DETROIT -- Detroit continued to roll, beating the Blues 3-1 at Joe Louis Arena for its seventh consecutive victory, matching a season high.

The Red Wings have won 17 in a row at home – three short of the NHL record. They have defeated the Blues three times in a row, all at home, after losing two games in St. Louis.

Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen and Nicklas Kronwall scored for the Red Wings, who opened up a three-point lead on St. Louis and Chicago in the Central Division.

Jimmy Howard needed to make only 21 saves, but made some key stops for his 30th win.