Detroit – Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill has a lot of respect for NHL players who reach the 1,000-game milestone.
But he knows it doesn't come without a cost.
“Our guys’ pocketbooks are going to get a hit with all these 1,000 games,” said Blashill after Friday’s morning skate.
Friday night against Nashville, forward Thomas Vanek was to play in game 1,000 in his career – the 332nd player in NHL history to do so – joining teammate Trevor Daley, who joined the 1,000-game club Dec. 23.
Teammates bought Daley a Sea-Doo watercraft.