Published: September 19, 2007 09:31 am         

Detroit destroys the Wild in preseason opener

Late start doesn't stop Wings

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Johan Franzen scored twice and had an assist to lead Detroit to a 6-1 win over Minnesota on Tuesday night.

Chris Chelios and Pavel Datysuk each added a goal and an assist and Tomas Holmstrom had three assists to lead the Red Wings.

The starting time was pushed back 15 minutes because heavy rain closed down runways at Twin Cities International Airport, causing the Red Wings' flight to be delayed. They didn't arrive at the rink until an hour before game time.

The Red Wings came out as if they were well-rested, jumping out to a 3-0 first period lead. Franzen opened the scoring on Detroit's first shot on goal at 3:04. Later, Chelios and Datsyuk scored on the power play.

Pavel Dmitra gave the fans at Xcel Energy Center brief hope when he backhanded a shot past Jimmy Howard at 5:44 of the second period to make it 3-1. But Aaron Downey answered a minute later and Detroit was never challenged the rest of the night.

Brent Sopel and Franzen added goals 52 seconds apart midway in the third period to put the game away.