Red Wings extend streak
02/09/2012 07:12:41 AM
The Detroit Red Wings closed in further on an NHL record after winning their 18th home match in a row.
Detroit's 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at Joe Louis Arena saw them draw within two of the record set by the Boston Bruins in 1929-30 and the Philadelphia Flyers in 1975-76.
Early strikes to Johan Franzen and Cory Emmerton gave the Red Wings the early advantage before in-form Oiler Sam Gagner netted twice to level proceedings, taking his tally to eight goals from his past four games.
Drew Miller and Henrik Zetterberg scored in the third period to seal the win for Detroit.
"The home win streak is really unique," Miller said after the win.
"I don't think we go into it really trying to say, 'Hey, let's do it to get this streak'. I think we're just trying to establish our game at home and play night in and night out the way that we should play."
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres thrashed Northeast Division leaders the Boston Bruins 6-0.
Jason Pominville scored twice for the winners as Ryan Miller made 36 saves in what was his second shutout in three games.
Tyler Ennis, Drew Stafford, Christian Ehrhoff and Patrick Kaleta also scored for Buffalo.
In other matches, the Calgary Flames edged the San Jose Sharks 4-3, while the Anaheim Ducks edged the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 thanks to Corey Perry's goal in overtime.