Red Wings fly out of All-Star break with comeback win

By Steve Keating

DETROIT (Reuters) - Nicklas Lidstrom sparked a third period comeback as the high-flying Detroit Red Wings rallied past the Phoenix Coyotes 3-2 on Wednesday, stretching their winning streak to five games.

Trailing 2-1 midway through the final period, Lidstrom, a five-time Norris trophy winner as the NHL's top defenseman, showcased his offensive skills.

He set up the tying goal and notching the game winner with a blast from the point that found its way through a crowd in front of Phoenix netminder Ilya Bryzgalov.

"We said going into the third period that we have to work harder, we have to dig in take more shots, create more chances," Lidstrom told reporters. "Once we got out legs in the second half of the game I thought we played a lot better."

It was the Red Wings' eighth straight win over Phoenix but the NHL's top team was made to work for the victory by the improving Coyotes, one of the surprise teams this season who are still in contention for a playoff spot.

Henrik Zetterberg, forced out of Sunday's All-Star game due to a sore back, appeared to have benefited from the rest, notching his 29th of the season just four minutes into the first period to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The Wings survived nicely without their leading scorer, riding a four-game winning streak into Wednesday's contest, but the Swede's injury remains a source of concern since he also missed five games earlier in the season with back problems.

The Coyotes answered at the 9:57 mark of the opening frame, Martin Hanzal intercepting Niklas Kronvall's clearing pass and ripping a shot past Chris Osgood.

Ed Jovanovski's rocket from just inside the blue line then beat Osgood to push Phoenix 2-1 ahead.

The Red Wings leveled midway through the third period when Lidstrom's shot from the point ricocheted off Tomas Holmstrom's leg past a helpless Bryzgalov.

"I think we learned a good lesson tonight," Phoenix coach Wayne Gretzky told reporters. "We gave it away twice and it cost us a hockey game."

(Editing by Ed Osmond)