LocalSportsJournal.com

By Dave Hart LocalSportsJournal.com

Red Wings 5, Avalanche 3 – Brad Richard’s game-winning goal with one minute left in regulation propelled the Red Wings over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night.

LSJ Logo incertThe contest was played as part of the Stadium Series, which was held outdoors at Coors field.

Tomas Tatar and Darren Helm paced Detroit with a goal and an assist, while Niklas Kronwall chipped in with two assists.

The Avalanche were led by Nathan MacKinnon with a goal and an assist, while Alex Tanguay and Tyson Barrie each added a goal.Eye on the D

Detroit’s goaltender Petr Mrazek picked up the victory, stopping 24 of 27 shots.

The Red Wings are now 31-20-11 on the season, good for 73 points and fourth place in the Atlantic Division. They are six points ahead of New Jersey and Philadelphia for the final playoff spot.

Detroit will finish its road trip against the Dallas Stars on Monday night.

Record: 31-20-11   73 pts

4th Place in Atlantic Division (5 pts behind Florida)

Tied for 6th Place in Eastern Conference (21 pts behind Washington)

6 pts ahead of New Jersey and Philadelphia for the last playoff spot

Magic # to clinch 25th straight playoff berth: 37 pts

Magic # to clinch Atlantic Division title: 48 pts

Magic # to clinch Eastern Conference: 66 pts

Misery # towards elimination from Atlantic Division title: 36 pts

Next Game: 02/29/2016 @ Dallas Stars 8:30 p.m. @ American Airlines Center

Stats: Goals- Tomas Tatar (17), Gustav Nyquist (15), Justin Abdelkader (15), Brad Richards (7), Darren Helm (8). Assists- Luke Glendening (10), Helm (10), Niklas Kronwall 2 (16), Petr Mrazek (1), Riley Sheahan (7), Tatar (18). Goaltender- Petr Mrazek W (24-11-6) 24 saves on 27 shots.

Pistons 102, Bucks 91 – The Pistons won their third straight game and surpassed the .500 mark with a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.

Detroit jumped out to a 34-24 lead after the first quarter, led 59-49 at halftime and had an 80-73 advantage after three quarters.

Reggie Jackson paced the Pistons with 22 points and eight assists, while Marcus Morris added 20 points and eight rebounds. Andre Drummond picked up a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds.

The Bucks were led by former Piston Khris Middleton with a game-high 26 points, while Jabari Parker added 13.

The Pistons are now 30-29 on the season, good for ninth place in the Eastern Conference. They are a half game behind Chicago for the final playoff spot.

Detroit will head back home to host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.

Record: 30-29

4th Place in Central Division (12 games behind Cleveland)

9th Place in Eastern Conference (12 games behind Cleveland)

1/2 game behind Chicago for the last playoff spot

Magic # to clinch a playoff berth: 25

Magic # to clinch Central Division title: 37

Magic # to clinch Eastern Conference title: 37

Misery # towards elimination from Central Division title: 13

Misery # towards elimination from playoff contention: 24

Next Game: 02/28/2016 vs. Toronto Raptors 6:00 p.m. @ Palace of Auburn Hills

Stats: Reggie Jackson 22 points 8 assists, Marcus Morris 20 points 8 rebounds, Andre Drummond 15 points 17 rebounds, Tobias Harris 15 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 12 points.