It's not often that a hockey team sends a message while being shut out.
That's what the Detroit Red Wings did, or at least attempted to do, while getting blanked for the first time this season Sunday.
They lost 2-0 to the Colorado Avalanche, but won both of their third-period fights, which were precipitated by hard hits to their top offensive players.
When Colorado defenseman Ian Cole delivered a big body blow at center ice against Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi sought out Cole. They fought in the Avs' zone and Bertuzzi got the better of the duel, though Cole also landed a couple of punches.