Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) stops a shot during a scrum at the net against Edmonton Oilers' Luke Gazdic, right, as Detroit Red Wings' Drew Miller, left, helps defend during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, March 14, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
March 14, 2014 - 7:40 PM
DETROIT - Tomas Tatar scored on Detroit's third shootout attempt, and Jimmy Howard stopped all three Edmonton attempts to lift the Detroit Red Wings to a 2-1 win over the Oilers on Friday night.
Edmonton's Ryan Smyth tied the game midway through the third period. Smyth scored on a shot from the slot that was set up by Detroit defenceman Brendan Smith's backhanded giveaway.
Riley Sheahan put the Red Wings ahead 1-0 late in the first period. They lost the lead and failed to take advantage of power plays late in regulation and midway through overtime.
The banged-up Red Wings are trying to reach the post-season for a 23rd straight time.
Edmonton has the worst record in the Western Conference and isn't far from being eliminated from the playoff race for the eighth straight season.
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News from © The Associated Press, 2014