Devereaux relieved by long-overdue goal.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

sonika

COLUMBUS, Ohio _ When Boyd Devereaux scored Wednesday night in the Red Wings' 3-2 overtime victory at Columbus, he finally pumped his fists, finally raised his arms, finally smiled. The goal was his second this season and first in 29 games, since Halloween night at Washington.

"I was doing my best to stay away from the stat sheets," Devereaux said. "Obviously, it's frustrating."

Brent Gilchrist heartily congratulated Devereaux _ because he could relate. He has gone 26 games since his only goal this season, Oct. 25 against Tampa Bay.

"We've both been in a terrible slump, and I think the two of us both feel like we're playing fine," Gilchrist said. "I know personally I feel like my game hasn't changed over the years to now. The puck's just not going in the net.

"I think Boyd's getting some chances. A goal like that for Boyd is just going to give him a ton of confidence, because I think at times his confidence is waning, and that's just natural. It was awesome for him to score. Huge goal."

NOTEBOOK: