Justin Abdelkader News

Henrik Zetterberg had a good laugh when it was suggested the Red Wings try a pea under Johan Franzen's mattress Friday night.

The result was a 4-1 Chicago victory that could have been much worse had it not been for some terrific goalkeeping by Jimmy Howard.

With Justin Abdelkader out for Games 4 and 5 against the Ducks, Henrik Zetterberg was asked if he had instructed potential replacements about playing on the top line with him and Pavel Datsyuk.

Coach Mike Babcock split Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg in Game 7 of the first round against the Ducks, and it seemed to invigorate both newly formed lines.

The Chicago Blackhawks are loaded at forward, stacked on defense and have a goaltender who allowed less than two goals per game.

Apr 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg shoots the puck against Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford during the second period at the United Center.

He was definitely missed during his two game suspension in round one, but Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader said the plan was not for his return to be the difference in his team's game 6 and 7 win over the Anaheim Ducks.

The NHL playoffs are off to a heart-pounding start with a record 17 games going to overtime in the first round.

Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard stops a shot during the first period in Game 7 of their first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, May 12, 2013.

Welcome to the RETURN of our two-minute drill, which will give you a snapshot of what's going on with the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, Spartans and Wolverines each day.

Captain Henrik Zetterberg, the hero of Game 6, continued to excel with an important goal and assist, with Justin Abdelkader and Valtteri Filppula adding the other Red Wings goals.

Chris Burton reflects on a remarkable day for Wigan as they beat Man City 1-0 in the FA Cup final.

Throughout the 2013 NHL season, Detroit Red Wings fans were filled with various emotions.

Obviously Game 7 is huge in any sport. To get an opportunity to play is special.

Zetterberg had his second goal 1:04 into overtime, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 on Friday night to extend their first-round series.

Welcome to the RETURN of our two-minute drill, which will give you a snapshot of what's going on with the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, Spartans and Wolverines each day.

But it's the best one Red Wings coach Mike Babcock has to offer at the moment. And whatever the reasons that led him - and his team - to this point, facing playoff elimination when the puck drops on Game 6 against the Ducks tonight at Joe Louis Arena, it's the one on which he's going to hang his playoff hat.

Ryan Getzlaf has been dominant when the Anaheim Ducks have needed their captain most, scoring clutch goals in two of their three wins.

Red Wings forward Dan Cleary is still feeling the pain from a bad boarding incident on Wednesday, but will be ready to go on Friday when Detroit faces elimination for the first time this postseason.

May 2, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Justin Abdelkader reacts after scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Honda Center.