Dear Red Wings

Red Wings treat fans with 20-straight home wins

2012-02-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

It's an outstanding feat.

The Detroit Red Wings have won 20-straight games at Joe Louis Arena, which means their already spoiled fan base has gotten treated well, again.

The Red Wings are sitting atop the Western Conference, and this home winning streak shows no signs of stopping any time soon. A battle for first place in the Central Division vaulted the Wings right by the Vancouver Canucks and secured space between them and division rivals the St. louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks.

Moreover, Detroit has won the past three games with third-string goalie Joey MacDonald, who spent the first half of the season in Grand Rapids. He has taken advantage of the opportunity since All-Star Jimmy Howard broke his finger and backup Ty Conklin was pulled and consequently benched in a loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

The Dallas Stars will be at Joe Louis Tuesday night to offer the Red Wings a chance to break the NHL's home winning streak record with win No. 21.

The players have said they downplayed the importance of tying the record until it happened. Now, it's out in the open: The Red Wings can make history, and everyone is excited to see it happen Tuesday night.

If MacDonald is between the pipes, he could get his fourth win of the season.

Red WIngs Climbing Out Of Slump

2011-11-09T00:09:00.000-08:00

Two big wins in a row now in which the Red WIngs have scored five goals.

I guess you would call it rebounding, with some high velocity, after a six-game skid during which the team tallied just six goals.

Yeah, sweet sassy molassy the Red Wings are back to winning form.

The OIlers head to town Friday, and will give Detroit a handful physically. The young Edmonton squad is looking to make a run at the playoffs.

Yeah, maybe that will happen, Nikolai Khabibulin is like 80 though. So, I'm not sure he will last long enough.

Here's to Valtteri Filppula not playing like a child for once this season. He was hitting the Avalanche players Tuesday night and chasing puck into the corners.

He earned two points. Imagine that.

Red Wings In 4-Game Slump; OMG This Sucks

2011-11-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

Yeah, four games and not a win.

What's worse: The Red Wings can't seem to find the back of the net. It's unconscionable.

Four games and a few goals. So many goals against.

Yeah, it's frustrating to watch and the catalyst is tough to pinpoint.

At this point, I wouldn't panic. In a few weeks, if the Red Wings are playing below .500 hockey ... panic mode.

And at that point in the hypothetical future, I would be interested in some big moves in the lineup, and maybe some preparations for a trade.

Yes, trade some of these guys who are useless right now. Guys like Valtteri Filppula, Johan Franzen, and dare I say Henrik Zetterberg or Pavel Datsyuk?

Well, maybe not a move to dissemble the team, but something big. The offense is weak.

Hopefully they all turn it around and none of that has to happen (except maybe the Franzen trade, he pisses me off).

Leafs Look Solid So Far, Canadiens Are Scary Bad

2011-10-24T17:08:00.001-07:00

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens seem to have flipped positions this season.

First, the flash of talent and chemistry that the Leafs showed late this past season is showing again early on in this current season.

It's about time. But can it last? And now with their starting goalie down, the Leafs' spurt of solid play seems threatened.

On the Canadiens' side of the world, things look absolutely awful. Injuries and a defense with a whole lot of holes has this team staring at just one win thus far on their record. Moreover, the Habs can't seem to win at home in front of arguably the league's most critical fans.

It's tough to watch. But then again, 24 cups, boo hoo.

Now, to make things a bit interesting, the team is sitting Carey Price and playing Peter Budaj. Of course, I am not surprised by this move at all. The franchise is known for getting uber critical on its goalies.

Price, who I think is a pretty damn good keeper, is getting questioned early on here. But I hope the move to put in Budaj is just a statement for the players, and not one against the goalie.

Saturday's overtime win for the Leafs at the Bell Centre was awesome. That was a great game that showcased two teams with a lot of heart.

I expect both teams to make the playoffs. Montreal will get going soon here, and everyone will forget about the bad start.

What Happened In 7-1 Loss To Caps?

2011-10-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings dropped a rough one to the Washington Capitals, 7-1, Saturday night at the capital.

Ty Conklin started in goalie. Many are wondering why Mike Babcock decided to play Jimmy Howard the night before against winless Columbus and sit him in Washington.

Probably not the best decision considering the differences between Washington and the Blue Jackets -- about 6 wins is the most alarming difference.

I question the team's decision to bring Conklin, who played with Detroit a couple years ago, back to the lineup.

He had a decent season with Detroit that year. But what did he do before and what has he done since?

Not much.

Detroit needs to shrug this one off and figure out what they are doing in the crease.

Of course, the loss can't be placed solely on Conklin. The Red Wings, again, struggled on the power play and couldn't get much going on offense.

That was a game that highlighted some problems this Detroit team has: Goaltending depth, lack of opportunistic play and troubles scoring.

Sort it out, Babcock. Sort it out fast. Otherwise, Holland will have to make that promised purchase a bit sooner than expected.

2011-12 Red Wings Season Begins Friday

2011-10-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the hockey season is always refreshing.

I have been away from this blog for quite some time now, and it seems fitting to return to posting some entries days before the start of the 2011 season.

My life over the past year or so has changed dramatically. I can happily say that most of that change has been quite positive.

Of course, my dedication as a Red Wings fan has remained. And I believe it will for years to come, no matter what I am going through and no matter where I am.

That may sound a bit obsessive, but the truth is life is not full of constants. I consider the Red Wings a reliable, and positive, constant in my life -- win or lose.

Sports -- more specifically hockey -- have always been a great escape from the harsh realities of life. The Red Wings are of course dear to me, as the title of this site suggests, and they have offered me that escape my entire life.

I look forward to the joy that each NHL season brings to me and my fellow fans.

Winnipeg, Eastern Conference Red Wings, Kris Draper

2011-06-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

Firstly: My apologies to myself, to this site and anyone who happens to stumble upon it. This has undergone some serious neglect in recent months.

Secondly: Let me address the Winnipeg franchise and how this in any way affects the Detroit Red Wings.

Of course, as an old-school fan I am purely excited to see Atlanta get moved to a true hockey market. Whether it's Winnipeg or anywhere hockey is celebrated at a community level, this is exciting for the real fans of the sport.

First question on the minds of the fans here in Michigan: Will the Red Wings get put in the Eastern Conference, finally?

I remain hopeful, as many should. But there is so much against the Wings. And at first I was doubting any chance that the cash-cow Red Wings would get put in their own time zone again. Just didn't seem like a move Bettman would approve of, but neither did a return to Winnipeg.

Now, with the latest talks about a presentation opportunity for Ken Holland and the Nashville and Columbus franchises, I'd say the Wings have a decent chance of getting what they want.

The NHL owes it to them. Yes, they are entitled to the EC. And I don't see why that's not enough reason to do it. Is there anything else to support the argument beyond that?

The Red Wings have done so much for the league, it owes Holland and the fans a choice to move back to the east.

Realistically, I assume moves will not happen until 2013. I have heard so many bizarre "rezoning" ideas for the league's divisions, but I don't believe much of it. And all I care about is where the Wings end up when it is all hashed out.

