEVE VIOLETTA Vice President of Finance .........................................................................PAUL MACDONALD Head Coach ..................................................................................................MIKE BABCOCK Associate Coaches .................................................PAUL MACLEAN AND BRAD MCCRIMMON Goaltending Coach ............................................................................................ JIM BEDARD Video Coach ........................................................................................... KEITH MCKITTRICK Director of Hockey Administration .................................................................... RYAN MARTIN Director of Pro Scouting .................................................................................... MARK HOWE Pro Scouts ................................... PAT VERBEEK, GLENN MERKOSKY AND BRUCE HARALSON Director of Amateur Scouting ...................................................................... JOE MCDONNELL Amateur Scouts ...............................................MARK LEACH, DAVID KOLB AND JEFF FINLEY Director of European Scouting ................................................................HAKAN ANDERSSON European Scouts ..........................................VLADIMIR HAVLUJ, EVGENI ERFILOV, ARI VOURI Part-Time Scout ...............................................................................................MARTY STEIN Executive Assistants ..................................................................KATHI WYATT, ANGELA LONG General Accountant .................................................................................. BRIDGET MERRITT Administrative Assistant ................................................................................... JULIE DAILEY Athletic Therapist .......................................................................................... PIET VAN ZANT Assistant Athletic Therapist.......................................................................... RUSS BAUMANN Equipment Manager .......................................................................................... PAUL BOYER Assistant Equipment Managers .................................... JOHN REMEJES AND ADAM SHEEHAN Team Masseur .................................................................................... SERGEI TCHEKMAREV Medical Director ............................................................................ DONALD W. WEAVER, MD Team Physicians .................................... ANTHONY COLUCCI, DO; DOUGLAS G. PLAGENS, MD Team Dentist .................................................DR. JEFFREY BOOGREN AND DR. RANDY FREIJ Senior Director of Communications ......................................................................JOHN HAHN Detroit Red Wings Foundation Director ............................................................... ANNE HAYES Community Relations Coordinator .................................................................... KELLI KEARLY Media Relations Manager ................................................................................... TODD BEAM Media Relations Coordinator .............................................................................. LISA HICKOK Director of Marketing ...................................................................................... ROB MATTINA Executive Producer ....................................................................................AYRON SEQUEIRA Event Marketing Coordinator ...............................................................................JIM BIEWER Marketing Coordinator .............................................................................. KIMBERLY PALTER Fan Development/Youth Hockey Manager ........................................................... PHIL PIERCE CRM Manager ............................................................................................. YEA’STARI FORD Director of Ticket Sales & Service ...................................................................... JOE BARBER Ticket Service & Retention Manager ............................................................MOLLY WURDACK Inside Sales Manager ...................................................................................... MIKE MARTIN Service & Retention Reps ............................ RACHEL LUPO, ALICIA LYNCH AND MATT BOYCE Ticket Sales Manager .................................................................................. KRISTIN OUIMET Senior Account Executive .......................................................................... TORY NEWBERRY Ticket Sales Account Executives .................. CHAD WARDIE, ERICH FREINY, RYAN MICHAELS, ...............................................................CARLY REGER, JASON ROSE AND NICHOLE LOFTIN Inside Sales Representatives ........ KRISTEN ESTES, ANNIE MOORE, ADAM LOWLER AND MATT STONE Director of New Media, Publishing & Alumni Relations ........................................ MIKE BAYOFF New Media & Publishing Manager ....................................................................... BILL ROOSE Web Video Manager.................................................................................... MIKE PURGATORI Social Network Coordinator ........................................................................ NICOLE YELLAND Director of Broadcasting ...........................................................................SHELDON NUEMAN Radio Broadcasters ........................................................................... KEN KAL, PAUL WOODS TV Broadcasters ...................................... KEN DANIELS, MICKEY REDMOND, LARRY MURPHY

oLYMPIA ENTErTAINMENT INC./joE LouIS ArENA

copyrIght © detroIt red wIngs Reproduction in whole or in part without prior consent of the Detroit Red Wings Hockey Club and Olympia Entertainment is prohibited. All NHL and team insignias depicted in this publication are the property of NHL Enterprises, Inc., and the respective teams and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without the prior consent of NHL Enterprises, Inc. Red Wings Today is published five times per season by the Detroit Red Wings Hockey Club, 19 Steve Yzerman Drive, Detroit, MI. 48226

RED WINGS TODAY

President ...........................................................................................................DANA WARG Vice President/General Counsel.................................................................... ROBERT E. CARR Vice President/General Manager .......................................................................TIM PADGETT Vice President, Sales & Marketing ............................................................................ BILL LEE Vice President, Hospitality, Catering & Restaurant Operations .............................MICHAEL PRAINITO Vice President, Corporate Security/Parking Services .................................... RICHARD FENTON Vice President of Corporate Partnership Sales ................................................... MATT BROWN Vice President, Finance ............................................................................. KEITH DOWDICAN Director of Corporate Development ................................................................RUSS GREGORY Director of Corporate Partnership Services .............................................. KIMBERLY RECKLEY Director of New Business Development ...................................................... HOWARD ROSNER Senior Account Executive .................................................................................... ROB CROLL Advertising Account Executives ..................... MARK KELLY, DOUG MURPHY AND CRAIG SHAW Corporate Events Sales Manager .................................................................... ERIN MAZUREK Premium Sales Account Executives ......... TINA SADOWS, KEVIN LAO AND KEVIN McCONNELL Sales Coordinator......................................................................................... CASEY GMEREK Corporate Partnership Account Services Managers ...................................LAUREN CAMPBELL, .................................................................................... NICOLE CHAMBERS AND MIKE FERA Vice President of Food & Beverage ................................................................ BOB STEFANSKI Director of Events/Amateur Hockey Development ................................................ LORI SHIELS Senior Director/General Manager, Hockeytown Café ..................................... STEVE DAVIDSON Director of Building Operations ........................................................................JAMES BULLO Director of Hospitality ...................................................................................... MIKE BEREND Director of Corporate Security & Safety ..................................................... JOHNNY JACKSON Director of Creative Services .................................................................. MICHELLE CHMURA Director of Ticket Operations ......................................................................... DAVE DECKERT Director of Concessions ................................................................................... MARTY BAITY Director of Human Resources .................................................................... MICHELE BARTOS

