Exactly.

Hey…Kenny? See this?

Grand Rapids Griffins center Justin Abdelkader has been named the Reebok Edge/American Hockey League Rookie of the Month for October, the league announced on Monday.

Abdelkader, 21, scored a team-high seven goals and added two assists for nine points in seven games.

No? How about this?

So Leino and the Red Wings both know he is too good for the AHL already (13 points in first eight games with the Grand Rapids Griffins) and it’s just a matter of time before he gets called up to play for the big club, or exercises the out-clause in his contract and heads back to Finland.

Back to Finland? Nope. As Malik pointed out today, Leino’s not going anywhere except Hockeytown. If that means in November? Ok. If it means March? Cool with him too. This is no Grigorenko and he wants the NHL…bad.

But he’s not of primary concern, as we all know. Abbadabbadoo and Leino will find their way to Detroit. So will Helm, again. Got it. Understand. Not too impatient about that.

Defense? Still an issue to grapple with. Last night was a good sign, but getting outshot makes me sad. I got a new puppy on Friday, a Husky. Named him Bos’n. We watched last night’s game together. He took a piss on the coffee table as the Wings were being outshot 12-1 in the first half of third.

Maybe, just maybe, as a few mentioned in the live blog…Chris Chelios’ return is a bit more important than we would have liked to admit.

Speaking of returns, how about some Mule?

Khan(!)

“We’re going to see where we’re at Tuesday. Let’s bring him to the rink, let’s look at him,” general manager Ken Holland said. “The doctor saw him early last week and said he’s progressing well.”

That’s exciting. It excited Uncle Mike. But he wasn’t as excited as Dave Dye told us he was the day before Halloween. We’re talking…excited.

“He’s come here and he’s excited. So Pav (Pavel Datsyuk, Hossa’s linemate) is excited. They might be the most excited guys on the team. We need more excitement.”

I got excited just cutting and pasting that.