Phoenix's uncertain future poses a threat to Detroit's eastern bid. The Coyotes could very well end up in an eastern market by 2013, and that's not what Detroit needs.

One last unrelated note: Winnipeg's return could be just in time for Kris Draper to make a full-circle career move. Maybe we can hand him over for a looney.

San Jose Is Better Team

2011-05-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

The San Jose Sharks are clearly owning the Red Wings right now.

Detroit dropped the first two games of the second-round series in San Jose.

It has been a pathetic performance by Detroit, but give credit to the Sharks for just crushing the Wings physically and taking advantage of scoring chances.

Where is Detroit's offense?

Nowhere to be found right now. I would love to see someone start scoring.

Offensive pressure is a must in order to fight back into this series.

It's pretty much over if the Wings forwards can't begin scoring.

Will Red Wings Sweep Coyotes?

2011-04-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

Th Detroit Red Wings have a 2-0 series lead over the Phoenix Coyotes in round one.

The Red Wings are without Henrik Zetterberg, who still has a knee injury. I watched some video of him in practice Friday. It does not look promising. He could not stop and it looked like he was having trouble putting any pressure on it.

To answer my title's question; No, the Wings will not sweep this team. Saturday's game showed how inconsistent Detroit still can be within 60 minutes. Penalties and turnovers will ensure that this series is going to 5 games at least.

Which is good for a friend of mine who bought tickets to game 5.

The reason the Wings won games 1 and 2 is Pavel Datsyuk. He is this team right now. The guy is unbelievable. He is making everyone around him that much better.

I want to see Z come back as much as the next fan, but without him right now, Datsyuk seems to be putting this team on his back. It looks like Pavel is responding to the extra pressure to produce.

The defense is still suspect. Jimmy Howard is bailing them out.

But, the No. 1 problem I see continues to be turnovers at both blue lines. The Red Wings need to go back to school or at least the video room. They need to dump the puck when there is no play. It's simple. There is no shame in it.

But Mike Babcock wants his guys to be a puck-possession team, and I understand that. He has a talented lineup. Yet, teams have figured out Detroit's weakness: The stubborn will to make a play rather than dump and chase. Now, teams -- such as Phoenix -- are forcing Detroit to turn it over in the neutral zone because they know as long as they keep a guy back and take away passes, they can force a turnover.

Just watch, it's not the "trap" or "oval" exactly. It's just "sit back and don't get caught in the Wings' zone -- make Detroit make a mistake and then capitalize."

Phoenix started doing this in the 3rd period Saturday. Detroit started making mistakes, turning the puck over and taking penalties. It was the Coyote's patience in the neutral zone that got them back into that game.

Red Wings players are groomed to look for a pass. When there is no outlet to make a pretty play or cross-ice pass, turnovers are bound to happen. Goals follow.

I feel like I have been saying the same thing for two years.

Go Wings.

Wings Take Game 1; Coyotes Suck On Power Play

2011-04-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings win game one against Phoenix 4-2.

It was a strange game. Phoenix went 0-6 (I think) on the power play. That was really fortunate for Detroit. The Red Wings should have been down 3-0 in the first, if only the Coyotes could put something together on the man advantage.

Pavel Datsyuk took control in the second, as I expected he would. The team rallied behind him and in front of Jimmy Howard, and that was that.

I expect more of the same in game two.

Yesterday, my friend changed his Facebook profile picture to one of Gordie Howe -- a very old-school shot of Gordie on the ice in like the 60s.

It dawned on me -- not for the first time -- that I have very dedicated Red Wings fans for friends, and that made me very happy.

Go Wings.

Wings Face Those Desert Dogs, Again

2011-04-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

I hate that nickname, "desert dogs."

But it's what the team's three fans call them. Hopefully the Phoenix Coyotes -- I still can't understand how this team exists -- will just lose and go away.

I am in no mood to watch 11,000 Coyotes fans cheer this bankrupt organization into the second round of our beloved Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Detroit Red Wings -- yeah, THE Detroit Red Wings -- should fear this team. Once again, as always, Phoenix has nothing to lose, Detroit has everything to lose.

It's a scary scenario. Shane Doan enjoys living in a fantasy world where hockey matters west of Chicago and south of Denver, but he is wrong to think his Coyotes have any reason to win.

I am fearful of the injury-riddled Red Wings -- all Wings fans should be. The first two games of this series will dictate Detroit's short-term future. They MUST win both. This team does not have the health to climb back into a series or go seven games. It won't bode well. We're not talking about spring chickens here. The roster is old-goatish, no way around it.

Cheers to playoff hockey. Cheers to the Wings.

Here we go, again.

March Is Here, Playoff Mode Is Too

2011-03-06T12:23:00.001-08:00

It was the second period and the Philadelphia Flyers were losing 4-0 against the New York Rangers Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Gardens.

"I'm hearing from the Flyers' bench talk about how disappointed they are with their play here this afternoon," Pierre McGuire said (roughly).

Thank you Mr. McGuire. Your insight, once again, amazes us all.

Anyway, that game was strange. The Flyers looked awful, from top to bottom. Goalie Brian Bouchier looked lost. Captain Mike Richards literally had to fight to get some sort of effort out of his boys. But, it didn't matter.

The first-pace Flyers met a desperate seventh-place Rangers team Sunday.

It's that time of year.

Here we go, Red Wings fans. Get ready to witness another tough March. The Red Wings' bull's eye on their backs just grew exponentially. It's not easy being a top-seeded team in March. It never is.

And, really, that's what is awesome about the NHL -- parity exists. Teams can control their own destiny.

But it's tough for fans to watch their top team get showed up by teams just clawing their way into the playoffs. It's a new team every night, but the same scenario.

That's essentially what happened to the Wings this past week. They met some teams, such as San Jose, Phoenix and Anaheim that are either clinging to playoff hope or were for a substantial part of the past month or so -- like San Jose, the hottest team in the NHL. The Wings have been gliding through a pretty average season (by their standards).

But now it's basically playoff time. The next few weeks will mean a lot. For the Wings, they just have to remember how important clinching the division is.

Just focus on staying in front of their division foes and Detroit will be fine.

Records, Posters, Living In A Basement

2011-02-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

I've been living without a receiver and speakers for my record player.

It sucks. Until today.

I rigged my baby Dinosaur amp (it's something, don't worry) with a couple AV cables and ... well blah blah, I have it working and it sounds pretty decent. A bit mono but better than not being able to listen to my vinyls. Because, I need the vinyls sometimes.

Anyway, this has nothing to do with hockey. But while I was moving around shit in my parents basement (where I live, yes) looking for more AV cables (because any normal basement has those lying around) I found an old Detroit Red Wings poster: "Hockeytown Kids." I remember I got it from a 2001-02 playoff game. It pictures Chris Chelios, Steve Yzerman, Nick Lidstrom, Dominik Hasek, Brendan Shanahan, Sergei Fedorov, Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille. The "kids" of Hockeytown, get it?

Yeah, well that team was just voted by Sporting News readers as the "greatest NHL team of all time."

