from Dana Wakiji of DetroitRedWings.com,

It was 10 years ago today that Justin Abdelkader played in his first NHL game, coincidentally against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"I didn't know that. Gosh, crazy. I can't believe how fast time has gone," Abdelkader said. "It's one of those things guys always tell you to enjoy it because it goes so quick. Ten years, it feels like yesterday. I don't feel like it's been that long. Yeah, it was against the Blue Jackets, I remember it like it was yesterday actually. I couldn't get my contract signed so I played on a tryout the first game, which was different, but I got to sign a contract the next game because everything happened so quick, I think they had a few injuries. I think (Kirk) Maltby actually had gotten hurt, they played St. Louis the night before and he got hurt and I got the call the night before. They said, 'Hey, we got an opportunity for you to come in and play.' Obviously I jumped at it and never looked back."

Abdelkader said he was nervous for every shift, playing on a team with so many future Hall of Famers, but one guy helped him get through the game.

"Aaron Downey was on my line," Abdelkader said. "Before my first shift, he's like, 'Hey, kid, just play the way you play. Be physical, be hard, don't worry about anyone touching you on the ice. No one's going to touch you out there.' I was like, fair enough.

more plus other topics, mostly Zetterberg on Daniel and Henrik Sedin.

added 5:47pm, Game Day preview is below...