Whether by scoring or playing defense and special teams, winger Brendan Shanahan has been making an impact.

His three goals Thursday in a victory over Edmonton tied him with Sergei Federov and Brett Hull for the team lead in goals(23).

Shanahan was held off the score sheet Saturday in a 5-1 victory over Washington, but he made his presence felt in another way.

The Wings led 2-0 and had just killed off the Capitals two-man advantage when Washington defensemen Rick Berry hit center Sergei Federov hard along the boards.

Right before the end of the first period, Shanahan and Berry found themselves entangled after a collision. They squared off and had a grueling fight as the MCI Center crowd roared and both benches stood.

Berry had been active physically the entire period, throwing his weight around, so Lewis felt Shanahan action was important.

Sergei gets knocked down and Shanny goes after the guy, Lewis said. That was real important, It sent a message.

Shanahan had three shots on goal on 17 minutes, 57 seconds of ice time Saturday, continuing a stretch of impressive hockey.

Shanahan is playing the best hockey hes plyaed all season long. associtae coach Barry Smith said. Hes skating real well and been effective both offensively and defensively.

Shanahan has seven goals in his last 10 games, a hot streak coinciding with a switch to right wing because of the injury to Darren McCarty (infected elbow).

"Its a different look," Shanahan said. "I like playing both positions (right and left wing). Ive scored a few goals on right wing lately, but Ive scored some goals on the left side in my career too."

Said Lewis of Shanahans switch: "Hes enjoying the challenge and hes responded to it."