When the NHL takes it outside, everyone wins

It takes imagination to think big. It takes creativity and compromise to make it work. Based on sheer numbers of people and tickets and spilled cups of Canadian beer, this will be huge. And entertaining. And much needed.

• Photos: Winter Classic coming to Michigan
• Red Wings blog: News, game coverage, analysis
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Former foes Wings and Leafs look forward to reliving storied rivalry

Welcome to Hockeytown, eh? Those are fighting words. Or at least they used to be, as Ted Lindsay and Red Kelly and other former NHL greats were more than happy to remind us all Thursday.

• Audio slideshow: 2009 Winter Classic, Red Wings vs. Blackhawks
• Photos: Winter Classic coming to Michigan

Wings' Danny Cleary to miss his first game with knee injury

Danny Cleary ... out. Jimmy Howard .. out. That’s the status of two key Red Wings heading into weekend games against the Ducks (tonight) and Flyers (Sunday)

Winter Classic at ‘Big House’ incentive for Wings’ captain to keep playing

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stood at the microphone on the 50-yard line at Michigan Stadium and took in the scene Thursday. He seemed awestruck by the setting as he discussed the New Year's Day game between the Wings and Maple Leafs.

• Red Wings blog: News, game coverage, analysis
• Photos: Winter Classic coming to Michigan

NHL, Wings unveil plans for Hockeytown Winter Festival, Winter Classic

Corresponding with that sure-to-be record-breaking event at Michigan Stadium, Comerica Park will be home to the Winter Festival. The main attraction will be an ice rink built on the Comerica Park field, with the Wings playing the Maple Leafs in an alumni game.

• Red Wings blog: News, game coverage, analysis
• Photos: Winter Classic coming to Michigan

Wings legend Steve Yzerman has no plans to play in alumni game

Yzerman didn’t explain in the statement to The News why he likely won’t play in the alumni game. But Yzerman’s health could be one of the reasons. He has a history of knee problems.

Tomas Holmstrom’s pain is Red Wings’ gain

It’s not just Tomas Holmstrom who is on the verge of playing in his 1,000th career game Friday. It’s a milestone for the hidden relics of his 15-year NHL career, too.

Comerica Park, Michigan Stadium team up for hockey spectacle

The Wings-Maple Leafs Winter Classic game will be Jan. 1. A source told The Detroit News that the Comerica Park schedule would include an AHL game on Dec. 27, the GLI on Dec. 28-29, an OHL game on Dec. 30 and a Wings-Maple Leafs alumni game on Dec. 31.

• Photos: Red Wings 4, Oilers 2

Thursday's NHL notebook: Blues gain ground on Wings with win

T.J. Oshie scored the only goal in the shootout and Brian Elliott stopped every shot he faced as the St. Louis Blues beat New Jersey, 4-3, on Thursday night to end the Devils’ five-game winning streak.

Wings win 18th straight at home, two short of NHL record

The Red Wings contended with a bit of their own lethargy and the Sam Gagner Show again Wednesday, but they beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 for their 18th straight win at home, two short of the NHL record.

• Photos: Red Wings 4, Oilers 2

Regents OK $3 million lease of Michigan Stadium for Winter Classic

The University of Michigan Regents have approved leasing Michigan Stadium to the NHL for the league's Winter Classic Jan. 1, 2013 that will feature the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

• Audio slideshow: 2009 Winter Classic, Red Wings vs. Blackhawks

NHL to make announcements Thursday at Michigan Stadium, Comerica Park

It is expected that the game at Michigan Stadium will be between the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. The University of Michigan Regents approved use of Michigan Stadium on Wednesday morning.

Sources: Comerica Park hockey events would accompany Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium

NHL officials are preparing to announce as early as Thursday the 2013 Winter Classic will be played between the Maple Leafs and Red Wings at Michigan Stadium on New Year’s Day, with other hockey games possible at Comerica Park.

Red Wings on Winter Classic at The Big House: ‘It’s going to be quite a spectacle’

Road-weary Red Wings are happy to return home

Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard practices, but isn’t ready to return

Wednesday's NHL roundup: Sabres beat Bruins with coach upstairs

Tuesday's NHL notebook: Washington vaults into first with win over rival Florida

U-M Regents set to vote on bringing Winter Classic to Michigan Stadium

Red Wings falter on offense, finish trip with loss to Coyotes

Drew Miller refines goal-scoring touch for Red Wings

Monday's NHL notebook: Sidney Crosby skates; return still unknown

Out to win backup job, goalie Joey MacDonald starts for Wings tonight

Notebook: Red Wings looking to fill the hole in goal

Sunday's NHL roundup: Ilya Kovalchuk stars as Devils win again

Red Wings scramble in third period, salvage a point in Edmonton

Jimmy Howard’s absence will be longer than previously thought

Saturday's NHL notebook: Ryan Miller takes Sabres’ wins record from Dominik Hasek