Red Wings defenseman Rafalski named NHL second star

Brian Rafalski (AP, Paul Sancya)

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski was named the NHL's second star of the week on Monday January 5.

Rafalski recorded six points (one goal, five assists), including five in Detroit's home-and-home sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks, as the Red Wings went 3-0-0 and increased their Central Division lead to eight points. He recorded two assists in a 4-0 home victory over the Blackhawks December 30th, and tallied a goal and two assists in the 6-4 win over Chicago in the NHL Winter Classic 2009 at Wrigley Field on New Year's Day. To round out the week Rafalski added an assist in the Wings 3-2 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild January 3rd.

 

Columbus Blue Jackets left-winger Rick Nash was named first star of the week as he led all NHL scorers with nine points (2-7) as the Blue Jackets won three of four road games last week.

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward was the third star posting a 3-0-0 record with a 1.33 goals-against average and .944 save percentage.

 

 

Two Red Wings prospects participated in the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa.

Detroit’s second selection in 2007 (88^th overall, third round) Joakim Andersson scored Sweden’s only goal in a 5-1 loss to Canada in the gold medal game. Overall he scored 2 goals and six points in six games and was +7. For a scouting report on Andersson click here

Goaltender Thomas McCollum (30^th overall, first round, 2008 draft) appeared in five games for Team USA and posted a goals-against average of 2.86 and a save percentage of 0.860. For a scouting report on McCollum click here

 

 

If you didn't get the Winter Classic merchandise you asked for, for Christmas, now's your chance.

 

In a press release from the Detroit Red Wings the team will be selling game worn jerseys from the Winter Classic. Also any remaining Winter Classic merchandise will be on sale at 30% off. The details are as follows:

 

The Detroit Red Wings will make the players’ game-worn Winter Classic jerseys available for purchase beginning tomorrow, January 6 through the Red Wings Authentic Merchandise Department at Joe Louis Arena. The retro-style jerseys were worn during the historic outdoor game played at Wrigley Field on New Years Day marking the team’s 701st all-time meeting against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The jerseys are white-based jerseys with a single red body stripe inspired by the jerseys initially worn by the club circa 1926-27. The crest features a classic Old English “D” in the center, with the current iconic winged wheel logo on each shoulder.

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase all remaining Winter Classic merchandise (excluding jerseys) at 30% off. The discounted merchandise is available through several locations including the Joe Louis Arena Box Office Store, merchandise stands inside Joe Louis Arena and at Hockeytown Authentics in Troy.

For pricing inquiries and additional information on the game-worn Winter Classic jerseys contact Christi Forgacs, Authentics Manager, at 313-396-7583 or by email at christi.forgacs@olyent.com.

For more info: for the NHL press release on the three stars click here. For complete World Junior Championship information visit www.iihf.com