But honestly, we all know the greatest team was the New York Islanders of the early 80s. However, it's 2011 and there are no more Islanders fans left (sober).

This poster was a real diamond in the rough. I think they handed it out during the playoffs. I went to one of those Vancouver games the Wings lost in the opening round, if I recall. I will have to search for the ticket to make sure I am not going crazy and just imagining things.

It might have just been a regular season game against the Canucks, I honestly can't recall. That was almost 10 years ago. Damn.

Anyway, I'll go back to playing these dusty records. They survived the trek from California, so I can't complain about anything ever.

To Steve Yzerman!

2011-02-23T19:35:00.001-08:00

I'll admit I've been rather reclusive lately.

But when Steve Yzerman speaks up about Mario Lemieux, I must write something.

This past week, Yzerman took a diplomatic stance on Lemieux's (ridiculous) comments about the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins' donnybrook.

He said Lemieux should be more involved in the NHL and hockey talk in general, stating the man had a lot to offer to the sport.

I took this as: "Where the f**k have you been Mario? Now you want to talk?"

But Yzerman, being the class act he is, would never say that.

Don Cherry, on the other hand, pretty much told Lemieux to go you know what himself on Hockey Night In Canada last week.

I could not agree more with Grapes.

What the hell is wrong with Mario Lemieux?

Cherry made an excellent point in a recent Coach's Corner episode. While I don't necessarily agree with the crazy old man all of the time, he was right about Mario when he said he was a hypocrite. Cherry asked where Lemieux was when Matt Cooke was blazing a cheap-shot trail throughout the league, and why that was OK, but a good old-fashioned donnybrook was not.

I never liked Lemieux that much because I thought he said ridiculous things often. But this put me over the top in distaste for the man many consider one of the greatest players ever.

Forget him.

Howard...

2011-01-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am aware Jimmy Howard just let in three unanswered goals.

So, maybe we are ready for Nabokov? I don't know.

I hate to rag on the goalie when half the team is hurt.

Detroit Red Wings, Nabokov? Hmmmmm

2011-01-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

All this talk about the Red Wings and Nabokov's agent warming up to each other has me slightly upset.

What the heck?

So yeah, Jimmy Howard and Chris Osgood are both hurt. I thought Howard would be back soon, and I thought Joey MacDonald was their man. Is there something we don't know? Is Howard terminally ill?

Here's how I see it, emotions aside:

Detroit is ready for Osgood to hang it up at the end of the season. Management is obviously not sold on MacDonald, so they are ready to sign a veteran to back up, or compete with, Howard next season.

However, with Howard and Osgood both hurt at a crucial point in this season, management is deciding to quicken the process and jump on a free agent like Nabokov, luring him with thoughts of a deep post-season.

But would Nabokov really be the answer for more than just the remainder of this season?

In my opinion, I would not mind a Howard-MacDonald goalie duo.

But as I have learned in the past, Detroit is not shy about signing veteran goalies for very, very short periods of time -- when the opportunity permits itself. And, clearly, the opportunity is upon them.

Yet, out of a list of veteran goalies that came here to win a cup, only two were successful -- Mike Vernon and Dominic Hasek.

But, maybe that's just what the Wings need.

We'll see, it's too early to tell is this Nabokov stuff is for real, and it's hard to imagine he won't choose to go somewhere else.

Dave Is MIA, Moving Forward

2011-01-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

Firstly, clearly I have been M.IA. from DearRedWings.com for the past few weeks.

This is something I hope can change during the next few weeks.

Secondly, there is a lot to address about the current crisis that the Detroit Red Wings face. Injury after injury, and it just keeps getting worse.

First it was Mike Modano. Then it was Pavel Datsyuk. Then, before Mickey Redmond can say "holy jumpin," Daniel Cleary is on IR during quite arguably his best season -- maybe ever -- and Joey MacDonald is being backed up by Todd Bertuzzi -- yeah, that happened.

Meanwhile, the Red Wings are quietly sitting in first place in the Central Division and second place in the Western Conference. Crisis averted? Well, one can only marvel at the way this season is unfolding. It's eerily familiar to last year, and at the same time totally different.

Somehow this team is forcing overtimes and getting ridiculously timely goal scoring from some otherwise shy players -- such as Drew Miller. If you did not see Miller's shorthanded goal from the past weekend, go check it out. Steven Stamkos beware.

Coach Mike Babcock has been his usual self in terms of conversing with the media, saying the Wings need to get better defensively, and consequently throwing one of the more talented blue line groups in the league under the proverbial bus. One has to love the man's honesty.

Babcock is right. The Wings may be leading the NHL in goals for -- a statistic which frankly shocked me -- but their 131 goals against is nothing to be impressed by.

Defense is something that has definitely been trending in the wrong direction since last season for the mighty Red -- I just made that up, maybe it will catch on. It is quite baffling to see that one of the most hailed defensive and puck-possession teams in the history of the sport finding itself among the more scored on teams in the league.

Where does one point the finger?

As I have said many, many times, I would point nowhere else bu transition: Breaking out of the defensive zone and crossing into the offensive zone. This team struggles with both. It is frustrating to see such a talented squad break down in transition so routinely. Turnover after turnover. NHL teams are way too desperate to miss gift-wrapped opportunities -- the Red Wings should know as well as anyone.

Turnovers in the offensive zone include, but are not exclusive to, blocked shots and air-pucks, as I like to call them -- an air-puck is of course "missing the net."

The solution has to lie in the coach's hands. Babcock must realize this epic fail -- sorry for the banned word.

On the horizon are the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sidney Crosby is a god, the NHL said. But now, I must agree. He has 32 goals for 66 points in 41 games this season. Those are pre-lockout numbers. Those are 1980s numbers -- OK, maybe not that good.

The Wings will have to represent the Western Conference in this one without most of their money, A.K.A. talent.

I look forward to Tuesday night.

Osgood Gets 400th Win

2010-12-28T09:15:00.001-08:00

Just watch the video:

Cleary Breaks Ankle

2010-12-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

Daniel Cleary broke his ankle in Sunday's 4-1 victory over Minnesota.

Not cool.

He was having such a great season. Cleary is no question Detroit's MVP up to this point -- besides Pavel Datsyuk -- this season.

So there you go: Cleary, Datsyuk and Modano all out.

Cleary is out indefinitely. Hopefully not forever.

Zetterberg Scores 2nd In OT

2010-12-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Red Wings came from behind on Wednesday to eventually stave off the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 in overtime at Joe Louis Arena.

Henrik Zetterberg finally scored -- twice. Both of Z's goals were extremely important, and sort of embarrassing for Roberto Luongo.

Zetterberg is leading the team in shots. However, scoring has not been easy to come by for Z this season. It's definitely good to see him notch a couple.

The big story to come out of this game is Pavel Datsyuk's injury that will likely have him out for four weeks.

Datsyuk fell on his wrist, breaking some bone in that area. It was one of those freak injuries. Hopefully it's not too bad and he can come back before the end of January.

The Wings are still looking shaky. The team will need to pull together now that their leading scorer is out. A good emotional OT win should help.

