DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi is accustomed to being booed in most rinks.

On Wednesday, he heard something he hasn’t experienced, he estimated, in 7-8 years when the festive crowd at Joe Louis Arena began chanting "Todd Bertuzzi!" after his fight with Rostislav Klesla in the second period.

"It was pretty cool," Bertuzzi said. "Probably better if it was after a goal. It was neat. Great fans here. When we get that kind of response, guys respond and play hard."

The Red Wings scored two goals in a span of 6:14 shortly after the fight and went on to defeat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-2 in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

Whether the fight sparked the team is debatable. But it didn’t hurt.

"After this fight, game flip our way," Pavel Datsyuk said. "Momentum."

Said Brian Rafalski: "Getting back tied was huge, that (fight) maybe was another spark. It put them down to five (defensemen) for a while. We were able to wear them down a couple shifts down there."

Bertuzzi wasn’t looking to start something. He took exception to a hit.

"I didn’t even have the puck and he took a run at me, so I was ready to go," Bertuzzi said. "Unfortunately, I kind of slipped, not much happened out of it, but we got two quick goals.

"I wish it was a little bit better (fight). More prepared next time."

Bertuzzi said the notion that there is no fighting in the playoffs is a myth.

"I think you see it a little more than (people think)," Bertuzzi said. "It’s crunch time. We’re trying to win games. Whatever you can do to help out.

"I think all fans in general like that kind of stuff."

Bertuzzi has stepped up his physical play late in the season. He had a pair of fights against Nashville’s Shane O’Brien on April 2 when his team trailed 3-0. His teammates said it provided an emotional lift. They battled back to win 4-3 in overtime.

"That’s Bert," goaltender Jimmy Howard said. "He’s a big, tough guy, and he can move the puck and make plays. We need him to be a physical presence out there."