WINGS THINGS Red Wings Social Networking....................................................17 Alumni Reunion with DENNIS POLONICH......................................19 CCHA Update..........................................................................21 Red Wings in the Community....................................................25 Hockeytown Trivia....................................................................29 Your 2009-10 Detroit Red Wings..............................................37 Pop Culture with NIKLAS KRONWALL.........................................45 Dining & Beverage Guide..........................................................46 Ticket & Seating Information......................................................61 Red Wings Game Schedule.......................................................63

GAME DAY LIVE Game Notes...........................................................................31 Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Line-Up.................................................................. 32-33 Around the NHL......................................................................34

featureS Positive Thinking

By Christy Hammond................................................ 6

ABBY ROAD

By Michael Caples.................................................. 50

P AM

New This month

Watch videos of your favorite Red Wings and more, right on your cell phone! Scan this code wherever you see it in Red Wings Today.

RED WINGS TODAY

DETROIT RED WINGS Team History

HISTORY BEHIND THE NAME Detroit joined the NHL for the 1926-27 season and was known as the Cougars. After an unsuccessful four years of play, coach Jack Adams thought a name change might help spur a winning season. The name was changed to the Falcons beginning with the 1930-31 season. When James Norris, Sr. purchased the hockey franchise in 1932, he changed the name a third time to the Red Wings. Red was a part of the name because the existing uniforms were red and white.

TEAM COLORS Little is known about why red and white were chosen for the team’s colors back in 1926. However, red is an emotionally charged color, demonstrating passion, strength, energy, fire and excitement. And initially, the sport of ice hockey, with roots dating back to the mid1880s, was played outdoors surrounded by snow, thus the color white. The colors of red and white do indeed seem fitting for an energetic hockey team that provides so much excitement to its fans.

THE LOGO After James Norris, Sr. changed the name from the Falcons to the Red Wings, he searched for a new logo. He was reminded of the logo worn by the Montreal Winged Wheelers – an amateur hockey team he had played for years before as member of the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association. That logo’s wheeled center seemed quite appropriate for Detroit, a city that had put the world on wheels, and the wing would denote speed as the players soared around the rink in smooth flight.

EVOLUTION OF THE LOGO The original Red Wings logo was rather crude, but it has been refined over the years. When Mike and Marian Ilitch purchased the team in 1982, they enlarged the logo on the game jerseys to demonstrate the pride they felt for the hockey team and the franchise’s long and rich history.

RED WINGS TODAY

Smartphone interactive Scan here 6

RED WINGS TODAY

Lilja remains upbeat, despite setbacks By Christy Hammond

t’s a date that Andreas Lilja won’t likely forget, though he’d like to. February 28, 2009. That’s when Lilja’s life changed the moment a right upper-cut landed on his jaw, dropping the Red Wings’ rugged defenseman to his knees. It’s been a year since that fateful second-period encounter with Nashville’s Shea Weber, and Lilja is still plagued by

headaches, which have kept him out of Detroit’s lineup. “Sometimes you maybe feel it’s a little bit boring with practices and stuff, but I’d give everything to be back playing,” Lilja said. “I think you learn to appreciate your position in life and the different things that can happen to you when you play. I think it’s awakened me a little bit.” In the days following the Nashville game, RED WINGS TODAY

Positive thinking

Lilja suffered from concussion-like symptoms that he described as annoying, nagging, and that made him woozy. He didn’t experience headaches with his previous two minor concussions. However, Lilja believed he would return to the ice in a couple of weeks. Two weeks following the injury, the Swede remained hopeful about his return to the ice. Unfortunately, Lilja’s headaches remained, forcing the Wings to place the eight-year NHL veteran on long-term injured reserve on March 10. Even though he couldn’t contribute on the ice, the Swedish defenseman – who had signed a two-year contract extension in 2008 – remained an essential member of the organization, even lending his time for numerous live chat sessions on the team’s official Web site. But by late December, Lilja experienced more good days than bad. He typically 8

RED WINGS TODAY

would going 2-3 days without headaches before they’d return and the cycle started all over again. In October, during the team’s trip to the West Coast, forward Brad May recommended that Lilja see a kinesiologist specialist in Vancouver. Lilja saw Dr. Donald Grant and went headache-free for four days after his appointment, which was the longest headache-free stretch for Lilja since the injury. The Wings miss Lilja’s 6-foot-3 frame on the third defensive pairing, especially during last spring’s Stanley Cup playoffs, as he usually logs a lot of time on the penalty kill and was among the team-best in blocked shots. He finished third on the team behind defensemen Niklas Kronwall and Brad Stuart with 92 blocked shots despite playing only 60 games last season.

RED WINGS TODAY

Score an Always Fresh Coffee

More than 90 convenient Metro Detroit locations. Bring in this coupon and enjoy a

FREE

Donut or Toasted, Buttered Bagel With the purchase of a medium coffee.

