Yzerman’s 690th Leads Red Wings over Blues

Detroit captain Steve Yzerman’s 690th career goal lifted him into a tie with Mario Lemieux for eight place in all-time NHL goal scoring and was the eventual game-winner Monday night, as the Red Wings cruised to a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Blues.

Yzerman’s goal, his 12th of the season, gave Detroit a 2-0 lead at 9:45 of the second period.

After a long shot by Niklas Kronwall, the puck bounced around at the top of the crease. Robert Lang couldn’t get a handle on it and it skipped over to Yzerman near the left circle, where he was open to bang it into the net.

Johan Franzen scored just 47 seconds later, cutting to the net from the side of the goal and pounding away at the puck, putting in his own rebound as he moved across the top of the crease.

Tomas Holmstrom notched the Red Wings’ final goal 34 seconds into the third period when Henrik Zetterberg got him the puck on a three-on-two with Mikael Samuelsson. Skating through the slot, Holmstrom lifted a backhander past Blues’ goalie Patrik Lalime.

With 58 seconds remaining in the game, St. Louis spoiled Detroit netminder Manny Legace’s shutout effort when Petr Cajanek scored on a rebound opportunity.

Kirk Maltby had opened the scoring at 2:01 of the first period, whipping a shot from the right circle to the far corner of the net.

Legace finished the night with twenty saves on 21 shots, while Lalime stopped 28 of 32 shots against.

Detroit was held scoreless on their five power play chances but did not allow a goal on any of St. Louis’ eight power plays.

The Red Wings will be back in action on Friday when they visit the Nashville Predators in a game that was originally scheduled for January 23.