On to the next.

Red Wings Fall To Dallas In OT 4-3

2010-12-19T22:00:00.000-08:00

I was at the game on Sunday in Detroit.

The Red Wings came out flying. They were all over the Dallas Stars -- laying to body on anything that moved and getting plenty of scoring chances.

The Wings got a solid 2-0 lead early on but Dallas proved why they are near the top of the Western Conference by tying the game 2-2.

Joe Louis Arena was insane. Chris Osgood had the opportunity to notch his 400th career win, and the crowd knew it. Ozzy chants were bountiful and loud throughout the game. The place would have erupted if the Wings could have held on to their 3-2 lead in the third.

But they didn't.

Brendan Morrow evened it up. The Stars scored on an odd-man rush in overtime to silent the rowdy crowd. Joe Louis was soon one giant hangover. I have rarely seen it so solemn, and so suddenly. One minute the crowd was going nuts over a Justin Abdelkader fight and a potential historic goalie moment, and the next everyone was looking like their dog just died.

Coach Mike Babcock will have to evaluate his lineup soon. The last couple weeks have shown a Red Wings team with an uncertain, inconsistent game plan.

Positives from tonight: Johan Franzen finally scored. Pavel Datsyuk netted a crazy backhander. Henrik Zetterberg proved to have some legs -- somewhat. Justin Abdelkader furthered his tough guy status. Jiri Hudler was scratched after warm-ups.

The biggest problem I see right now is a couple guys who normally lead the offense are shadows of themselves. On defense things are not terrible. A lot of neutral zone turnovers and poor decisions in the offensive zone seem to be plaguing the Wings currently.

Vancouver is Wednesday.

I am currently reading Bob Probert's "Tough Guy" memoir. Very interesting.

Red Wings Destroyed By L.A. 5-0

2010-12-15T17:09:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Red Wings were embarrassed on Monday by the Los Angeles Kings at Joe Louis Arena.

I cannot recall such a pitiful effort from the Red Wings on home ice. The goals were awful. Yet, what made it worse was the utter complacency displayed by Detroit's offense.

When the hole was dug, the Red Wings wandered drunkenly at the bottom of it. It was as if this game was never on the schedule and everyone stumbled in from the bar at the last second.

Jonathan Quick looked like a superstar. Detroit has not lost its knack for making goalies look like gods.

"We were doing everything we could there at the end of the third, just playing for him pretty much," said defenseman Jack Johnson in a report from the Los Angeles Times.

Well, so were the Red Wings apparently -- playing for Quick's fantasy statistics apparently, and I should know, I have Quick on my roster.

Wednesday is another home game. This time against the St. Louis Blues. If Jaroslav Halak is net, Wednesday could very well be a repeat of Monday's atrocity.

Modano Could Be Done, Forever

2010-11-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Mike Modano's wrist was victim to a skate blade recently. He apparently cut a tendon or something worse.

I have him on my fantasy team. It was a last-second pickup. I was hoping he would have some kind of final push in his last year. I guess it won't happen now.

Here is how Yahoo Fantasy hockey put it to me:

"Recommendation: He's out indefinitely and reports on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast hinted that his season may be over. This would be a sad, sad way for an icon to end his career."

Thanks. A simple "he is hurt" would have been sufficient.

So, other than the purely selfish reason I have, this sucks.

Zetterberg Pushes Overtime With Seconds Left; Win 5-4

2010-11-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Red Wings pushed overtime against the Calgary Flames with just seconds left.

Pavel Datsyuk walked through a few Calgary players to develop a two-on-one with Henrik Zetterberg who directed Datsyuk's pass into a gaping net.

The Wings topped the Flames in overtime with a goal from Nicklas Lidstrom.

If you missed this one, I am truly sorry. This game was up and down. The Wings willed a win in the closing minute. The momentum was their's in overtime.

The Wings continue to struggle on the powerplay. However, the team is finding ways to score regardless.

Imagine what they could do if they started scoring with the man advantage.

Injuries: Tough Reminders We're All Human

2010-11-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

I recently decided I would start running again. By no means have I ever been a serious runner. However, I did spend a few years on the lacrosse team in high school. I played some soccer as a kid, and then again in college. I have some experience with the concept of running.

However, I hurt myself after a couple easy miles last week. I pulled a muscle in my foot. Yeah, the most ridiculous injury I have ever suffered. In all my years playing hockey, I have never experienced a more annoying injury. It was inexplicable and became progressively uncomfortable in the first few days after I gleefully, ignorantly and tragically jogged around the neighborhood. Fortunately, this injury has been healing and the nagging pain is subsiding. I hope to get back in stride soon.

Injuries are often as inexplicable for professional athletes. It's easy to sit back as a fan and scoff at a "bruised rib" or "sore shoulder" that a player might be sidelined for. I often do this. Maybe because I assume these guys are in some awesome, supernatural shape and that they should have a higher pain tolerance. Yet, when it became my turn to try and walk around with just a sore foot, I began to remember what a real handicap a small injury is.

When Brian Rafalski sat in the press box Wednesday and talked with Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond in Calgary, I was reminded how these guys handle injuries - with professionalism. Rafalski sounded optimistic, calm yet eager to play. I don't think I would have the patience. It would be like someone taking my computer away for a couple weeks and telling me to continue to do my job - frustrating, yet I would have to handle it with a certain optimistic level of professionalism. Even the interview with Jonathan Ericsson before the game grabbed my attention. Professional hockey players are probably more injured most games than anyone will ever know.

So, naturally I feel like a little whiny jerk about my hurt foot.

Rafalski said he would return next week, possibly Monday at the earliest. Ericsson looked decent in Calgary. He was a strong force. He did not make any horrendous mistakes, at least none that I saw.

Red Wing Of The Week: Pat Verbeek

2010-11-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Pat Verbeek was drafted by the New Jersey Devils 1982. He soon became a venerable two-way forward and eventually a high points producer. He spent seven seasons in New Jersey, another five and a half in Hartford before being traded to the New York Rangers where he spent the remainder of the 1994-1995 season. He won his first and only Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999. The next year he was wearing a Red Wing sweater.

By the time he landed in Detroit, Verbeek had already earned 478 career goals. He joined a Red Wings roster stacked with talent. Brendan Shanahan, Steve Yzerman and Chris Chelios were among his new teammates. Although he will not be remembered for impacting the Wings in any particularly special way, Verbeek will definitely be remembered for just being on the roster. He was a big name, but not a big man - standing just 5 feet 9 inches, 190 lbs.

The Wings struggled to fulfill their championship roster potential during the two seasons Verbeek was on the roster. Yet, he was a bright spot among the disappointment - scoring 37 goals in 135 games. Not bad for a guy in his late 30s. If the Wings can get 22 goals, as Verbeek did, out of Mike Modano in his first - maybe only - year in Detroit, the acquisition could be considered a success.

Pat Verbeek returned to Dallas for his last season in 2001-2002. However, when he retired as a player, he stuck around as a color analyst back in Detroit. He then became a scout with Detroit, and is currently a scout with Tampa Bay - working with former teammate Yzerman.

