Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek watches his shot fly past Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ian White and over goalie Jimmy Howard to score during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Detroit
Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (L) watches his shot fly past Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ian White and over goalie Jimmy Howard (R) to score during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Detroit, Michigan, October 7, 2011. Reuters

The Detroit Red Wings held off a third period rally to win their season opener 5-3 over the Ottawa Senators at Joe Louis Arena.

Detroit converted three Ottawa turnovers into goals in the second period to turn a tight game into a 4-0 lead that ultimately proved the difference.

Todd Bertuzzi opened the scoring in the first period on a breakaway, and Nicklas Lidstrom, Cory Emmerton and Jiri Hudler were the turnover beneficiaries in the second period.

We're trying to be aggressive at the right moments, the D (defense) not backing off, trying to stand up at the blue line, Lidstrom told reporters.

That's how we scored a couple of the goals, being aggressive and the forwards coming back and getting the puck for us.

Ian White stretched the Red Wings' lead to 5-0 with a slapshot through a crowd of players in front of Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson.

Milan Michalek sparked the Senators' offense with two goals, both assisted by Jason Spezza, and Filip Kuba drew the Senators to within two goals with 1:31 remaining.

It's two points, it's the home opener, Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock said.

I understand that, but you leave with the taste in your mouth that you shouldn't. We gave up three goals at home. We didn't need to give them up. We have to play the whole 60 minutes.

Ottawa was unable to complete the comeback for Paul MacLean who was making his head coaching debut against his former team where he was an assistant coach for six seasons.

It just looked like it always did from my bench, the same as it did from when I was on their bench, said MacLean.

They were a little quicker on the transition game and in the second period, they did a good job of catching us from behind and we were just a little bit slow.