One per customer. Not applicable with any other offer. May substitute any hot beverage. Valid through 4/30/10 at any participating Michigan location.

Where quality meets value.

PoSITIVE THINkING

Lilja’s absence is felt even more this season with the team’s surprising amount of injuries, which included defensemen Jonathan Ericsson and Kronwall. “I think it would be easier for me if all the guys were healthy,” Lilja said, “because then I wouldn’t have to think, ‘OK, I would definitely play. The team needs me.’ ” In the midst of a very frustrating situation, Lilja has maintained a positive attitude. “I’m sure it’s frustrating for him to not be able to play,” Stuart said. “Being around the guys, he’s upbeat and he’s not bringing anyone else down or anything like that. He’s been a positive inﬂuence on everybody.” Since Lilja only practices with the team, he no longer takes an afternoon nap as part of his pre-game routine. This change gives him extra time to spend with his family than what his schedule previously allowed. “I think I do more stuff around the

house, putting up stuff and trying to come up with stuff to do,” he said. “It’s a lot of spare time, but obviously I hang out more with my kids, which is more fun. It’s great to get to see them every day.” Lilja’s long-term injury marks the second time in three seasons that the Wings have lost a defenseman to serious health issues. Former blueliner Jiri Fischer collapsed at the Detroit bench during a game in Nov. 2006, when he went into cardiac arrest. After consulting with specialists, Fischer was forced to retire, and now acts as the team’s director of player development. While Lilja’s future is still to be decided, the Swede remains upbeat, despite the circumstances. “He’s probably got a bit more time on his hands, but his demeanor hasn’t changed,” Stuart said. “He’s always been the guy who likes to talk and joke around and do all that and he’s still doing that so that’s a good sign.” RED WINGS TODAY

Ever think you’d hold something that’s got such a hold on you?

Sometimes being there means understanding when your entire world changes. Your State Farm Agent does that by helping ®

with decisions like how much life insurance is enough to protect your new family. Call, click or visit an agent today, because Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY, or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI), Bloomington, IL L2009-02

statefarm.com®

Available for a limited time at participating locations. Prices may vary. ÂŠ2008 LCE, Inc. 20346

mini

One of the Best Saves of the Season )PNFS T )BU 5SJDL r Includes a ticket to three of the games below and one general admission ticket to any Uptown Entertainment movie theatre. 5IVST 'FCSVBSZ r 1.

5IVST .BSDI r 1.

8FE .BSDI r 1.

5VFT .BSDI r 1.

'PS UJDLFUT DBMM PS WJTJU %FUSPJU3FE8JOHT DPN

#JSNJOHIBN r 1BMMBEJVN r 3FO $FO For movies and show times, visit www.uptownentertainment.com. Uptown Entertainment general admission ticket not redeemable GPS DBTI /P SFGVOET PS FYDIBOHFT 3FTUSJDUJPOT NBZ BQQMZ

Gettin’ Digi With It By Nicole Yelland

WALL

PHoToS

NEWS

Get kronwalled The Red Wings continue to create outstanding interactive opportunities for their fans to gain greater team-access this season. You already know about our official Facebook, Twitter and MySpace pages where we post daily updates, news, photos and videos of the team throughout the season. Now we have something else to offer fans when their favorite team is on the road. Open Skate Detroit is an officially recognized fan organization for the Red Wings. Members love hockey, Detroit and music. Open Skate Detroit offers viewing parties during road games for fans, who want to catch the game, a great rock show and purchase Red Wings game tickets or official team apparel. To celebrate the launch of this new program, the Wings marketing department joined forces with Ann Arbor-based Quack Media to create a 66second video, which features hard-hitting defenseman Niklas Kronwall. The video, titled “Kronwalled”, shows Average Joes what it’s like to get steamrolled by someone when they least expect it.

Smartphone interactive scan here to get kronwalled

Here’s how you can check out this funny video: Scan it! If you have a Smartphone equipped with a barcode scanner, which is an application most phone services offer for free, you can simply scan the barcode (above) to check out this new video on your phone – RIGHT NOW! Click it! You can also watch the video at DetroitRedWings.com. Visit OpenSkateDetroit.com for more information on how you can get “Kronwalled” at our events this season.

RED WINGS TODAY

E T R O IT ON OF D S A E S T R GREA R W IN S . ANOTHE N B IG G E R E O V F E E D N A IT ’S T IM PA RT IG H IT S TO BE A AMES, B D G U O IG R B P . HOCKEY E. R O G E R IS THE GAM K AND K C R A O F B S IS E IV HOCKEY Y T H AT L M M U N IT O C T A E ETOWN OF A GR

alumnI FORMER RED WINGS CENTER

DENNIS POLONICH

reunIon a Q&a wIth

dennIs polonIch By Bill roose

Do you keep in touch with any of your former Red Wings teammates? If so, who? Dennis Hextall is my most common contact, and others are Reed Larson, Paul Woods, because I’m still in the hockey industry and I run into a lot of the guys in the various rinks. Which of the current Red Wings is your favorite? And why? Steve Yzerman, he’s no longer playing, but the way he conducted himself, and the class act that he was. And probably Chris Osgood, he’s a bit of a friend of mine, an acquaintance that I’ve known through the years. What was your favorite memory as a Red Wing? Probably just being there, stepping on the Olympia ice. I wanted to play one game in the NHL, that’s all I ever dreamed about, so just the fact of being there, pulling on a Red Wings sweater, and then of course when I was named captain. You don’t realize it until later, what an impact it had, how many guys get to be captain of an Original Six team? Which of the guys you played with was the toughest? Probably Dan Maloney and (Bryan) Bugsy Watson. Dennis Hextall, Nick Libett, Terry Harper, I played a couple years with Gary Bergman, but I’d have to say Dan Maloney and Bugsy Watson. Who was the funniest? Oh boy, I think Walt McKechnie was good, and Bryan Watson was a real prankster. I’m sure that they got me over the years, but I was pretty good at dishing it out myself. I remember one incident: I had Dennis Hextall and Terry Harper, who were huge outdoorsmen, they were hunters, so I bought three duck calls and spread them around the team, and we just drove them crazy in the various hotels and airports with these duck calls. Who had the biggest heart? I’d probably say Paul Woods was a heart-and-soul guy. Terry Harper, Dan Maloney played with huge hearts, and of course Bugsy Watson was unbelievable for a smallish type defenseman; the way he played, he had a huge heart.

… Mickey Redmond was a true Red Wing and a guy that I looked up to. What was your favorite restaurant in metro Detroit? Joe Muer’s seafood was great, and on a lower scale there was Joe’s Bar, I think it was on Northwestern and Lodge. They had great burgers and we became friends with the owner. But Joe Muer’s seafood and Chuck Joseph’s steakhouse. How has the NHL changed since you played? Business, it’s all business now. You see the advertising all over the rink, the advertising on the ice, the advertising on the boards, the salaries and stuff, the salaries that the players make, the endorsement deals. It’s big business now. Toughest team (other than the Red Wings) when you played? The Philadelphia Flyers, the Broad Street Bullies, they had some tough individuals, but when they were together, they became like a pack of wolves, really. I used to get under their skin, I always played well against them because I was alert. What do you love most about the game? Just the camaraderie, the joking and the kibitzing, and I love to compete. I love golf. That soothes my appetite for the competitiveness, but I just like being around the guys. When you do it all your life, that’s the only thing you know. Who had the greatest influence on your career? Probably my junior coach, who’s passed on now. Paddy Ginnell, who coached Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach, in Flin Flon, Manitoba, when I went to play junior. And after that, probably Doug Barkley, who was my first pro coach, and between the two of them, they molded the way I played. What advise would you give to kids playing today? Just to work hard. I’m a player agent, I mentor a lot of kids, and when I ask young kids what they need, what’s the biggest skill they need to succeed, a lot of them say shooting, passing, skating, and I always tell them that they need good work habits. If you have good work habits and you’re respectful, you’re going to succeed in life.

RED WINGS TODAY

where detroit hockey fans go for a championship meal Join us pregame or after the victory!

andiamoitalia.com 11 Unique Settings • 11 Authentic Italian Experiences WARREN I TRATTORIA GROSSE POINTE WOODS I ST CLAIR SHORES LAKEFRONT I BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP ROCHESTER I ROYAL OAK I STERLING HEIGHTS I DEARBORN I DETROIT RIVERFRONT I NOVI I LIVONIA

2009 BEST ITALIAN (Multi-Location) I 2009 GENERAL EXCELLENCE (Multi-Location)

HOUR DETROIT

Buy and Sell Tickets, No Referee Needed. Red Wings TicketExchange by Ticketmaster - real fans, real tickets, real easy!

Buy or sell tickets anytime at detroitredwings.com/ticketexchange

Safe. Legitimate.Â Red Wings- and NHL-Approved.

red wings in the

community Detroit Red Wings Foundation Raises Funds Through 50/50 In an attempt to better serve our community, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation has opened the Joe Louis Area doors to local nonprofit organizations to help in their fundraising endeavors through the Foundation’s 50/50 Charity Raffle. Nonprofit volunteers in yellow jackets have circulated the Joe Louis Arena concourse selling 50/50 raffle tickets at every home game this season while earning a portion of the total proceeds they raise. Through the mid-point of the 2009-10 season, the 50/50 raffle has helped raised over $112,000 for organizations like the American Red Cross, Special Olympics Michigan and the Children’s Leukemia Foundation. In addition, a portion of the

funds are donated back to the Red Wings Foundation to help fulfill its commitment to providing funds and resources to worthy causes that contribute to the growth of the sport of hockey. Make sure you buy your tickets today, raffle winners this season have taken home nearly $56,000!

Red Wings’ wish club The Red Wings are proud to support Children’s Hospital of Michigan through a variety of programs including the Red Wings’ Wish Club. For a small donation to Children’s Hospital, fans can have a special wish broadcast on the Joe Louis Arena Jumbotron between the first and second periods of any Red Wings’ home game or college hockey game. Wishes are a minimum donation of $50

to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Since its inception in 1995, the program has raised more than $259,000 for Children’s Hospital of Michigan. For more information, or to schedule a wish, please contact the Red Wings’ Wish Club at 313-745-5024.

RED WINGS TODAY

For all those who know there is no shortcut to success, we salute you.

Go for the goal and give it all youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got. Bank of America is proud to support Detroit Red Wings. Visit us at www.bankofamerica.com.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME: With teammates Jimmy Howard and Derek Meech helplessly watching, defenseman Brad Stuart makes a diving glove save on Sharks forward Ryane Clowe during the Red Wings’ 4-1 win at San Jose’s HP Pavilion at San Jose on Jan. 9. (Photo by Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)

RED WINGS TODAY

By Michael Caples

How well do you know the Red Wings’ upcoming opponents? Test your knowledge with this quiz that looks at NHL history involving the Coyotes, Predators, Sharks, Senators, Canucks, Flames and Wild. 1.

Which current Red Wings coach holds the Phoenix (formerly Winnipeg Jets) franchise record for overtime goals? A. Brad McCrimmon B. Paul MacLean C. Mike Babcock D. Jim Bedard

2. Who was the first player ever drafted by Nashville? A. David Legwand B. Martin Erat C. Scott Hartnell D. Jordin Tootoo 3.