He is a member of the 500-goal club. Not bad for guy who almost lost his thumb in a farming accident.

Modano Scores, Babcock Has Decision To Make

2010-11-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am breathing a sigh of relief for Mike Modano. It took a few games, but Modano finally netted his second goal of the season. I am not expecting more than 25 goals from the guy. However, he needs to produce some points - especially with all the power play minutes he is getting.

Modano's two goals have been what some would call "goal-scorers" goals. Sure, seems like a pretty damn rhetorical thing to say. Yet, if you're around the game a lot, you know the difference.

Coach Mike Babcock said Jiri Hudler will be returning to the lineup before the western Canada trip is done. Justin Abdelkader scored an important game-winning goal Wednesday and played a strong game. Modano and Abdelkader will probably make Babcock's decision a bit more difficult, especially since Hudler is not producing a whole lot of offense.

I personally would keep Abdelkader in there and Hudler out. However, Hudler is a contract liability. I fear this will become more of an issue as the season unfolds.

Modano will have to sit a lot of games, which is expected and understandable.

Red Wings Beat Flames 2-1 In Calgary

2010-11-03T21:17:00.001-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings got off to a slow start Wednesday, falling behind 1-0 to the Calgary Flames in the first period.

However, the Red Wings bounced back with two goals in the second period. Mike Modano notched his first goal since his first shift of the season. Modano beat Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff glove-side high. Justin Abdelkader, who recently returned to the lineup, also beat Kiprusoff glove side after receiving a crafty pass from Pavel Datsyuk which left Abdelkader all alone with the goaltender.

Jimmy Howard was able to hold the Red Wings in the game early with a few acrobatic saves. Howard returned Wednesday after suffering a back injury. He closed the door on Calgary after the first-period power-play goal.

Detroit continues their western Canada road trip this weekend with back-to-back games in Edmonton, then Vancouver. Saturday's game in Vancouver will be the late game on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.

Red Wings play 2 periods, lose 4-2

2010-10-29T07:55:00.001-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings decided not to play during the first period of Thursday night's game against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Coyotes led 3-0 at the end of 20 minutes. Detroit managed to outscore Phoenix 2-1 for the remainder of the game - Phoenix's last goal was an open netter.

These are 60-minute games. Gary Bettman has not changed that yet. Bettman was at Thursday's game. I am sure he would have mentioned it during his chat with Mickey Redmond.

For the forty minutes the Red Wings did play, they peppered Ilya Bryzgalov. He made 43 saves - 34 of which were made in the second and third periods.

On the other end, Chris Osgood faced 15 shots in the first period, but made only 12 saves. Osgood looked pathetic on a couple of the goals. He was either down early or out of position. However, without Jimmy Howard - who was supposed to start this game but suffered back spasms the day of - on the bench, coach Mike Babcock decided not to pull Osgood after the atrocious first period. It paid off. He came around in the second and third periods, making 21 saves and keeping the Wings within striking distance.

The Red Wings made a push in the last minutes of the game. Osgood was pulled with about a minute left. It seemed as though the Wings had a decent chance to put some final pressure on Bryzgalov until Niklas Kronwall coughed the puck up at his own blue line. Phoenix was able to slide one into the open net and hold on to the lead, 4-2.

Phoenix, again

2010-10-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

Thursday's meeting between the Detroit Red Wings and Phoenix Coyotes is the second in four this season. The Wings were victorious in the first round, skimping past the "Desert Dogs" 2-1. The OT goal by Niklas Kronwall capped an otherwise sketchy performance from both sides.

Here's the deal: Phoenix does not have an offense. If Detroit scores three or more goals then the Coyotes are ... roadkill? Yes, I said roadkill.

The Coyotes scored just 19 goals in eight games. This is relatively bad, considering they have 24 goals against. Detroit scored 23 goals and 18 goals against in seven games. The Red Wings need to put pucks in the net on this team. They need to do it early. The Coyotes will want to keep this game close like the last meeting. A 1-0 game would be fine with them.

The point is, Phoenix can't score. Detroit does not want to be the team that helps turn their offense around for the better. But if so, then the Wings better bring their own offense Thursday night.

The almighty prediction: Detroit 5, Phoenix 2.

Red Wings Schedule

2010-10-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is definitely not a "normal" schedule. This is the third time this month the Detroit Red Wings go four days without playing a game. Whether or not players enjoy this is irrelevant. I think it's obvious there is a huge downside to sitting around so much in the beginning of the season. Slow starts to games become much more prevalent - especially for the Wings this month.

Regardless, the next game is against the Phoenix Coyotes Thursday. The Coyotes are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss in Montreal. They are in Ottawa Tuesday before making Detroit the last stop on a mini eastern-Canada-Michigan road trip. Hopefully they will be tired by the time they roll into Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings will be rested, no doubt.

The Wings have to start establishing presence early in the first period. They can't let the Coyotes take the crowd out of it. If Detroit gets up by a couple goals early, this game is in the books. Phoenix probably won't have the energy to come back at the end of a road trip.

Joe's Corner: Shooting Lanes

2010-10-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Editor's Note: Joe Lupinacci is the author of Joe's Corner. This is his first contribution to DearRedWings.com.

You don’t need to be a big guy to play like one.

I’ve always been a believer that solid positioning and a clear head can make up for lack of size on the ice. Take Dino Ciccarelli for example, 5’ 10” and 180lbs, former right winger for the North Stars, briefly for the Wings, and 2010 inductee to the NHL Hall of Fame. Fans describe Ciccarelli as a scrapper: the guy that never quits poking the goalie until the puck’s in the back of the net or a fist meets his face, and sometimes not even the latter. Ciccarelli was efficient with the space he occupied, because it wasn’t much. It’s the “right place, right time” mentality that made him such a great player, and likely the reason he’s now celebrated at 30 Yonge Street in Toronto.

Today, the NHL has changed immensely since the days of Dino (retired in 1999); and that was not too long ago. Players shoot harder, skate faster, move quicker, and hit with intent to cause great bodily injury. As a result, proper positioning is an essential attribute for a hockey player.

There are two basic types of positioning: on-the-puck and off-the-puck. As you can imagine, on-the-puck positioning comes into play when you actually possess the puck. It’s the breakaways, the dekes or dangles, and moving to make a good pass or get a clear shot.

If it is not clear to you at this point what off-the-puck positioning is, it’s what everyone else is doing when you are fiddling around with the puck. So, instead of watching Pavel Datsyuk take the jock strap off of 6’3 professional defensemen on a one-on-one, try watching what Pavel does to actually get in that situation. Watch where he positions himself when he’s on defense; because remember, every time the other team has the puck you are on defense.

It’s not “right place, right time”. If a player uses these words to credit his goal, he plays slop-hockey and just happened to benefit from his opponents error. Good players move off the puck instinctively. On offense, they rotate, they slide, and they set up one-timers or back-door goals. On defense, they force passes, block shots, cut off shooting lanes and screen goalies.

