from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

When Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde moved to the area two years ago, he lived in the same condo complex as Oakland University mens basketball coach Greg Kampe.

They got to know each other and golfed together. Kampe even picked up a few packages for Lalonde when he was moving into his house.

Kampe last summer sent Lalonde what he described as a care package, consisting of an Oakland T-shirt and sweatshirt, Detroit T-shirts and Detroit-made liquor.

After the 14th-seeded Golden Grizzlies stunned No. 3 seed Kentucky 80-76 Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Lalonde showed his support Friday by wearing an Oakland T-shirt to the media interview room.

continued, all OU related.

Hey Paul,

What is going on with Elmer Söderblom?

I have not heard much about him lately.

Thanks

from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

"It sounds like a cliche but it's a long road trip, and just the caliber of the opponents on the trip," coach Derek Lalonde said. "We're in survival mode and you have to get every point possible."

Beginning against Nashville is quite a challenge in its own right. The Predators, after winning Thursday in Florida, have earned points in 16 consecutive games, winning 14 of them (14-0-2).

"It'll be a real good challenge," Lalonde said. "They start from the net out. Their goaltending is getting back to the world class form he (Juuse Saros) has shown in the past. It brings confidence to the group, and they are clicking in all areas. Their superstars are playing like superstars and checkers are checking.

"It's been pretty impressive to watch."

Forward David Perron agreed the quality of opponents on this trip makes it unique, but this time of the season, there aren't any easy games. Perron brought up Tuesday's comeback victory over Columbus, who are near the bottom of the standings.

"You're viewed as supposed to win that game and you're a team that wants to be in the playoffs and that stuff, but it doesn't make the game easy," Perron said. "They play real loose on the other side and they get fired up because they know it's a big game for us and they have extra energy.

"There's no easy games."

more ($)

We have our hands full this trip!