DETROIT (AP) — Jimmy Howard stopped 31 shots for his ninth career shutout and the Detroit Red Wings beat the St. Louis Blues 3-0 on Saturday night.

Johan Franzen, Justin Abdelkader, Jiri Hudler scored for Detroit, which won its 12th consecutive home game, two short of the team record. It was the Red Wings' second win over the Blues at Joe Louis Arena in five days.

One of Howard's best saves came with 7:44 left in the first period when he denied Matt D'Agostini from in front and to Howard's left with a glove save right on the goal line just inside the post. Howard, who has four shutouts this season, also made a blocker save on a deflection by Jason Arnott with a little under nine minutes left.

Brian Elliott made 28 saves for St. Louis, which came closest to scoring when Carlo Colaiacovo hit the post on a shot from the point during a power play early in the third period.

Franzen opened the scoring 7:28 into the second period when he cut in from the left wing, skated across the slot and beat Elliott from just below the right circle. It was Franzen's 15th goal. He had gone eight games without a goal. Abdelkader made it 2-0 with his fourth goal, and second in two nights, just 1:17 later when he scored from the slot after a turnover by St. Louis defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Hudler put in his own rebound with 53 seconds left in the middle period. It was Hudler's ninth goal.

NOTES: Detroit center Darren Helm missed his second game with a groin strain. . St. Louis left wing Alexander Steen missed his second game because of concussion-like symptoms. . Red Wings' adviser to hockey operations Chris Chelios was honored before the game for his recent induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. There was a video tribute on the scoreboard and Chelios dropped the puck for a ceremonial opening faceoff. . Abdelkader went to the locker room after taking a shoulder to the face from St. Louis defenseman Ian Cole 9:11 into the game. Cole, who is from Ann Arbor, received a minor penalty for contact to the head. Abdelkader returned to start the second period.

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