Lost in the importance of the Detroit Red Wings 3-0 win against the New Jersey Devils is the feel-good tale of Dominik Shine scoring his first NHL goal at age 32.

According to the NHL, Pinckney native and former Northern Michigan player Shine is the team’s oldest first-time goal scorer since Vaclav Nedomansky in nearly 49 years. Czech star Nedomansky, coming over from the World Hockey Association, scored his first NHL goal while playing with the Red Wings on Dec. 8, 1977.

Shine will turn 33 on April 18, making him 32 years, 324 days. Nedomansky was 33 years, 269 days. Shine, who has played parts of 10 AHL seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins, is also the oldest skater to collect his first NHL since Philadelphia Flyers player Evgeny Medvedev (33 years, 96 days on Dec. 1, 2015).

Before being called from Grand Rapids, Shine had 21 goals and 16 assists for Grand Rapids. He was the Griffins’ captain.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Red Wings goalie John Gibson left another game early, but the early indications were the injury wasn’t serious.

Michal Postava is also giving the Grand Rapids Griffins consistent goaltending this season.

New additions should help Red Wings offense score more goals.

Red Wings Extra

It was evident in Justin Faulk’s first game how much he can add to Detroit’s defensive coverage. He had three shots on goal, three blocked shots and four hits in 19:28 minutes of playing during Detroit’s 3-0 road win against the New Jersey Devils. Faulk was seen directing traffic for defensive coverage during the game. And remember, the Red Wings will have Faulk at least one more season. . . The Red Wings have returned John Leonard back to the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Hockey Now Digest

Colorado: Gabriel Landeskog is out week-to-week, but Nazem Kadri and Nic Roy are impressive in their Avalanche debut. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: FHN’s George Richards asks whether the Panthers should be tanking? Nah, it’s not their style. Florida Panthers. 

New Jersey:  Why Simon Nemec’s future in New Jersey is even more uncertain. New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia: Flyers encouraged that newcomer defenseman David Jiricek scored in his Phantoms debut. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins are about to embark on a strange road trip. Check out the details. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

 

 

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