By: Channing Cummins
12 is the amount of shootouts the Red Wings have been in this year, including last nights game. They've only won four of those 12 and that could prove to be crucial as the season begins to dwindle down. On Thursday night the Wings lost their second straight game in the shootout period, leaving them one point away from the final playoff spot.
The Red Wings took on the conference leading San Jose Sharks at the Joe on Thursday night. For the Wings, the effort was there. This game will go down as one they should've won. The Wings were defeated 3-2 and endured their fourth straight loss. For the Wings, the Olympic break couldn't come any sooner.
Early on the Wings showed the hometown crowd that they were out for the W and weren't going to mess around. The team came out with electricity, looking like the desperate team that they currently are. Their goal was to play solid defense, drive the zone and get shots on goal, which they were successful in doing.
On their second power play opportunity, the Red Wings were able to take advantage and grab the early 1-0 lead. Grandma's cookies were found as Johan Franzen buried his shot top shelf, giving him his second goal of the year. This has to get Detroit fans giddy as they hope the Mule will be able to relieve their offensive struggles.
Similar to the rest of the year the Wings wouldn't take long to forfeit their lead. 25 seconds ensuing the Franzen goal, Joe Thornton was able to bring the Sharks back, as he was able to clean up the crease and net an easy goal. That gives Thornton three goals in his last two games against the Wings.
The Wings failed to finish the period on a good note, which resulted in an absolute NO-NO! They would pay for their sin by giving up a goal in the final seconds of the period. 9.7 seconds to be exact. Poor defensive effort allowed a wide open center to put home the easy, go ahead, goal. Credit the goal to Michigan native Dwight Helminen who was able to score his first of the year. Shots: 19-9, Wings.
The second period veered away from the offensive domination a bit. Although there were no goals scored, the period still brought some excitement. A few key saves by both goaltenders, along with a power play opportunity provided the fuel for an animated second period. Shots: 14-8, Wings.
The third period brought the imagined. Effort, grind, discipline and the will to win; all of which were being displayed by both teams. The Red Wings were the team that showed it the most, which helped them knot up the game at a crucial point. Williams gave us a glimpse of his dangling skills and a hint of his stick handling ability just before he beat Nabokov and dipped into the half empty cookie jar. With seven minutes remaining the game was now tied up and put up for grabs.
Now with momentum the Wings were able to sustain pressure on the Sharks. Once again, a few clutch saves from the goaltenders allowed this game to stayed tied on the way into overtime. Shots: 17-7, Wings.
The game would then go into overtime, followed by a shootout and so on....we know the result. Just in case you were wondering, Marleau won the shootout on the Sharks' last attempt. 1-0 was the result. O.T. Shots: 2-2.
Shot total: 52-26, Wings
Player of the game goes to Evgeni Nabokov who put up a career high 50 saves in the Sharks' victory. As for the Wings, they currently sit in the mess of the Western Conference, one spot out of the playoffs. They have a few members right there with them, which makes every single point crucial. Eight shootout loses is key and we'll have to see if it plays a role as the season comes to an end.
The Wings will take on the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, which will mark there last game before the Olympic break. Two points is what they need and we'll see if they get it.
GO U.S.A. Beat the Canucks.
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Game recap...2/9/10
By: Channing Cummins
On Tuesday night the Detroit Red Wings, once again, showed us that there are no easy points in the NHL. They clearly showed us this in their last game when they were defeated 4-3 by the L.A. Kings, giving up their 3-0 advantage after the first period. They put their recent struggles up against the team with the league's worst home record.
The St. Louis Blues entered the matchup five points behind the Wings, barely holding on to a playoff opportunity. This game carried a lot of pressure on the young Blues team. With a recently added head coach, inexperienced team and their poor effort at home, the Blues entered Tuesday's game with a lot to prove.
The Red Wings welcomed back Johan Franzen on Tuesday night, who hasn't played since Oct. 08 (55 games). With his addition, the Wings had more depth and are forced to make various roster moves. With the recent trade of Ville Leino to Philli, the Wings have showed signs of a possible trade in the near future. A strong forward who can mark up the stat sheet might be needed if the Wings want to make a push towards the playoffs. The Wings rank 23rd in the league when it comes to goals/game and the need for excitement in Detroit is going to reach its peak.
Kris Draper and the Wings were the first the make their mark, coming over 12 minutes into the period. Draper's third line once again proved why they've been the hottest line and get their team on top. The goal came after an Ericsson shot was pinballed in, off of Draper's skate, and into the net.