In last Thursday's game against the Calgary Flames, Todd Bertuzzi got caught playing perfect off-the-puck positioning. I say caught, because let’s face it Bertuzzi, you are more of a plow-through-people, bull in a china shop, kind of player.

Bertuzzi exemplified flawless off-the-puck positioning at 16:43 in the third period when he pressured the Calgary point man with textbook forechecking (like a good winger always does), simultaneously closing the shooting lane and forcing a shot.

Pause for a warning to the youngsters. Three things could have happened at this point: (1) Bertuzzi could have gotten his paints pulled down by over committing to the puck-possessing point man, thereby leaving his zone vulnerable to a clear blazing shot straight to the net. (2) Bertuzzi could have forced a pass or an inaccurate shot, either way accomplishing his goal in a man-to-man situation. Or, (3) The point man could try to take the clear shot he thought he had, only to have it hit the Mission shin guards of Bertuzzi’s perfectly positioned legs.

The result: Bertuzzi on a breakaway, a goal, and a subsequent headline in the Detroit Free Press.

This begs the question: What is the perfect off-the-puck positioning for forechecking a point man?

First, focus on the puck, not the player. This seems obvious in text, but it is counter-intuitive when you are actually on the ice. This is especially true for the young guys who just want lay a hit into everyone they see with a different color jersey. The puck comes from the blade of the stick, not from your opposing team’s logo. The misalignment with the point man’s actual body gives him the false impression that he has a clear shot. Remember a shooter’s eyes are six feet up and three feet over from the blade of his stick.

Second, put your legs together and square them off to the puck. If you are accurate and have your legs apart, the puck is going to go straight through. Also, since you will be coming in at an angle, having your legs apart opens up a very vulnerable portion of your legs: your inner calf muscle, or soleus.

Third, keep your eye on the puck. I’m serious. The last thing you want is to have Bertuzzi’s possible outcome number (1) happen. This means staying in position and not over-committing. Don’t compromise your ultimate purpose on the ice at that moment: to keep the other team from scoring. The older you get the faster the game gets, so don’t let it pass you by.

Fourth, if the puck hits your hands or wrists, it’s going to hurt. So, keep you palms towards the goalie and arms out running 45 degrees from your shoulders. THIS IS NOT BASKETBALL, so don’t leave your palms open to the shooter. I’m laboring this point for a reason. If a shot hits your palms you are going to have some broken bones.

Fifth, lead with the blade of your stick. The point man’s worst nightmare is a simple poke check because after him it’s nothing but open ice straight to tomorrow’s headlines. Aim the blade of your stick at the puck; we call this “stick on stick”. This will help deflect the shot into your body or, at the very least, somewhere other than the net.

Sixth, watch out for your throat. Bury your chin into your chest and raise your shoulders for added protection. A puck to the collar bone or chin is going to hurt, but a clear shot to your throat can knock out your airway. FYI: neck guards are to protect players from skate and stick blades, not from six ounce rubber disks flying at high speeds.

Lastly, something to keep in mind while you are practicing the point man forecheck: the difference between great and terrible off-the-puck positioning is a delicate balance. Simply shifting your momentum too much to one side can give your opponent a severe advantage. Don’t over-commit, but don’t play shy.

Like Dino and Todd, don’t play too much like a meat head (by just plowing through people and constantly over-committing) or a professor (by over thinking every situation and playing too shy). Find the perfect balance and don’t be afraid to get a little bruised. The sting from a slap shot to an unprotected area hurts for a couple of days. The embarrassment from letting a point man get a clear shot to the net will last the season. You, the player, might not think that’s true, but coaches in particular pick up on off-the-puck positioning. It creates situations, leads to goals, and makes for good hockey. So, when your suddenly on the line with the two guys who used to play roller hockey, who never pass you puck, and spend their time on the bench talking about the girls in the stand, you’ll know why.

Joe Lupinacci | Joe's Corner | DearRedWings.com

Todd Bertuzzi: 8 points in 6 games

2010-10-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Detroit Red Wings veteran right winger Todd Bertuzzi is off to a great start this season with eight points in his first six games. Bertuzzi earned two points - a goal and an assists - against Calgary Thursday.

Bert talked to reporters last night after the game:

He is now leading the Wings with his eight points.

Howard shines, Detroit tops Flames 4-2

2010-10-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Howard made 34 saves to help Detroit get passed the Calgary Flames 4-2 at Joe Louis Arena Thursday. Howard made at least a handful of big-time saves. The rest of the Wings gave Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff a tough night - four goals on 30 shots.

Johan Franzen returned to the lineup tonight after sitting out due to a head injury suffered in the Dallas game last week. Franzen wasted no time in making a huge impact. He scored the game-winning goal - a crafty shot banked off of Kiprusoff's head.

Todd Bertuzzi ripped one top shelf to give the Wings a late two-goal cushion in the third period.

Henrik Zetterberg finally got his first goal of the season thanks to a beautiful pass from line mate Pavel Datsyuk. Nicklas Lidstrom opened the scoring in the second period.

The offense was rolling and Howard was on his game. The defense was shaky per usual, but Howard kept the D from being completely exposed.

Ruslan Salei had another questionable performance. Salei notched four penalty minutes. One of Calgary's goals was due to a defensive breakdown in Detroit's zone. Salei followed a man behind the net, leaving the front wide open. This is a giant no-no, especially since the Detroit center was already caught behind the net with Salei's defense partner. I hate to see goals like this. No need for two guys to follow someone behind the net - usually leads to a goal in the NHL.

Mickey-ism of the night (in reference to Patrick Eaves falling backwards over Kiprusoff): "He went back over teakettle, boy." I think he wanted to say "ass over teakettle." I had to refer to an elder viewer to explain this phrase to me. Apparently it's an ancient one meaning any time someone falls over backwards, like a backward flip/roll.

Here are a couple Wings game necessities courtesy of Joe's Corner:

Be sure to check back for more from Joe's Corner.

Starbucks before games?

2010-10-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in Starbucks in Northville when Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom walked in at around 4:30 Thursday. I am not certain what they ordered, but they both walked out with something.

Is this standard? Starbucks before games?

Anyway, as much as the little kid in me wanted to run up and wish the guys good luck against the Calgary Flames, I let them keep a low profile and business appeal. I kept the iPhone camera on the table too. I respect these guys too much.

I hope they both ordered red eyes - my drink of choice. It would help support my theory that caffeine is good before hockey games.

Shoot, I've been back in Metro Detroit for less than two weeks and already I had a Wings sighting. This was much cooler than any of my celebrity sightings in LA.

NHL Central Division breakdown part 1

2010-10-20T11:58:00.001-07:00

The NHL's Central Division: Where the Detroit Red Wings reigned superior until 2010. The Chicago Blackhawks spoiled the nine-year string of division titles and went on to hoist the 2010 Stanley Cup. Nine years, but just eight Red Wings titles due to the 2004-2005 lockout. Darn.

The Blackhawks clinched the division with 52 wins and 112 points last season. Detroit, remarkably, finished second in the division after having its worst post-lockout season - earning only 44 wins and 102 points. Not bad considering this team was out of playoff position in February. Just three years earlier, 102 points would have been more than enough to sit at the top of the Central. Hello competition, we've been waiting for you.