Nashville captain Jason Arnott scored a Stanley Cup-clinching goal in double OT for what team? A. Colorado Avalanche B. Dallas Stars C. New Jersey Devils D. Tampa Bay Lightning

4. San Jose forward Joe Thornton was originally drafted by which team? A. Boston Bruins B. Atlanta Thrashers C. Columbus Blue Jackets D. Los Angeles Kings 5.

Which player won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year with the Ottawa Senators? A. Martin Havlat B. Jason Spezza C. Marian Hossa D. Daniel Alfredsson

Who holds the Vancouver Canucks’ franchise mark for goals in a season with 60? A. Pavel Bure B. Markus Naslund C. Todd Bertuzzi D. Trevor Linden

7. The Calgary Flames beat what team to win the Stanley Cup in 1989? A. St. Louis Blues B. Boston Bruins C. New York Islanders D. Montreal Canadiens 8. Who scored the first goal in Minnesota Wild franchise history? A. Filip Kuba B. Antti Laaksonen C. Marian Gaborik D. Sean O’Donnell 9.

Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo’s personal-best of 57 saves came against what NHL team? A. Detroit Red Wings B. Tampa Bay Lightning C. Pittsburgh Penguins D. Colorado Avalanche

10. Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart was drafted No. 3 overall in 1998 by what team? A. Los Angeles Kings B. Ottawa Senators C. San Jose Sharks D. Anaheim Ducks ANSWERS: 1 (B) Between 1983-86, MacLean scored six OT goals for the Jets; 2 (A) Legwand, a Grosse Pointe Woods native, was the No. 2 overall in 1998; 3 (C) New Jersey in 2000; 4 (A) First overall by Boston in 1997; 5 (D) Alfredsson scored 26 goals with 35 assists en route to winning ROY in 1996; 6 (A) Bure registered two such seasons in 1992-93 and 1993-94; 7 (D) Calgary shot down the Canadiens, 4-2; 8 (C) Gaborik scored in a 3-1 loss at Anaheim; 9 (A) He set Florida’s franchise mark in s 3-2 OT loss to Detroit on Feb. 27, 2002; 10 (C) The Sharks.

RED WINGS TODAY

Gdx Qdc Vhmfr E`mr

Rj`sd To Mnqsg sn Sq`udqrd Bhsx 1/$ nee svn nq lnqd mhfgsr sghr rd`rnm

Good through Sunday, April 11, 2010.

Promo Code: VHMFR

Traverse City, MI

Visit www.GREATWOLF.com

or call (866) 478-9653 for more information.

Based on availability, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

+ 0"' -!

, !( $ 2

+ - ,- ,!(0 (' "

Your 2009-10

DETroIT rED WINGS JUSTIN ABDELKADER Born: February 25, 1987 Muskegon, MI

Born: February 2, 1975 Sudbury, ON, Canada

Pos: LW Shoots: Left

Pos: RW Shoots: Left

Ht: 6'1"

Ht: 6'3"

Wt: 215 lbs.

Wt: 225 lbs.

DAN CLEARY

PAVEL DATSYUK

Born: December 18, 1978 Carbonear, NL, Canada

Born: July 20, 1978 Sverdlovsk, Russia

Pos: RW Shoots: Left

Pos: C Shoots: Left

Ht: 6'0"

Ht: 5'11"

Wt: 205 lbs.

Wt: 194 lbs.

KRIS DRAPER

PATRICK EAVES

Born: May 24, 1971 Toronto, ON, Canada

Born: May 1, 1984 Calgary, AB, Canada

Pos: C Shoots: Left

Pos: RW Shoots: Right

Ht: 5'10"

Ht: 5'11"

Wt: 188 lbs.

Wt: 191lbs.

JONATHAN ERICSSON

TODD BERTUZZI

VALTTERI FILPPULA

Born: March 2, 1984 Karlskrona, Sweden

Born: March 20, 1984 Vantaa, Finland

Pos: D Shoots: Left

Pos: C Shoots: Left

Ht: 6'4"

Ht: 6'0"

Wt: 220 lbs.

Wt: 193 lbs.

RED WINGS TODAY

T:4.875”

TOWN & COUNTRY

WRANGLER

LIBERTY

T:7.8864”

300C

GO RED WINGS! SEE YOUR CHRYSLER AND JEEP SUPERSTORES ®

WWW.CHRYSLERJEEPSUPERSTORES.COM

Chrysler and Jeep are registered trademarks of Chrysler Group LLC.

Your 2009-10

DETroIT rED WINGS JOHAN FRANZEN Born: December 23, 1979 Vetlanda, Sweden

Born: January 21, 1987 Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Pos: RW Shoots: Left

Pos: C Shoots: Left

Ht: 6'3"

Ht: 5'11"

Wt: 222 lbs.

Wt: 195 lbs.

TOMAS HOLMSTROM

JIMMY HOWARD

Born: January 23, 1973 Pitea, Sweden

Born: March 26, 1984 Syracuse, NY

Pos: LW Shoots: Left

Pos: G Catches: Left

Ht: 6'0"

Wt: 198 lbs.

Wt: 210lbs.

JAKUB KINDL

NIKLAS KRONWALL

Born: February 10, 1987 Sumperk, Czech Republic

Born: January 12, 1981 Stockholm, Sweden

Pos: D Shoots: Left

Ht: 6'3"

Ht: 6'0"

Wt: 199 lbs.

Wt: 192 lbs.

