from the CP at Sportsnet,

Sam Gagner was complimented for more than the two goals he scored in the Detroit Red Wings' 3-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday.

Gagner, who recorded his 500th NHL career point with a shorthanded goal and added an empty-netter, was praised by Detroit coach Jeff Blashill for the type of player and person he is.

"Sam's really turned himself into an accountable, 200-foot player," Blashill said. "He's got good poise. He's really, really, really smart. He's very, very thoughtful as a person and he's also provided really good leadership."

The win gave Blashill 200 victories as an NHL head coach.

Michael Rasmussen scored at 9:11 of the third period to break the 1-1 tie. The Surrey, B.C., forward has a goal in three straight games and four in his last five outings.

"I think the biggest thing for young players, or any player, if you want to be a good player in this league, you have to do it night in and night out," Blashill said. "And so for (Rasmussen) to have a kind of repeat performance — really he's done it probably three, four, five games in a row here where he's been real, real good, real solid — I think that's critical."

continued (mostly on Winnipeg)

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