For the first time in his career, Mike Green forced the headwear onto the ice.

The Detroit Red Wings defenseman, who topped out at seven goals last season in his first in Motown, recorded his first career hat trick Monday night in a 5-1 win over the Ottawa Senators.

If you overlook his decrease in production over the last several seasons, the feat - which he said is his first hat trick at any level - is a little hard to believe. Green scored 113 goals in his 10-year tenure with the Washington Capitals, including 50 throughout his Norris Trophy-nominated seasons between 2008 and 2010.

He's the first defenseman since Nicklas Lidstrom scored three against the St. Louis Blues in December 2010 to record a hat trick in a Red Wings sweater. He's also the sixth blue-liner in club history to net three in a game.

Detroit's victory, its first of the season, came on the final opening night at Joe Louis Arena.

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