Red Wings win record 21st in a row at home

I'm thinking, 'Wow, that's quite a stretch, especially for (goalie Jimmy Howard) getting all 17," MacDonald recalled.

Since then, MacDonald has moved from the couch to the hot seat and Tuesday, he posted 20 saves to spark Detroit to a 3-1 win against the Dallas Stars that gave the Red Wings an NHL-record 21 consecutive home wins.

RESULTS: Red Wings 3, Stars 1
PHOTOS: Every game of the streak

"Hockey is a funny game and you have to be ready at all times," said MacDonald, who was promoted from Grand Rapids (Mich.) in the American Hockey League after Howard broke his finger.

The Red Wings broke an 82-year-old record that was set by the 1929-30 Boston Bruins and tied by the 1975-76 Philadelphia Flyers. Both of those teams advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in the year of their streak.

"I think it's harder now than it was in the '70s (to get that many wins) because of the parity," said Dallas forward Adam Burish, who scored the Stars' lone goal. "There are no games where you can just show up and think you are going to win."

The Red Wings have outscored the opposition 88-31 in their 21 wins, and they have climbed into first overall in the NHL standings during their run.

"Obviously we're proud of the fact our guys have been this consistent, found ways to win each and every night," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. "We need the points. Anytime you're in a race like we are, you need the points."

MacDonald has now won four consecutive home games since he moved into the starting job after Howard's backup, Ty Conklin, struggled.