2010-2011 Central Division outlook

Chicago Blackhawks

After earning the franchise's first title since 1961, the Blackhawks disbanded quickly. Numerous key players left for free-agency, more money or even a second chance to play in the minors - Dustin Byfuglien, Atlanta Thrashers. One can't put a price on obscurity.

The high chance for back-to-back titles dwindled suddenly and harshly. To make things more interesting, the Hawks dropped their Cup-winning goalie Antti Niemi for an older, wiser, no-Cups-to-his-name Marty Turco. It was a questionable move.

This all sounds really bad but the truth is this team still has some of the best young talent in the league. The Hawks might struggle to be as dominant this season, but they will be around a strong team for a long time. I would never count them out of the NHL's top contenders.

Nashville Predators

I once read the Predators referred to as the NHL's Minnesota Twins: Consistent, hard-nosed, competitive and tragically mediocre. The Twins are probably better at all four of those. However, Nashville is making a case. Four out of the last five years have included the Preds in the playoffs, but not past the first round. Starting to sound more like the Twinkies every minute.

Head Coach Barry Trotz has limited talent on his roster. However, the longer this franchise exists the more boring this "no talent" excuse gets. Trotz developed his stubborn conservative system from the get-go. It helped this expansion franchise avoid years of doormat status. However, things have to change sometime. No team determined to execute this system will ever be a serious Cup contender in this league. What kind of talent wants to be a part of a mediocre agenda? Rhetorical.

More to come.

Back to Detroit

2010-10-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

The past few months have been hectic for me. As many readers may know, I moved to LA a little more than a year ago. Well, I am back in Detroit now, probably for a long time, if not permanently. It's good to be home.

This should up DRW productivity once I get settled in and back to the grind. No, I did not come back to be on Detroit 187.

Defensive Woes, Somehow 3-1-1

2010-10-17T19:19:00.001-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings are 3-1-1. The first five games showcased Detroit's strengths and weaknesses equally. On one side they have an explosive, deep and talented offense which has the ability to over-power teams with relentless production from several two-way forwards. On the other side is a struggling defense which definitely has not figured out their identity. To make matters worse on D, the Wings are missing veteran Brian Rafalski for a few weeks and up-and-coming big man Jonathan Ericsson. Say what you want about Ericsson, but the team has put a lot of valuable time and effort into making him part of the system. Instead, he's out and someone less-experience is in. The identity crisis has ensued.

Focusing on the defense after five games:

I focused on issues I saw with Niklas Kronwall and Ruslan Salei in my last post. Things have not changed much in the past couple of games. These two still are not showing the consistency needed. Sure, Kronwall has strength on the power play and is jumping into offensive situations more, but until he starts taking responsibility through the neutral zone and back, I am afraid the jury is out on him yet. But instead of breaking the defense down by player, let's take a more macro look at the situation.

The Red Wings are quite average in their own zone right now. They have 12 goals against and are +2 in overall goal differential. If not for Jimmy Howard's brilliance for making the big saves, the Wings could easily be below .500.

Last season the Wings started to develop two terrifying habits: Turnovers in the neutral and defensive zones, and poor breakouts which resulted in turnovers - odd-man rushes or opponents behind the defense. Apparently this still exists. Thursday's defensive meltdown in Dallas proved the bad habits are intensifying. Three of the Stars' goals were due to turnovers. Moreover, Phoenix's goal Saturday was the result of failure to exit the zone after a Howard save. I blame the all five guys on the ice for goals of this nature. Everyone needs to start swarming the rebounds and keeping the puck to the perimeter.

Power plays are for scoring goals:

Poor power play production is definitely something this team isn't used to. In 2008-2009 the Wings were atop the league with a 25.5% conversion rate on the PP. They dropped last season to ninth overall with a 19.2% conversion rate. So far this season, the trend continues: The Wings currently sit at fifteenth with a 16.7% conversation rate after five games. They have four goals in 24 opportunities. Kronwall's OT winner on Saturday was on the PP, but it sure took a while and numerous opportunities.

The Wings PP is currently set up in the umbrella or in a box with a man in front. They attempt to get shots after moving the puck around the perimeter. Often, the unit tries for a couple patented plays: Fake shot off the end boards or a fake shot into a pass to the winger who deflects it in the slot. However, most Detroit PPs showcase the unit's indecision. I would like to see a more direct, clear approach. Simplify it. Get it done.

Unfortunately, poor decisions in the neutral zone have hindered many PP opportunities up to this point. The team finally started to show some life against Phoenix. Getting the puck in the zone is mission one.

It is too early to tell just how deep this offense is. So far, I have only seen hints of dominance. But, a couple players are not living up to expectations.

I would like to the defense and offense mesh better in the defensive and neutral zones. They don't seem to be on the same page at times. It's like a wide receiver running the wrong route sometimes.

Kronwall, Salei Not Helping

2010-10-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Niklas Kronwall is supposed to represent a strong future for the Detroit Red Wings defense. He is supposed to be a lot better by now. He is supposed to be learning from his teacher. He is not supposed to get worse every game. But alas, he pinches often, he is consistently out of position in both zones and gets burned trying to make a big hit. I don't even trust this guy on the man advantage.

With Brian Rafalski out with a knee injury for a few weeks, the doubts I had about Detroit's blue line are coming to fruition. No thanks to Kronwall.

While I wonder what the team sees in "Nick Jr.," a newer face is making matters worse - Ruslan Salei. When is he going to start earning his contract value? I am less-than-impressed with Salei's lazy, idiotic play through the neutral zone. I've seen him get burned a few times too many.

If the Wings were without Nicklas Lidstrom, Brad Stewart and Jimmy Howard, I really don't know if anyone would be responsible for keeping the pucks out of the net. Thank Science Detroit has enough Selke-worthy forwards. I do not feel confident in this D when Stewart and Lidstrom are not on the ice. Without Rafalski, the defense is about to be exposed - and it pretty much already happened against Colorado. Both Kronwall and Salei were responsible for a goal each Tuesday night. The only time I saw this pair play well was in overtime. Thanks.

The shootout loss was the Detroit defense's fault. A 3-1 lead blown. Howard did everything he could to keep them in it, and made several saves in the shootout. No help from his defensemen.

Opening Weekend: Success

2010-10-10T10:46:00.001-07:00

Mike Modano scored on his first shot as a Detroit Red Wing. Valtteri Filppula had a two-goal game. Pavel Datsyuk earned a Gordie Howe hat trick. The Red Wings ruined Chicago's banner-raising party. The Wings finished 2-0 for the weekend.

Pretty good first two games.

Friday night at Joe Louis Arena showcased Detroit's dominating depth on offense. With three lines rolling, Detroit made Anaheim look like little ducklings. And if the scoring wasn't enough, when Anaheim tried to rough them up, the Wings struck back, not afraid to drop the gloves. Datsyuk was no exception.

Friday night was a team effort. The Wings shined on offense, defense and with Jimmy Howard in net. Howard put in a solid effort for the shutout. He made the big saves when needed. He put on a clinic of conservative, position goaltending. He was never rattled, never beaten.

