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.
A third-period goal at 3:30 by Justin Abdelkader over the left shoulder of ace Montreal goalie Carey Price broke a scoreless game.