The NFHL Game of the Night

The Detroit Red Wings have exploded out to an impressive 12-4 record to start the season.  And in most times, a .750 winning percentage would put you at the top of the league, this year, it only has them 4th in their own conference.  However, the one difference so far this year between themselves and the top three teams (Colorado, Columbus, Winnipeg) is they haven't shows the same defensive acumen.  They can go toe to toe with any of them offensively, but those three teams are right at the top of the league defensively (Columbus - 1st, Winnipeg - 2nd, Colorado -3rd), having allowed almost one fewer goal per game than the Red Wings. Tonight, going against the high-octane Florida Panthers, Detroit showed they can shut a team down, too. Completely shut down.  Detroit allowed just 26 shots and Felix Potvin stopped every single one of them to get the shut out.  It was important that Potvin do that, too, because the Panthers almost shut Detroit's offense down, too.  Almost.  Carey Wilson scored the game's only goal, assisted for former Panther Ray Bourque, in their 1-0 victory.  Detroit is now 13-4 and finally caught the Winnipeg Jets, who had their 12 game winning streak snapped tonight, for 3rd in the conference, though the Jets have 2 games in hand.  The Panthers' nightmare start in south Florida continues as they drop to 5-9-1 and you just know with GM Matheson that he won't sit still for that.

Three Stars of the Night

	Shawn Burr (CBJ) - 3 Goals (6), 1 Assist, +2, 4 Shots, 1 Hit
	Gaetan Duchesne (MIN) - 3 Goals (6), +1, 4 Shots, 3 Hits
	Mario Lemieux (HAR) - 1 Goal (6), 3 Assists, +3, 3 Shots, 3 Hits