The Detroit Red Wings have just defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 for the second straight night. And for the second straight night, former Spartan hockey player, Justin Abdelkader scored a key goal in the game.
For a young man just playing his first full season in the NHL, this has to be the dream of a lifetime! Prior to the Stanley Cup Finals, Abdelkader had scored no goals in the Wings' first 16 playoff games. Now he has two goals in two Finals games. It really doesn't get much better than that. There are many former NHL stars who have never scored a goal in the Stanley Cup Finals, so Abdelkader's feat is really pretty amazing.
I'm sure Spartans everywhere are very proud of this young man, whether you are a hockey fan or not. He is already getting a lot of national media attention, and not only does this reflect favorably on him and the Wings, but on Michigan State as well. Congratulations, Justin! Keep up the good work. How about three goals in three games? Now that would be something.
I watched Justin as a Grand Rapids Griffin(AHL)..and he always
looks a step faster and better than the typical AHL player...that shot and his tough play make him a Red Wing next year...anyone notice that the Red Wing coach called him "Abby"..like 'he's one of us'
Posted by: rooster | June 01, 2009 at 06:51 AM
Abdelkader would have been up this year except for the salary cap.
My favorite part of his goal last night was the playing of MSU's fight song after the goal. And, I loved his shout out to MSU after the game Saturday.
Posted by: Marc | June 01, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I LOVE the pride this kid has in Michigan State! The announcers even commented on how much he loves the Green and White during the game!
Go Wings!
Posted by: Laconophilia | June 01, 2009 at 10:13 AM
For an olde Spartan that saw his first Red Wing game in 1931, it is a great threill to see the Wings win the first and Abby get a goal in each game! LANCASTER LARRY
Posted by: Larry Gagnon | June 01, 2009 at 10:57 AM
I was there last night and couldn't be more proud of not only a Michigan product, but of an MSU product. Clear the cap a bit Detroit. Abby's coming on board.
Posted by: Liz | June 01, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Adbelcaider former spartan baby !!!
Posted by: Mr Tanfan | June 01, 2009 at 05:36 PM
It was incredible to hear the MSU fight song right after his goal. GO STATE!!!!!!!!
Never a better time to be green (or a worse time to be blue).
Posted by: The Coach | June 02, 2009 at 12:22 AM
It is great what Abdelkader is doing for the Wings with this opportunity, but did anyone see ESPNU's football in 50 state's? The state of Michigan was first, but It might as well been a U-M football PR reel. I did miss the first 5 minutes, but it was all about U-M and their history, very little on the Spartans, It was if the great Spartan teams and players of the 50's and 60's never happened, yet they pontificated over the history of U-M football from Gerald Ford to Brian Griese, it was sickening. I urge MSU fans to write, e-mail, call, text, whatever to ESPN on their lack of journalistic research and integrity. Obviously I am biased and my green blood was boiling, but the show was supposed to be Football in the state of Michigan, not the state
of the U-M football program.
Posted by: Mark | June 02, 2009 at 01:41 AM
Mark ..... Agreed, but look who you are talking about ESPN, the very bias sports reporting station with a bunch of incompetent people running the show !
Posted by: DZ66 | June 02, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Exactly right on espn, they love Michigan but make no effort to put State in the mix. If you ever listen to the way Brent Musburger downs the Spartans every trip up the field and the court you could see that. He hates State so does all of the ABC and ESPN family, programs take turns through out the years and its our turn to be on top but they would rather talk UM instead of us. I turn down the set when Spartans are on ABC or espn. GO STATE. Way to GO ABBY
Posted by: ray garza | June 02, 2009 at 12:02 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N6CsMbNwqg
awesome footage of him playing in highschool
Posted by: chris | June 03, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Did you all read the big article on Justin in USA Today on Wednesday-Sports?(Shannon Brown on Tuesday in USA Today-NBA Champ ?)
Wow! Justin is 22 years old and could have a Stanley Ring and a National Champ ring!? Go Wings!
Posted by: rooster | June 04, 2009 at 10:00 AM
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos
epic
Posted by: chris | June 04, 2009 at 10:59 AM
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos
epic
Posted by: chris | June 04, 2009 at 10:59 AM
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos
epic
Posted by: chris | June 04, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Who are the Wings playing ? The Habs ? Ken Dryden stil play for the Jets ? I heard John Elways was gonna play goal instead of of Conklin.
Who is the PaulaAbdulakater
guy ?
Posted by: JaskAstor | June 05, 2009 at 12:03 AM