Stanley Cup Stories: Jason Spezza a go, Wings rebound

Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza says he expects to suit up in Game 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, even-keeled Mike Babcock proves prophetic and the Sharks took a bite out of the Kings' series lead. All that and more in Saturday's Stanley Cup stories:

1. Jason Spezza says he’s ready to return to the Ottawa Senators lineup for Game 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday night (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 7:30 p.m. ET). Of course, the Senators will make the final call. Still, can the 29-year-old, who hasn’t played since Jan. 27 after undergoing back surgery to repair a herniated disc, play well enough to help get the Sens out of an 0-2 series hole against the high-flying Pens? CBCSports.ca senior hockey writer Tim Wharnsby says it won’t be easy, while also reporting that coach Paul MacLean announced goalie Craig Anderson will be his Game 3 starter. Maybe the home cooking will do the trick. Can’t hurt.

2. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock told reporters to relax after Detroit’s Game 1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. His even-keeled approach proved prophetic as the Red Wings rebounded in a big way Saturday afternoon, scoring four unanswered goals to defeat the powerful Blackhawks 4-1 at the United Center. For Chicago to regain its home-ice advantage as the series shifts to Detroit Monday night (CBC, CBCSports, 7:30 p.m. ET), the Blackhawks will need star Patrick Kane and the rest of the talented scorers to step up their game.

3. Logan Couture recovered from a left leg injury to score the OT winner as the San Jose Sharks defeated Los Angeles Kings 2-1 Saturday night, cutting the defending Stanley Cup champions’ series lead to 2-1. The victory should lessen the hit the Sharks took earlier Saturday after the NHL slapped the team with a $100,000-US fine. The penalty was handed out due to general manager Doug Wilson’s comment criticizing the league for suspending forward Raffi Torres for the rest of the second round. The OT goal didn't sit well with Kings goalie Jonathan Quick, who received a game misconduct for abuse of an official. Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman tweeted that Quick's actions could lead to supplemental discipline.