Detroit lost 3-to-1 last night at Phoenix, but the Red Wings still lead the N-H-L with 72 points. Joey McDonald, starting in net for Detroit for the first time this season, allowed a pair of goals on 22 shots. Johan Franzen had the lone score for the Red Wings on a power play goal. The Coyotes had dropped their last 7 games against Detroit.
The Red Wings are 2-1-and-1 since the All-Star break, all on the road. Detroit played last night without defenseman Brad Stuart, scratched because of the flu. It was the first game Stuart has missed this season.
Tomorrow night, the Red Wings begin a 6-game homestand when they play the Edmonton Oilers. Detroit has 18 of its remaining 28 games at Joe Louis Arena, where the Red Wings have won 17 in-a-row.
