5 Things You Need to Know for Friday, January 17th

1.  The Red Wings can't score goals.  They haven't put the puck in the net in 122:34 seconds of game play and counting.  Last night they directed 38 shots at Henrik Lundqvist but still fell to the Rangers 1-0.

There were some positives, and the play of Jimmy Howard was the biggest one.  He played very well, stopping 46 of the 47 shots sent his way.  Howard has stopped 91 of the 93 shots he has seen over his last two games.  However, if the offense doesn't pick up this team is going to continue losing close games, especially considering the schedule that lies ahead.  I know the injuries have been brutal, but this team has to find a way to generate offense.

2.  The Ohio State basketball team is trending in the wrong direction, losing their third straight game last night.  OSU's offense has been a concern all season and last night they only managed 53 points, 22 of which came from LaQuinton Ross.  The Buckeye's schedule lightens up over the next couple weeks, so they should get things straightened out.  It is a huge win for Minnesota, who appears to be establishing itself as a good bet to make the NCAA tournament.

3. Expanded instant replay was unanimously approved by Major League Baseball yesterday.  Managers will get one challenge to use in the first seven innings of the game.  If they win that challenge, he will be granted another one.  Teams will not be able to challenge more than two plays in any game.  After the beginning of the seventh inning, the chief replay official will be able to review any play on his own.

4.  Some NFL notes: Percy Harvin is questionable for the NFC title game.  The Jets have extended Rex Ryan's contract.  Tom Brady returned to practice after missing it on Wednesday.

5.  Michigan State's women's hoops team moved to 4-0 in conference play with a win over Iowa.  Aerial Powers led the Spartans with 20 points.