From the Free Press:

Jiri Hudler took a tough hit early in the first period Thursday night when two Colorado Avalanche players crunched him simultaneously. He got his revenge later, scoring a goal and an assist in regulation and adding a goal when the game went to a shootout.

Funny side note: In two different NHL video games, in two different years, if you used the Wings and bring Hudler up from the minors, he is awesome. I mean, he becomes one of the team leaders in points and goals. So either, the guy really has talent, or someone who makes the video teams is a big Hudler/Detroit fan.

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Here is an update on Hudler's performance.

I was really afraid they were going to trade him for an old man at the trade deadline. But they held on to him. Which has turned out to be a really good move.

He has been playing with Lang and Calder, and has revitalized Lang. They are countrymen and Hudler stayed as a guest with Lang and his family for months while he was figuring out if was going to stay in Detroit.

Here's the link to some info on Hudler.

How's Lebda doing? Last I saw he was being carted off about a week ago.

I caught Chellie on the radio the other day, and he was gushing about how good Lebda is, particularly his footwork.

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Momma was queen of the mambo, Poppa was king of the congo, deep down in the jungle, I start banging my first bongo
Every monkey like to be, in my place instead of me, cause I'm the king of bongo baby, I'm the king of bongo bong
-Manu Chao

Lebda is a great story.

Kid grew up idolizing Chelios in Chicago. Played for The Irish. And didn't get drafted. (And the NHL draft is DEEP).

Got invited to Wings training camp.

And ended up playing next to his idol as a Rookie.

Now he's an important player on D with great speed and skill. Kind of a Dandenault type player.

Seeing him go coast to coast and scoring off the pipe reminded me of Federov. Leaving 2 defenders without their jocks PRICELESS.