Detroit continue record home streak
02/13/2012 05:38:25 AM
The Detroit Red Wings won their 20th home match in a row in the NHL on Sunday (local time), defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3.
The result means Detroit now hold jointly the record for the longest winning streak at home in a single season with the Boston Bruins (1929-30 season) and the Flyers (1975-76 season).
They can beat the record when they host the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, but they were forced to fight for the record-equalling victory.
Niklas Kronwall gave Detroit an early lead but a pair of Brayden Schenn strikes on either side of the first period break put Philadelphia back in front.
Pavel Datsyuk quickly responded and the topsy-turvy nature of the match continued when Maxime Talbot put the Flyers back in front with less than four second-period minutes remaining.
Henrik Zetterberg levelled just over two minutes later, setting up an exciting finale before Johan Franzen's goal early in the third period settled the game.
Detroit goalkeeper Joey MacDonald made 26 saves for the victors, who have not lost in 102 days at the Joe Louis Arena.
Eastern Conference leaders the New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 while Southeast Division table-toppers the Florida Panthers came from behind to beat the Rangers' cross-town rivals, the Islanders, 4-1.
In a battle between the bottom sides of the Pacific and Central Divisions, the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3 and the St Louis Blues eased to a 3-0 success against the San Jose Sharks.
The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 while the Los Angeles Kings won by the same scoreline against the Stars.