By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com
Red Wings 3, Stars 2 (OT) – Pavel Datsyuk scored 2:33 into overtime to lead the Red Wings over the Dallas Stars on Monday night.
The Red Wings were paced by Andreas Athanasiou with two goals on the night.
The Stars scored a goal from Vernon Fiddler with 1:31 left in regulation to force overtime, while Colton Sceviour also added a tally for Dallas.
Detroit’s goaltender Jimmy Howard picked up his first victory since early December, stopping 39 of 41 shots.
The Red Wings are now 32-20-11 on the season, good for 75 points and third place in the Atlantic Division. They are six points ahead of Philadelphia for the final playoff spot.
Detroit will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night.
Record: 32-20-11 75 pts
3rd Place in Atlantic Division (3 pts behind Florida)
5th Place in Eastern Conference (19 pts behind Washington)
6 pts ahead of Philadelphia for the last playoff spot
Magic # to clinch 25th straight playoff berth: 35 pts
Magic # to clinch Atlantic Division title: 44 pts
Magic # to clinch Eastern Conference title: 62 pts
Misery # towards elimination from Atlantic Division title: 36 pts
Misery # towards elimination from Eastern Conference title: 20 pts
Next Game: 03/02/2016 vs. Chicago Blackhawks 8:00 p.m. @ Joe Louis Arena
Stats: Goals- Andreas Athanasious 2 (4), Pavel Datsyuk (13). Assists- Luke Glendening (11), Mike Green (18), Tomas Tatar (19), Gustav Nyquist (19). Goaltender- Jimmy Howard W (8-9-5) 39 saves on 41 shots.
