The Detroit Red Wings rung out the old year and shook off some rust, while Alex Ovechkin had a big night.
The Wings fell, 3-1, Friday at Little Caesars Arena to the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin scored on a power play and secured the win with an empty net goal as the Wings played their first game since Dec. 18.
The Wings (15-14-3) fell to 33-23-7 at home on New Year’s Eve.
A live band helped set a festive atmosphere, but there were multiple pockets of empty seats. The game was in direct competition with the Orange Bowl — featuring Michigan football and Georgia for a spot in the College Football Playoff title game — with kickoff and faceoff both at 7:30 p.