The two teams would continue to put on an offensive show for the entire period. The first period seemed to have a playoff feel, as the two teams seemed to bring all they had. The period consisted of penalties, one of which being a fight, shots and strong goaltending. The Wings ended the period with a 1-0 lead but were outshot 20-12 in an offensive/defensive battle.
The second period began at a slower, more strategical pace. After the early shootout the two teams focused on D and looked for the perfect shots. Paul Kariya's tip in goal tied the game up with 7:40 left. The goal came as a result of sloppy line changing and a tad of skill, we'll call it luck.
After a Wings turnover behind the net, Kariya was able to work some more magic. After stealing the puck, dishing it off, creating a hooking call and crashing the net, he was rewarded with his second goal of the night. This goal would put the Blues up 2-1 going into the third.
The third period began with penalties. Three were called on the two teams just over five minutes in. The third penalty would prove to be the costly one, as the Wings gave up a power play goal. Andy McDonald was able to deflect a centering pass behind Jimmy Howard and give his team a 3-1 advantage.
As the third period continued the Red Wings continued to strive towards the net. As they continued to shoot, opposing goaltended Chris Mason continued to deny. It all seemed to be over for the Wings until Pavel Datsyuk was able to redirect a puck off his skate, into the net. The goal came with 5:34 remaining and brought the team to within striking distance. After some drive and effort Valtteri Filppula was able to tie the game up, squeaking one by Mason.
This game was starting to look like a rebound game for the Wings, after their similar events in L.A. The game would end up going into a shootout period, the 11th for the Wings. The shootout would not prove to be worthy as the Wings were defeated 2-1. The Blues managed to outshoot the Wings 45-42, but the game did expose both teams a bit. The Blues showed their youth and inability to sit on a lead. The Wings showed their inability to score, which we've been seeing a lot of lately.
The Red Wings currently sit two points out of the last playoff spot and are beginning to run out of time. The Wings have two games remaining before the Olympic break and will prove to be key. They will take on the Sharks and Senators at home to finish the week and hopefully enter the break with some momentum. The Sharks are currently one point away from being the best team in hockey and the Sens have won 12 of their last 13. The games won't be easy and should show us a bit of what Detroit has to offer coming down the stretch.
On Tuesday night the Detroit Red Wings, once again, showed us that there are no easy points in the NHL. They clearly showed us this in their last game when they were defeated 4-3 by the L.A. Kings, giving up their 3-0 advantage after the first period. They put their recent struggles up against the team with the league's worst home record.
The St. Louis Blues entered the matchup five points behind the Wings, barely holding on to a playoff opportunity. This game carried a lot of pressure on the young Blues team. With a recently added head coach, inexperienced team and their poor effort at home, the Blues entered Tuesday's game with a lot to prove.
The Red Wings welcomed back Johan Franzen on Tuesday night, who hasn't played since Oct. 08 (55 games). With his addition, the Wings had more depth and are forced to make various roster moves. With the recent trade of Ville Leino to Philli, the Wings have showed signs of a possible trade in the near future. A strong forward who can mark up the stat sheet might be needed if the Wings want to make a push towards the playoffs. The Wings rank 23rd in the league when it comes to goals/game and the need for excitement in Detroit is going to reach its peak.
Kris Draper and the Wings were the first the make their mark, coming over 12 minutes into the period. Draper's third line once again proved why they've been the hottest line and get their team on top. The goal came after an Ericsson shot was pinballed in, off of Draper's skate, and into the net.
The two teams would continue to put on an offensive show for the entire period. The first period seemed to have a playoff feel, as the two teams seemed to bring all they had. The period consisted of penalties, one of which being a fight, shots and strong goaltending. The Wings ended the period with a 1-0 lead but were outshot 20-12 in an offensive/defensive battle.
The second period began at a slower, more strategical pace. After the early shootout the two teams focused on D and looked for the perfect shots. Paul Kariya's tip in goal tied the game up with 7:40 left. The goal came as a result of sloppy line changing and a tad of skill, we'll call it luck.
After a Wings turnover behind the net, Kariya was able to work some more magic. After stealing the puck, dishing it off, creating a hooking call and crashing the net, he was rewarded with his second goal of the night. This goal would put the Blues up 2-1 going into the third.
The third period began with penalties. Three were called on the two teams just over five minutes in. The third penalty would prove to be the costly one, as the Wings gave up a power play goal. Andy McDonald was able to deflect a centering pass behind Jimmy Howard and give his team a 3-1 advantage.
As the third period continued the Red Wings continued to strive towards the net. As they continued to shoot, opposing goaltended Chris Mason continued to deny. It all seemed to be over for the Wings until Pavel Datsyuk was able to redirect a puck off his skate, into the net. The goal came with 5:34 remaining and brought the team to within striking distance. After some drive and effort Valtteri Filppula was able to tie the game up, squeaking one by Mason.
