Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
Calgary, Alberta -- Through the opening weeks of the season coach Mike Babcock preached patience with the Red Wings' struggling third line.
And on Wednesday, the unit played a vital role in a 2-1 victory over Calgary at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Mike Modano and Justin Abdelkader, who has replaced Jiri Hudler on the line, each had second period goals erasing a 1-0 Flames lead. The goals stood up, with the Wings killing a four-minute high-sticking penalty to Ruslan Salei with seven minutes to play.
Jimmy Howard made 16 saves in his return to the lineup, after missing two games with back spasms. He was rarely tested against the Flames.
Howard made an important diving stop early in the third period on a wraparound attempt by Calgary's Matt Stajan.
Mark Giordano (power play) scored the lone Flames goal, in the first period.
The game provided a measure of revenge for the line of Abdelkader, Modano and Dan Cleary. When the teams met the first time this season, Calgary's third line outplayed the Modano line.
Babcock made mention of that fact after Wednesday's morning skate and noted the Modano line was going to need to be sharper this time around.
"The last time we played Calgary their third line dominated us," Babcock said. "We have to be prepared for that."
They were, with the newest addition to that line, Abdelkader, supplying a needed boost for a second consecutive game.
Abdelkader gave the Wings a 2-1 lead with his first goal of the season at 12:05. Pavel Datsyuk feathered a pass to Abdelkader, who was streaking ahead down the left wing. Abdelkader reached the dot and fired a shot past goalie Miikka Kiprusoff's left shoulder.
Babcock has been pleased with Abdelkader's contribution since making his season debut Saturday against Nashville.
A gritty, strong, and fine skater, Abdelkader
