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Red Wings crash Hull's party, sink Blues

Dec 6, 2006 - 4:59 AM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- On a night when Brett Hull's No. 16 jersey was retired, the Detroit Red Wings' offense spoiled the ceremony.

Pavel Datsyuk had a goal and an assist and goaltender Dominik Hasek made 24 saves to lead the Red Wings to a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues.

The Red Wings, who had five different players score, jumped quickly in the first period, netting two goals in the opening 4:22. Henrik Zetterberg scored on a power play and Datsyuk tallied roughly two minutes later to take a 2-0 lead.

"Because of the ceremony, it was tough to get into it, but I thought we did a really good job from the start," Zetterberg said. "We had a good first period. I think we skated good and the puck went in the net."

Daniel Cleary capped the first-period barrage with his eighth goal of the season, which prompted Blues coach Mike Kitchen to replace goaltender Manny Legace with Jason Bacashihua with 6:18 left in the session.

"They (Detroit) came out and played great in the first period," Legace said. "They were all over us. They could have had a couple more goals."

Eric Brewer scored the lone Blues tally on a wrist shot to end Hasek's shutout bid with 3:24 remaining.

"I thought we had a lot of hesitation in our play," Kitchen said. "Our passes were too soft. We turned the puck over too many times. And if you do that, you're going to get hurt with this team, playing Detroit."

Bacashihua stopped 18 shots for the Blues who were 0-for-8 on the power play.

"You have to be ready at all times," Bacashihua said. "When you're called upon, you have to go in and keep them off the board. I felt great. It's frustrating, especially to lose tonight in front of the crowd that we had and a special night for Brett (Hull). We all have to learn and watch video and be able to play on Thursday."

Hull is the sixth St. Louis player to have his number retired by the club.

"It's indescribable the feeling watching your name and number and especially with your kids right there with you," Hull said.