Duffer’s Dabbles: December 4 Will Always Be A Great Day In Red Wings History

December is a great day in the history of the Detroit Red Wings and it has nothing to do with Saturday’s 4-3 overtime victory over the New York Islanders.

One Red Wings legend created a hockey first on December 4. Another Red Wings legend came into the world on December 4.

It was on December 4, 1968 at Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena that Gordie Howe snapped a shot from the slot through the legs of Penguins goalie Les Binkley to become the first player in NHL history to record 700 career regular-season goals.

Alex Delvecchio goes roof daddy on Doug Favell. #LGRW #RedWings pic.twitter.com/yqjqO7Qq5x

— The Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) December 4, 2021

Alex Delvecchio and Frank Mahovlich drew the assists on this historic tally. It just so happened that Delvecchio was celebrating his 37th birthday on December 4, 1968.

Red Wings Legacy

Fats, as the longtime Red Wings captain is known, was on hand at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday. He was celebrating another milestone – his 90th birthday.

On the 90th birthday of Alex Delvecchio, Mickey Redmond shares some of his favorite moments with his former teammate. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/vxI6nPyBcm

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) December 5, 2021

Delvecchio played for the Wings from 1951-73, serving as captain from 1962-73. He was Howe’s center for much of his career. Delvecchio was also Mickey Redmond’s center in 1972-73, when the latter became the first 50-goal scorer in Red Wings history.

Down On The Farm

A five-goal first-period outburst propeled the Grand Rapids Griffins to a 6-2 AHL victory over the Rockford IceHogs at Van Andel Arena on Saturday.

Center Kyle Criscuolo, just returned to the club by the parent Red Wings, scored a goal. So did top prospect Jonatan Berggren.

Defenseman Ryan Murphy extended his point streak to four games (2-2-4). Fellow rearguard Donovan Sebrango, just 19, played his 50th career game for the Griffins.

Around The League

Islanders: While the Wings won their fifth game in a row on Saturday, the Isles are continuing their downward spiral.

Detroit: Even though defenseman Danny DeKeyser is free from COVID-19 protocol, there’s no reason for Jordan Oesterle to be coming out of the Wings’ lineup.

Colorado: Seen as the Stanley Cup favorites at the outset of the NHL sesaon, why is it that the Avalanche can’t kick it into gear and get going?

Washington: Speaking of the NHL’s 700-goal club, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 750th career marker on Saturday.