Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard made 25 saves and was in spectacular form in the first period stopping 12 shots, including two from point-blank range on Daniel Sedin.

Central division leaders Detroit, who also shutout Colorado 3-0 on Saturday with back-up Ty Conklin in net, moved up a gear in the second period, outshooting Vancouver 24-8, and were rewarded with two goals.

“We really took over the game in the second period,” Howard said. “We started to get through the neutral zone and started working on their defense. We got pucks on net. It was a simple yet effective game plan.”

Justin Abdelkader opened the scoring by converting a cross-ice pass from Todd Bertuzzi and Valtteri Filppula extended the lead to 2-0 less than three minutes later, completing a give-and-go from Johan Franzen with a weak shot that eluded Vancouver goalie Cory Schneider.

Vancouver had chances to get on the board, Cody Hodgson’s shot at the end of the second period beating Howard but failing to cross the line before time expired and Alex Burrows hit the post with the goal wide open.

“Especially early, he (Howard) made some big saves for them,” Vancouver’s Henrik Sedin said. “If they get the first goal, they can sit back. Both teams are good at sitting back and creating chances off turnovers.

“Right now, we’re making mistakes. Last year, we waited for the other team to make mistakes.”