This game was starting to look like a rebound game for the Wings, after their similar events in L.A. The game would end up going into a shootout period, the 11th for the Wings. The shootout would not prove to be worthy as the Wings were defeated 2-1. The Blues managed to outshoot the Wings 45-42, but the game did expose both teams a bit. The Blues showed their youth and inability to sit on a lead. The Wings showed their inability to score, which we've been seeing a lot of lately.
The Red Wings currently sit two points out of the last playoff spot and are beginning to run out of time. The Wings have two games remaining before the Olympic break and will prove to be key. They will take on the Sharks and Senators at home to finish the week and hopefully enter the break with some momentum. The Sharks are currently one point away from being the best team in hockey and the Sens have won 12 of their last 13. The games won't be easy and should show us a bit of what Detroit has to offer coming down the stretch.
Clipped wings
by Ryan Hammond
The Wings earned a convincing victory over San Jose on Tuesday Night. They needed those two points. They were desperate for them. The season was on the line.
Those words have not appeared in print or on a word processor for a very long time. That means hockey in Detroit has been very good during the last 18 years, but it also means the team in red and white has some serious problems. Ken Holland was right when he said things were going to get difficult.
The team’s struggles are similar to the broomsticks from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice scene of Fantasia. Fixed a struggling offense? Now the penalty kill and defense are broken. Players have returned from injuries? You’d never know it with how some of them are playing, which implies they’re either still hurt or just not mentally up to speed.
Detroit’s best player this season has almost unquestionably been Jimmy Howard. Howard! He was considered a huge question mark in September. What would the team do if Chris Osgood had another poor performance this year? That question has been answered, though the Wings have several other perils to resolve, such as who plays in the playoffs, whether or not to keep Osgood for next season, and what on earth they will do if Howard becomes injured.
All coaches know that defense and goaltending are of chief importance to a hockey club, and that means Excedrin probably owns stock in Mike Babcock. As Ansar Khan noted, before last Friday’s game against Nashville, Detroit had “allowed five goals in consecutive games and 24 goals during a 1-3-3 stretch.” That’s a disastrous clip.
The Wings were known for a stingy defense over the last few seasons. Where did that go? Part of the problem is the continued aging of Brian Rafalski and Nicklas Lidstrom. Both are great hockey players in the twilight of their careers, but they’re also the best defensemen on the team. It’s not good to rely on someone pushing 40 to crunch 30 minutes a night. That means more work for the likes of Brad Stewart (a decent but unexceptional stay-at-home defenseman) and the oft-injured and undersized Niklas Kronwall. The sound you hear is opposing forwards licking their chops at the edge of the crease.
Detroit’s defensive struggles will also likely be exacerbated in the future when Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby retire. Both of them have served long and fruitful careers in Motown as checking forwards, but father time has caught up with them too. They will likely decide leaving hockey is preferable to spending middle age in traction. The Wings used to think Tomas Kopecky would help fill that role, but he (like so many former Detroiters) bolted for greener pastures down I-94. As usual, that means Holland has to find a way to do more with less. The Wings’ brain trust is one of the best in hockey, but eventually even the best front office will achieve diminishing returns when the options run this low.
The NHL wanted parity, and its effects have finally come to the home locker room of Joe Lewis Arena. The new challenge may not be winning the Stanley Cup, but getting back in contention for it. We are beset by the dirty word that all “championship caliber” organizations hate: rebuilding.
The Wings earned a convincing victory over San Jose on Tuesday Night. They needed those two points. They were desperate for them. The season was on the line.
Those words have not appeared in print or on a word processor for a very long time. That means hockey in Detroit has been very good during the last 18 years, but it also means the team in red and white has some serious problems. Ken Holland was right when he said things were going to get difficult.
The team’s struggles are similar to the broomsticks from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice scene of Fantasia. Fixed a struggling offense? Now the penalty kill and defense are broken. Players have returned from injuries? You’d never know it with how some of them are playing, which implies they’re either still hurt or just not mentally up to speed.
Detroit’s best player this season has almost unquestionably been Jimmy Howard. Howard! He was considered a huge question mark in September. What would the team do if Chris Osgood had another poor performance this year? That question has been answered, though the Wings have several other perils to resolve, such as who plays in the playoffs, whether or not to keep Osgood for next season, and what on earth they will do if Howard becomes injured.
All coaches know that defense and goaltending are of chief importance to a hockey club, and that means Excedrin probably owns stock in Mike Babcock. As Ansar Khan noted, before last Friday’s game against Nashville, Detroit had “allowed five goals in consecutive games and 24 goals during a 1-3-3 stretch.” That’s a disastrous clip.
