January 7, 2006

Email this Print this BY GEORGE SIPPLE

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Steve Yzerman and Gordie Howe are tied for seventh on the NHL's assist list.

Yzerman's assist on Nicklas Lidstrom's second of two power-play goals in Friday night's 3-1 victory over Nashville tied the Captain with Mr. Hockey at 1,049 assists.

"He made a nice pass to me," Lidstrom said. "I think the shot went five-hole."

Told that he was part of a milestone linking Yzerman and Howe, Lidstrom said: "It's fun to be part of it.

"It really is impressive. He's been putting up great numbers for years. It's a great accomplishment for him."

The assist was Yzerman's sixth of the season and gave him 10 points in 23 games.

"It's just something ... it's just that I played a long time, played on good teams for a long time," Yzerman said. "It's something you just accumulate over the years. I haven't really thought about it. Wasn't aware of it until tonight.

"Certainly anytime you're anywhere near Gordie in anything, it's a nice honor."

Yzerman is already the Wings' all-time leader in assists. Howe finished his Wings career with 1,023 assists.