BRETT LEBDA

DARREN HELM

VILLE LEINO

Born: January 15, 1982 Buffalo Grove, IL

Born: October 6, 1983 Savonlinna, Finland

Pos: D Shoots: Left

Pos: LW Shoots: Left

Ht: 5'9"

Ht: 6'1"

Wt: 195 lbs.

Wt: 190 lbs.

RED WINGS TODAY

“Highest Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Michigan.”

According to the J.D. Power and Associates National Health Insurance plan study, we’ve been ranked highest in member satisfaction for two years running. What does that mean to you? It means you could enjoy the same satisfaction. You’d get easy access to leading doctors and hospitals, preventive care, wellness programs, and affordable coverage and benefits. We make it simple. So, if you’re not already a HAP member, join us. It’s a satisfying experience. hap.org Health Alliance Plan of Michigan received the highest numerical score among large commercial health plans in Michigan in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2009 National Health Insurance Plan StudiesSM. 2009 Study based on 33,007 total member responses, measuring five plans in Michigan (excludes Medicare and Medicaid). Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed in December 2008 and January 2009. Your experiences may vary. jdpower.com

Your 2009-10

DETroIT rED WINGS NICKLAS LIDSTROM Born: April 28, 1970 Vasteras, Sweden

Born: July 13, 1975 Helsingborg, Sweden

Pos: D Shoots: Left

Ht: 6'1"

Ht: 6'3"

Wt: 190 lbs.

Wt: 220 lbs.

KIRK MALTBY

BRAD MAY

Born: December 22, 1972 Guelph, ON, Canada

Born: November 29, 1971 Toronto, ON, Canada

Pos: LW Shoots: Right

Pos: LW Shoots: Left

Ht: 6'0"

Ht: 6'1"

Wt: 195 lbs.

Wt: 213 lbs.

DEREK MEECH

DREW MILLER

Born: April 21, 1984 Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Born: February 17, 1984 Dover, NJ

Pos: D Shoots: Left

Pos: LW Shoots: Left

Ht: 5'11"

Ht: 6'2"

Wt: 200 lbs.

Wt: 178 lbs.

CHRIS OSGOOD

ANDREAS LILJA

BRIAN RAFALSKI

Born: November 26, 1972 Peace River, AB, Canada

Born: September 28, 1973 Dearborn, MI

Pos: G Catches: Left

Pos: D Shoots: Right

Ht: 5'10"

Wt: 180 lbs.

Wt: 194 lbs.

RED WINGS TODAY

Your 2009-10

DETroIT rED WINGS BRAD STUART Born: November 6, 1979 Rocky Mountain House, AB, Canada Pos: D Shoots: Left Ht: 6'2" Wt: 210 lbs.

HENRIK ZETTERBERG Born: October 9, 1980 Njurunda, Sweden Pos: LW Shoots: Left

JASON WILLIAMS Born: August 11, 1980 London, ON, Canada Pos: RW Shoots: Right Ht: 5'11" Wt: 192 lbs.

MIKE BABCOCK HEAD COACH In his ﬁfth year as Wings head coach.

Ht: 5'11" Wt: 195 lbs.

PAUL MacLEAN

BRAD McCRIMMON

ASSISTANT COACH In his ﬁfth year as Wings assistant coach.

ASSISTANT COACH In his second year as Wings assistant coach.

JIM BEDARD

KEITH McKITTRICK

GOALTENDING COACH In his 13th year as Wings goaltending coach.

VIDEO COACH In his second year as Wings video coach.

RED WINGS TODAY

CAE SARS WI N DSO R PR E S ENTS

BRIAN MCKNIGHT & TAKE MARCH

WHOOPI GOLDBERG MARCH

TICKETS AT WWW CAESARSWINDSOR COM OR - - - Know Your Limit, Play Within It! 1-888-230-3505 Ontario Gambling HelpLine. All ages welcome in our Augustus Tower and convention complex. Must be 19 years of age or older to attend performance or enter the casino and all other outlets. Caesars Windsor reserves the right to alter/change or cancel these performances without notice. The Caesars brand and related trademarks are owned by Harrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License Company, LLC and its affi liated companies. Used with permission.

pop culture

QuestIons wIth

nIKlas Kronwall Five favorite things to grill: 1. Steak 2. Chicken 3. Corn 4. Mushrooms 5. Burgers

Five movies I can watch over and over: 1. THE Hangover 2. Dumb and Dumber 3. Braveheart 4. Wedding Crashers 5. Anchorman

Favorite Detroit-area restaurant: Bourbon Steak in MGM

Pairs of shoes:

Right now, I probably have about 40-45. I usually throw them away every now and then.

Artist Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen most in concert: Keith Urban Favorite non-hockey team to watch: Manchester United First car: Volkswagen Polo Secret TV obsession:

I used to be really into those reality shows. I still like the Road Rules and Real World Challenge.

