Final
  for this game

Red Wings blank Blues

Jan 1, 2012 - 3:53 AM Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Jimmy Howard made 31 saves to record his career-high fourth shutout of the season, and the Detroit Red Wings extended their home dominance with a 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues.

Johan Franzen, Justin Abdelkader and Jiri Hudler each contributed a goal in the second period for Detroit, which has won 12 straight at Joe Louis Arena.

"We're playing with confidence at home. We've got to find a way to take it on the road with us," Howard said. The Red Wings are 9-11-0 as the visiting club this season and 15-2-1 overall at home.

Brian Elliott stopped 28 shots for the Blues, who suffered a season-high third straight loss.

After an evenly played opening 20 minutes, during which both clubs generated 10 shots, the Red Wings seized control with a decisive middle stanza.

Franzen lit the lamp at the 7:28 mark, then a turnover by the Blues in their own zone led to a goal by Abdelkader 1:17 later. Hudler banged home his own rebound from in front with 53 seconds remaining.

"We had a lapse in the second period and that's what killed us," Elliott said.

Game Notes

Howard leads the NHL in wins with 23...Detroit forward Pavel Datsyuk played in his 700th career game...The Blues have lost five of their last six on the road.