The Wings were known for a stingy defense over the last few seasons. Where did that go? Part of the problem is the continued aging of Brian Rafalski and Nicklas Lidstrom. Both are great hockey players in the twilight of their careers, but they’re also the best defensemen on the team. It’s not good to rely on someone pushing 40 to crunch 30 minutes a night. That means more work for the likes of Brad Stewart (a decent but unexceptional stay-at-home defenseman) and the oft-injured and undersized Niklas Kronwall. The sound you hear is opposing forwards licking their chops at the edge of the crease.
Detroit’s defensive struggles will also likely be exacerbated in the future when Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby retire. Both of them have served long and fruitful careers in Motown as checking forwards, but father time has caught up with them too. They will likely decide leaving hockey is preferable to spending middle age in traction. The Wings used to think Tomas Kopecky would help fill that role, but he (like so many former Detroiters) bolted for greener pastures down I-94. As usual, that means Holland has to find a way to do more with less. The Wings’ brain trust is one of the best in hockey, but eventually even the best front office will achieve diminishing returns when the options run this low.
The NHL wanted parity, and its effects have finally come to the home locker room of Joe Lewis Arena. The new challenge may not be winning the Stanley Cup, but getting back in contention for it. We are beset by the dirty word that all “championship caliber” organizations hate: rebuilding.
Red Wings Game recap...2/2
By: Channing Cummins
The Detroit Red Wings traveled to San Jose for game two of their current five game road trip. For those that had managed to stay awake for the game it proved to be worth while.
For the Wings this was a crucial game on a number of levels. The playoff hunt, an Olympic break and poor play recently were factors that the Wings had faced entering Tuesday's game. The team knew they had to get things going soon if they wanted to turn the ship around and they showed it in San Jose.
The Red Wings welcomed the return of Tomas Holmstrom on Tuesday, who was playing his first game in almost a month. With his return the team is almost completely healthy and just in time to make a late season push.
The first period was a roller coaster ride for both teams. Both teams came out firing the puck and driving the net. It was Joe Thornton who scored the first goal rather than picking up an assist, which he leads the league in. The goal came just over six minutes into the game and gave the Sharks an early lead.
About half way through the first period, the Sharks were able to add another tally to their lead and were off to a strong, quick start. Once again it was Joe Thornton who scored as he was able to clean up a rebound and easily put it into an empty net. At this point things didn't look good for the Wings and it seemed like another long game was in store.
With just over five minutes remaining Valtteri Filppula was able to hook up with Dan Cleary on a bang-bang play to put the Wings on the board. As Filps came from behind the net he was able to find Cleary who was driving the net on the opposite side. Life was now given to the Wings and it would last.
As the first period was winding down the San Jose Sharks took two key penalties, giving the Wings a five on three opportunity late in the period. The Wings would not disappoint as Henrik Zetterberg would add a power play goal to tie the game up. His 14th of the year came off of a Holmstrom rebound that allowed him to tip in an easy goal.
As the two teams began to play the second period it was clear that the coaches wanted to focus more on defense. The two teams cleaned up their play, knowing that either team wanted to be involved in a shootout throughout the game. The Red Wings seemed to begin to swing more momentum their way, however, as they were able to dictate much of the play. They did manage outshoot the Sharks 13-8 at the end of the period, as the two teams entered the locker room in a 2-2 tie.
Ryan Clowe's early boarding penalty allowed the Wings to begin the period on a power play. It was Derek Meech that took advantage of this opportunity and put his team into the lead. The goal was definitely one you should see. Meech received a rebound and took it deep into the zone. As he crossed the red line he was able to bank one in off of Nabokov, about 10-15 feet from the goal.
Nine minutes into the third period Patrick Eaves was able to give the Wings a two goal advantage. Eaves was able to once again take a rebound off of Nabokov and put away an empty netter. This fourth Red Wing's goal proved to be enough as the team cruised to a 4-2 victory. The Wings closed the period outshooting the Sharks 13-10 and finished the game with a 37-34 advantage.
This game provided more than two points for the Red Wings. It gave the team confidence, along with some momentum. On Tuesday night the Red Wings were able to prove that they can battle with just about anyone as they defeated the Western Conference leaders on the road. From top to bottom they played a good game and showed they have what it takes to be a playoff contender. With Franzen's return on the horizon and the rest of the injured players getting more ice time, the Wings should be confident as they finish the year.
Holmstrom was able to provide two assists in his first game back and justified his importance to the team. Zetterberg produced two points of his own with a goal and an assist. Datsyuk's assist on Z's goal gave him his seventh point in the last five games. Hopefully this production will continue and the Wings will be able to take advantage of this.
