Zidlicky leaving his mark with 'bomb' of a shot

Pittsburgh — If there was an award for Top Trade Deadline Acquisition, Marek Zidlicky would win it.

In seven games with the Red Wings, Zidlicky has seven points (three goals, four assists) and was a huge factor Sunday in getting the Red Wings started against the Penguins.

His point shot was redirected by Riley Sheahan 1:21 into the game, giving the Red Wings a quick lead, then Zidlicky drew an assist on Teemu Pulkkinen's one-timer past Marc-Andre Fleury at 8:06.

Zidlicky made it 3-0 with a one-timer past Fleury at the 39-second mark of the second period.

"This team has real good players and it's made it comfortable for me," Zidlicky said. "Especially for me on the power play. The skill guys here make it easier for you."

Zidlicky's as-good-as-advertised shot from the point, and his grit, have left impressions with coach Mike Babcock.

"He has a bomb; he can flat out shoot the puck," Babcock said. "To the point where he has to shoot it more on the power play, and he doesn't mind crosschecking the odd guy. He can move the puck, too."

Penalty kill resurfaces

The Red Wings' penalty kill had allowed power-play goals in the last nine games -- including three Saturday in Philadelphia -- but stopped all four Pittsburgh power plays.

"The big thing is we got some saves early, but also the guys did a real nice job," Babcock said. "Our penalty killing scheme, and with the players we have, we have top-of-the-league caliber (penalty killling). There's no reason for us not to be."

Ice chips

Stephen Weiss was a healthy scratch, as Tomas Jurco returned to the lineup, but Babcock said it was nothing to do with Weiss' performance Saturday in Philadelphia.

"The coaches and the whole team could be scratched, couldn't they?" said Babcock of Saturday's ugly loss.

… Penguins coach Mike Johnston felt penalties and undisciplined play hurt his team against the Red Wings.

"Our guys got on edge too quick in the game," Johnston said. "Certainly penalties and misconducts killed us."

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