from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

Nicklas Lidstrom, the Detroit Red Wings' seven-time Norris Trophy winner and one of the game's all-time greats, made an appearance at Saturday's game.

Lidstrom told reporters that Rasmus Dahlin, the Swedish phenom expected to be selected first overall in this year's draft, is better that he was at that age (17).

Dahlin is a generational talent, the best defense prospect in decades, analysts say. The team that wins the April 28 draft lottery will feel like it hit the jackpot....

While many fans and, privately, some in management, would prefer losing to increase the lottery odds, that's just not how players and coaches operate.

"We don't pay any attention to that," Howard said. "As players, we want to go out there and perform, especially at home for our fans.

"Every single guy in here is a pretty good professional. ... We still want to play our best, we still want to win games."

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