David Guralnick / The Detroit News

Jiri Hudler, despite his smallish size by NHL standards (5-foot 9, 178 pounds), has been known to rankle a bigger opponent or two on the ice. "I feel fortunate to be in this league, to be on this team," said Hudler, entering his fifth season. "All the great players on this team -- it's a lot of fun to come here every day and be around these guys."