Nicklas Lidstrom recorded his first career hat trick and also had an assist to lead the Red Wings to a 5-to-2 win over the Blues last night at Joe Louis Arena. The Detroit captain had played 1,441 games without a hat trick. The Red Wings have won three-of-four since a 3-game skid.

Danny Cleary had a goal and two assists while Niklas Kronwall also scored for Detroit, which got 19 saves from Jimmy Howard. Tomorrow night, it’s Detroit at Chicago.

Last night in the ECHL at Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo lost 6-t-3 to the Wheeling Nailers.