Ultimate karaoke song: One of Garth Brooksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; songs

Proudest moment: Raising the Stanley Cup I really wish I knew how to ____: Sing and play instruments

RED WINGS TODAY

joe louis arena

dining & Beverage Location Guide DINING OPTIONS HOT DOGS Hot Dog.................................104,106,108,112 ............................................119,120,122,126 All Beef Dog ...............................................112 Kielbasa . ..............................104,106,108,112 ............................................119,120,122,126 Smoked Sausage....................104,106,108,112 ............................................119,120,122,126 Chili Dog..............................................112,126 Philly Cheese Steak......................................112 East End Joe’s Subs......................116 Hockeytown Grill GRILL Chicken Club Sandwich, BBQ Chicken Sandwich & Cheese Burger........126

Little Caesars Pizza...............114,128 Little Caesars Super Slice.................................106,125 Buffalo Wild Wings Traditional Wings, Boneless Wings, Tenders & Buffalo Chips................................126

with location

Sides & Salads Chili with Toppings.......................................112 Nacho.............................105,108,112,119,122 Specialty Salad............................................116 Soup...........................................................116 Little Caesars crazy crust/ cheese bread....................................110 Snacks Peanuts........................ Most Concession Stands Potato Chips................. Most Concession Stands Soft Pretzel............................108,112,119,120 .................................................................122 Popcorn.................................104,106,108,112 ............................................119,120,122,126 Caramel Corn................ Most Concession Stands Desserts Dippin Dot . .........................................108,112 Ice Cream Novelty.......... Most Concession Stands Large Candy.................. Most Concession Stands Cookies.......................................................116 Mike’s Inside Scoop Ice Cream, Sundaes, and Soft Serve..............112

beverage OPTIONS Non Alcoholic Beverages Frozen Coke.......................................... 114,128 Soft Drinks......................... All Concession Stands Bottled Water.................... All Concession Stands Vitamin Water.................... All Concession Stands Energy Drink.............. 104,105,112,116,119,126 Full Throttle.................................................. 119 Hot Beverages........... 104,106,108,112,119,120 ........................................................... 122,126 Cappuccino.................................................. 112

RED WINGS TODAY

with location

Alcoholic Beverages Wine............................... 104,105,112,116,126 Cocktails.......................... 104,105,112,116,126 ...................................... 121,123,124,125,126 Frozen Cocktails........................................... 126 Margaritas................ 104,105,112,116,119,126

No En rth tr w an est ce

BLUETOOTH ZONE delivered BY

corona extra

107

108

109 110

111

120

121

122

123 124 125

So En uthe tr an ast ce

118 119

GRILL

East end Joe’s Subs

11 7

6 12

115 116

127 128

113 114

mike’s hard lemonade

2 11

101 102 1 03

104 105 106

Mike’s inside scoop

BLUETOOTH ZONE delivered BY

draft beer

brand / concourse location

104,112,118, 119,124,126

106,108,110, 112,113,115, 117,126

102,103,104

bottle & Can beer brand / concourse location

106,108,110, 112,115,126

108,110,112, 124

109,112,114, 126,127

107,108,109, 110,111,124

106,108,110, 112,113,115, 117,126

102,103,107, 108,109,110, 111

corona extra

mike’s hard lemonade

109,110,111, 112

104,105,112, 116,119,126

104,114,115, 116

104,105,112, 116,119,126

RED WINGS TODAY

2008 North Coast Merlot

2008 Central Coast Chardonnay

This fruit-forward Merlot is

This lighter styled Chardonnay

defined by aromas and flavors of

offers fruit-forward apple and

raspberry and blackberry. Expressions

pear aromas with hints of

coffee

lemon zest and vanilla.

and cocoa frame the mid-

Lush fruit flavors are

palate, while a supporting

joined by creaminess on

spiciness balances out the

the palate, followed by a

soft-velvety finish.

lingering, crisp finish.

Red Wings Wines Coming Soon

Mounting injuries provide playing time for Justin Abdelkader and others By michael caples

f injuries hadn’t been a critical issue for the Red Wings this season, Justin Abdelkader likely would have spent an entire season in the American Hockey League. But early injuries to key Wings created a spot for Abdelkader in Detroit. And he’s making the most of the opportunity. The 22-year-old forward has contributed to the Wings in nearly every on-ice situation, spending time on the power play and penalty kill, and on a variety of different line combinations. However, it’s his physical play that is making a lasting impression with the coaching staff. Through 43 games, the young forward was leading the team in hits with 124. “I’ve always been a physical player,” Abdelkader said. “I’m not afraid to finish checks. That’s always been my game. It hasn’t changed, and obviously 50

RED WINGS TODAY

(coach Mike Babcock) wants our third and fourth lines to finish checks and hopefully wear out their defense. I try to do that as much as I can.” It has been a whirlwind season for the Muskegon, Mich., native, who started the season in Stockholm, Sweden, where the Wings began the 2009-10 NHL campaign with a pair of games against St. Louis. A few weeks later, the Wings decided to return Abdelkader to Grand Rapids, where he scored 24 goals with 28 assists in 76 games last season. But as luck would have it, power forward Johan Franzen was injured

Smartphone interactive Scan here RED WINGS TODAY

We can help you protect your snowmobile. A snowmobile accident costs an average of $2,300. So donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t risk hitting the trails without coverage. Call us today to see how affordable Allstate snowmobile insurance can be. Contact a local Allstate agent today. Allstate.com 877-Allstate

Insurance is subject to terms, conditions and availability. Discount is subject to qualifications and availability and amount may be lower. Allstate Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. ÂŠ 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.

abby road

during the Wings’ home opener, making Abdelkader stay on Michigan’s west coast short. For Abdelkader, he said that having some stability in is hockey life has helped his confidence on the ice. “I think when I first was up here for the first few games, I was kind of nervous and tentative, didn’t know if I should really be up here, or what my game was at this level,” he said. “But when Franzen went down, and I got called back up the day after I went down, I felt like I belonged here, and I felt like my game kind of rounded out. I’ve figured out how I need to play at this level.”