The main question is going to be focused on consistency. Can the play makers get things going and be consistent? Can Jimmy Howard keep up his amazing run this year? Can the line of Helm, Eaves and Draper keep up their tremendous play as the year starts to dwindle?
The win put the Red Wings into the 8th spot in the conference, tied with the Nashville Predators who occupy the 7th spot. If the Wings can keep up their strong play they will continue to rise up in the rankings. Their strong play will be tested tonight as they take on the Anaheim Ducks in game three of their road trip. This will be a pivotal game for both teams as they both try to climb the charts. The Ducks are currently five points behind the Wings and would love to step up and grab two points for themselves.
The Detroit Red Wings traveled to San Jose for game two of their current five game road trip. For those that had managed to stay awake for the game it proved to be worth while.
For the Wings this was a crucial game on a number of levels. The playoff hunt, an Olympic break and poor play recently were factors that the Wings had faced entering Tuesday's game. The team knew they had to get things going soon if they wanted to turn the ship around and they showed it in San Jose.
The Red Wings welcomed the return of Tomas Holmstrom on Tuesday, who was playing his first game in almost a month. With his return the team is almost completely healthy and just in time to make a late season push.
The first period was a roller coaster ride for both teams. Both teams came out firing the puck and driving the net. It was Joe Thornton who scored the first goal rather than picking up an assist, which he leads the league in. The goal came just over six minutes into the game and gave the Sharks an early lead.
About half way through the first period, the Sharks were able to add another tally to their lead and were off to a strong, quick start. Once again it was Joe Thornton who scored as he was able to clean up a rebound and easily put it into an empty net. At this point things didn't look good for the Wings and it seemed like another long game was in store.
With just over five minutes remaining Valtteri Filppula was able to hook up with Dan Cleary on a bang-bang play to put the Wings on the board. As Filps came from behind the net he was able to find Cleary who was driving the net on the opposite side. Life was now given to the Wings and it would last.
As the first period was winding down the San Jose Sharks took two key penalties, giving the Wings a five on three opportunity late in the period. The Wings would not disappoint as Henrik Zetterberg would add a power play goal to tie the game up. His 14th of the year came off of a Holmstrom rebound that allowed him to tip in an easy goal.
As the two teams began to play the second period it was clear that the coaches wanted to focus more on defense. The two teams cleaned up their play, knowing that either team wanted to be involved in a shootout throughout the game. The Red Wings seemed to begin to swing more momentum their way, however, as they were able to dictate much of the play. They did manage outshoot the Sharks 13-8 at the end of the period, as the two teams entered the locker room in a 2-2 tie.
Ryan Clowe's early boarding penalty allowed the Wings to begin the period on a power play. It was Derek Meech that took advantage of this opportunity and put his team into the lead. The goal was definitely one you should see. Meech received a rebound and took it deep into the zone. As he crossed the red line he was able to bank one in off of Nabokov, about 10-15 feet from the goal.
Nine minutes into the third period Patrick Eaves was able to give the Wings a two goal advantage. Eaves was able to once again take a rebound off of Nabokov and put away an empty netter. This fourth Red Wing's goal proved to be enough as the team cruised to a 4-2 victory. The Wings closed the period outshooting the Sharks 13-10 and finished the game with a 37-34 advantage.
This game provided more than two points for the Red Wings. It gave the team confidence, along with some momentum. On Tuesday night the Red Wings were able to prove that they can battle with just about anyone as they defeated the Western Conference leaders on the road. From top to bottom they played a good game and showed they have what it takes to be a playoff contender. With Franzen's return on the horizon and the rest of the injured players getting more ice time, the Wings should be confident as they finish the year.
Holmstrom was able to provide two assists in his first game back and justified his importance to the team. Zetterberg produced two points of his own with a goal and an assist. Datsyuk's assist on Z's goal gave him his seventh point in the last five games. Hopefully this production will continue and the Wings will be able to take advantage of this.
The main question is going to be focused on consistency. Can the play makers get things going and be consistent? Can Jimmy Howard keep up his amazing run this year? Can the line of Helm, Eaves and Draper keep up their tremendous play as the year starts to dwindle?
The win put the Red Wings into the 8th spot in the conference, tied with the Nashville Predators who occupy the 7th spot. If the Wings can keep up their strong play they will continue to rise up in the rankings. Their strong play will be tested tonight as they take on the Anaheim Ducks in game three of their road trip. This will be a pivotal game for both teams as they both try to climb the charts. The Ducks are currently five points behind the Wings and would love to step up and grab two points for themselves.
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