The Montreal Canadiens, points-wise, the best team in hockey this season.
Their opponents, the Detroit Red Wings, missing a cylinder or two but looking for their third victory in a row nevertheless.
The Original Six rivals duked it out all way Saturday night at a packed Joe Louis Arena. The result: a hard-fought, hard-hitting 2-1 victory for Montreal at 3:37 in overtime, the goal scored by Alex Galchenyuk.
For the Wings (10-10-2, 20 points, seventh in the Atlantic), who outshot Montreal, 33-24, perhaps a missed opportunity to add to the win column after a feisty effort and a great performance by Petr Mrazek in goal.