The former Michigan State standout is no stranger to the hockey spotlight. He scored the game-winning goal for the Spartans in the 2007 national championship, and his first two NHL goals came in the 2009 Stanley Cup finals last spring. Though he said if he had to pinpoint one area that he still needs development in, it would be his puck-possession skills. “I’ve gotten more confidence with the puck … I’ve learned that I have more time,” Abdelkader said. “Sometimes as a young guy, coming in from the AHL or juniors or wherever you’re coming RED WINGS TODAY

abby road

from … it’s a lot faster and the players are a lot better, so you feel like you don’t have as much time. But in reality you have more time than you really think, so I think that was big for me in getting confidence and realizing everything isn’t so rush, rush out there.” Wings forward Kris Draper thinks the all-around experience of being up with the parent club can only help younger players like Abdelkader. “You never want to have injuries, but it finds out what you have,” Draper said. “And it was a great opportunity for Abby to get in here, get comfortable in this locker room with the guys, and he’s doing well. 54

RED WINGS TODAY

“He’s a physical player; you know he’s going to have a good career. He’s going to be a player that the more he plays, the more he gets used to it, the more confidence he gets, the better he’s going to get.” Abdelkader believes that the injury situation the Wings have already battled through will ultimately make the team better come playoff time. “You don’t wish injuries upon anyone, but it gives other guys, like myself and a few of the younger guys, some opportunities, which is good for us,” he said. “And when those guys come back, I think we’ll be a better team and a deeper team because of it.”

RED WINGS TODAY

Buy two tickets to one of the select games below and get two P[ $PLF ;FSPT BOE UXP IPU EPHT BMM GPS KVTU 5IVST 'FCSVBSZ r 1.

5VFT .BSDI r 1.

8FE .BSDI r 1.

5VFT .BSDI r 1.

For tickets call 313-396-7575 or visit DetroitRedWings.com

Calamari so irresistible, it deserves an agent.

“One of America’s Best Italian Restaurants” - 2008 Zagat, Buon Italia

NOW PREMIERING TO RAVE REVIEWS

“Best place to see and be seen”

“Best bar after the game”

“Best authentic Northern Italian” “Spectacular appetizers...

large portions, great prices.”

CORPORATE & PRIVATE EVENTS • CATERING SERVICES

Across from Comerica Park in Detroit’s Historic Fabulous Fox Building 2203 Woodward Avenue 313.471.3500 • www.daedoardo.com

Semi-final Games 4:30 & 8PM - March 19, 2010 3rd Place Game 3:30 / Championship Game 7:30PM - March 20, 2010

FAMILY 4-PACK JUST $44

INCLUDES 4 GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS, 4 SLICES OF PIZZA & 4 SODAS Tickets can be purchased at the Joe Louis Arena Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, including Hockeytown Authentics and Hockeytown Cafe, by calling 313.396.7575, or purchased online at CollegeHockeyattheJoe.com!

FOR TICKETS, CALL 313.396.7575 OR VISIT COLLEGEHOCKEYATTHEJOE.COM

2009-10

DETroIT rED WINGS Ticket & Seating Information

For questions, please contact your Ticket Sales and Service Representative at (313) 396-7575 or visit our website at DetroitRedWings.com

*Please note that Box Office pricing is subject to variable priced regular season home games.

RED WINGS TODAY

2009-10

DETROIT RED WINGS Game Schedule

january

T F 2

STL 3:00

255

buf 7:00

VAN 10:00

chi 7:30 LA 7:30

phx 10:00 edm 9:30

col 7:00

col 9:00

cal 10:00

M T

295

M T

nsh 7:00

bos 7:00

CbJ 7:00

dal 7:30 atl 7:30

T F

wash 7:00

SJ 7:30

van 7:30

flA 7:30

cal 7:00

T F

ana 7:00

mon 7:00 stl 8:00

275

M T

chi 7:00

phx 7:30

cbJ 7:00

stl 7:30

chi 7:30

van 7:30

tam 7:30

ana 7:30

cal 7:30

nsh 8:00 dal 3:00 cbJ 7:00

col 7:00

T F

245

chi 3:00

nyI 7:00

wash 7:00 phx 7:00

chi 7:30 min 8:00

car 7:30 min 8:00

col 7:00

cal 7:30

nsh 7:30

pit 3:00

DetroitRedWings.com

sj 10:30

ana 10:00

stl 8:00

sj 7:30

la 4:00 ott 7:00

OLYMPIC BREAK 23

M T

col 9:00

Chi TBD

van 7:30

cal 7:00

cal 9:30 pit 7:00

SJ 7:30

stl 7:30

nsh 7:30

MIN 7:30

dal 7:30

edm 7:30

M T

T F

buf 7:00

edm 9:30

van 10:00 nsh 8:00

min 7:30

T F

cbj 7:30

nsh 2:00

255

phi 3:00

chi TBD

cbJ 7:30

chi 7:30

van 7:30

cbJ 7:00

phx 8:00

la 10:30

1 3

ana 10:00

nj 7:00

T F

tor 7:00

edm 7:00

M T 11

nyr 7:00

dal 7:30

february

march

M T

april

december

november

OCTOBER

sj 10:30 dal 2:00 la 7:00

AWAY GAMES

HOME GAMES

All Times Eastern RED WINGS TODAY

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss a moment of ice time. Record up to 4 shows at once and play them back in any room with a single DVR. AT&T U-verseSM with Total Home DVR.

AT&T is the exclusive communications partner of the Detroit Red Wings.

1- 8 0 0 - PICK-AT T / AT T.COM/UVER SE T V Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse service. Call or go to www.uverse.att.com to see if you qualify. Full Total Home DVR functionality requires a receiver for each additional TV at $7/mo. each. Four channels can be recorded to the DVR or viewed simultaneously and up to 2 can be HD, subject to availability. ÂŠ2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo, and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

IT’S TIME TO

LOVE THE

TASTE

OF YOUR BEER.