DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings initially hoped Damien Brunner would opt to play for the Grand Rapids Griffins during the lockout, getting accustomed to the smaller North American rinks and the more physical style of play while getting acclimated to a new country.

But, they can't complain about how things have unfolded in Switzerland.

Red Wings star Henrik Zetterberg signed with Brunner's club, EV Zug, on Oct. 8. Coach Doug Shedden put the skilled forwards on the same line, and they've been dominant. Brunner, who led the Swiss league in scoring last season, leads again this year with 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) in 24 games. Zetterberg has 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in just 14 league games.

“That's been a home run,'' Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “Maybe they can come back and play together. That would be really good for us. Brunner is scoring like crazy and so is Z.

“I think that confidence that Brunner will have gained by playing with Z and the relationship he'll build will really help him.''

Their linemate, Linus Omark of the Edmonton Oilers, is second in the league in scoring with 39 points.

The Red Wings signed the undrafted 26-year-old free agent Brunner to a one-year contract on July 1. A week earlier, Babcock said he would use Brunner as a top-six forward. Not surprisingly, Babcock is inclined to keep Brunner and Zetterberg together.

They just need the lockout to end.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland is anxious to see how Brunner will fare in the NHL.

"He's quick, he's got a nose for the net and knows how to release the puck,'' Holland said. “He seems to have found real good chemistry with Zetterberg. We're hoping that eventually they can bring that chemistry back to North America.''

Brunner chose the Red Wings over four other clubs.

“You never know how good a player's going to be until they get into the NHL,'' Holland said. “It's a smaller rink (by 15 feet, width-wise), and it's a little bit of a different game.''

But ...

“When you can lead these pro leagues in scoring and you back up a great year with another good year, the odds are that the player is going to have an opportunity to make the adjustment,'' Holland said.

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