Saturday they crashed a party. The Chicago Blackhawks were supposed to be running high on emotions after their first banner raising ceremony in 49 years. Yet, it wasn't the same championship Blackhawks team. Literally, a huge chunk of the roster left in the offseason.

Detroit did not look great. They were clearly struggling from the back-to-back games. Luckily, Chicago was less-than-impressive. Consequently, the game was a little slow after a decent first period. Both teams made mistakes. Both teams notched cheap goals. It could have gone either way, but give credit to Detroit for silencing the United Center with the first goal of the game. Chicago was never in control of this one.

I think we're in for a fun season.

Goalie Pads - Something I Agree With

2010-10-07T20:30:00.001-07:00

Over the past few years I have disagreed with a lot of rule changes the NHL has made: The trapezoid, the delay of game minor penalty for lifting the puck out of your zone (incidental), and even the no-change icing - which I would have liked to see a compromise of some sorts. Anyway, one thing I do like is the modifications to the ever-growing goalie pads. It just makes sense. Those things were getting pretty ridiculous.

The goalies may be bitching a little about it, but no one else. It's not about the goals as much as a return to normalcy. If we kept growing a little each year, those things would eventually cover the net.

I noticed this a few times during the Chicago/Colorado game Thursday. Marty Turco looked a bit slimmer, and I know it's not him.

Hockey is back. Enjoy.

After Watching Highlights

2010-10-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

I watched the highlights from the Toronto game. Detroit was just toying with them.

Toronto seems to have one line - the Kris Versteeg line. They definitely did not not have a strong effort in net from Jussi Rynnas.

Detroit looked fine. Worlds ahead of the Leafs. Of course, all the big guns were firing - and they were firing at a pee-wee caliber goalie, at least tonight.

It's good to see Jiri Hudler still has hands. He will be a huge help in the offensive zone if he continues to generate offense like I saw in some highlights from this game.

Thomas McCollum looked just OK. He had some stunning saves, but a couple of those goals were a little weak. Definitely not his fault though. Yet, I always expect more from goalies when they show they can make the big save. I want them to do it every time.

Here is the game in six minutes from the Leafs' faithful perspective.

Maple Leafs: They Live a Nightmare

2010-10-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings beat up on the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-3 tonight at Joe Louis Arena.

Forget about Detroit for a minute and consider the Leafs. What a joke. Just read the following from the Toronto Star, it pretty much sums it up:

Paul HunterSports Reporter - The Toronto Star, www.thestar.com

DETROIT—In exhibition play, sometimes it’s good not to be noticed, other times it likely solidifies a trip to the minors.

Such was the case for Jeff Finger and Nazem Kadri here Friday as a group of Wings, close to the one that will open the season, eviscerated a roster of Leafs that also isn’t that far off the lineup that will take to the ice in the season opener Thursday against Montreal.

The 7-3 final was ugly and embarrassing and will tighten collars among team management and fans alike with just one more friendly remaining to get it right. But while the Leafs clearly aren’t in the same league as the impressive Wings, they might not have been torched this badly if minor-league netminder Jussi Rynnas hadn’t been channeling Finnish countryman Vesa Toskala.

Hopefully the prospect isn’t rattled for life, but he might need to lather himself in aloe vera to sooth the scorch marks.

Kadri, in what has been characterized as his last shot to impress, was mostly invisible at Joe Louis Arena. Though his linemates, Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin, didn’t dazzle either until the game was well out of hand. In the third, Kulemin delivered a nice pass that Grabovski converted into a pretty goal.

Clarke MacArthur, out with a groin strain, will eventually take that spot on the left side of the No. 2 line, possibly as early as Saturday night when coach Ron Wilson said he will dress a lineup as close to Thursday’s as injuries will allow. Kadri was just a space holder there in this loss and didn’t wow anybody. Barring injuries, he’ll be starting the season on the farm with the Marlies.

John Mitchell, another centre fighting for a job on the big club, didn’t stand out either. He’ll likely start the season in the press box as an extra forward, with the energetic Tim Brent, a scratch Friday, securing the third-line pivot spot between Colby Armstrong and Fred Sjostrom.

On defence, Finger made his exhibition debut after hurting his knee earlier at training camp. He played much as he did last season. An unspectacular fifth or sixth blueliner, Finger impresses with his willingness to block shots but he blended in with the rest of a Toronto blue-line corps, which was mostly overwhelmed by Detroit’s talent.

If Finger wasn’t overpaid at $3.5 million (U.S.) a season — and that’s not his fault — the 30-year-old wouldn’t be the lightning rod that he has become for fan criticism.

Once the lineup is set and the focus turns to who is on the team rather than who isn’t, newcomer Kris Versteeg will start getting some much deserved attention. On a dismal night for the Leafs, he set up two highlight reel goals with lovely cross-ice passes.

A first power-play unit with Kris Versteeg, Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel up front and Tomas Kaberle along with Dion Phaneuf on the backend has the potential to be devastatingly good.

Versteeg has the hands and vision to create some magic with his linemates. On Toronto’s first goal, which came during a man advantage, he circled out from behind the net into the right faceoff circle, drew the Detroit penalty killers towards him and then fired a perfect pass to Kessel who was open on the other side.

While the power play definitely has the potential to be better, particularly if Phaneuf decides he doesn’t have to blast the puck every time it hits his stick, Toronto’s penalty killing — worst in the league last season — looks like it will continue to struggle, especially against a talent-laden squad like Detroit’s. The ability of veteran pickup Mike Modano to play the point is a nice addition for the Wings.

Kessel showed the flipside of his offensive skills, when he got caught out of position while out killing a penalty. That helped lead to Detroit’s third goal scored by a wide open Jakub Kindl in the high slot. The way the Leafs went up in flames, his surname should have been kindling.

Yikes. So at least they have Versteeg? Long year ahead. Keep in mind this isn't as much of a "make the team or stay down there" type deal for these Leafs guys as it is in Detroit. These young players will end up in a Leafs sweater a lot more as the season goes. The team isn't spoiled with great depth like Detroit is. That's really scary for Leafs nation.

Joe's Corner

2010-09-27T12:45:00.001-07:00

Please stay tuned to DRW for a new addition: Joe's Corner. Joe Lupinacci is a proud MSHL (Mini Stick Hockey League) alum, and is ready to unleash his hockey wit here at DRW.

Lupinacci is DRW's first outside contributor. He has gone through rigorous training and was even forced to earn a law degree before being given his own page.

I am thrilled to have him on board!

Name That Old Red Wing: Episode 5

2010-09-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

That's right Joe, Episode 4's answer is Paul "Rocket Man" Ysebaert - not to be confused with "Yzerman." What are the odds of having two names starting with "Yseh" on the same roster? Slim. Slim odds indeed.

Ysebaert did in fact earn the 1991-92 NHL Plus/Minus award with a solid plus 44. The next Red Wing to win this award would be Chris Chelios for the 2001-02 season. Chelios recorded an impressive plus 40 - which wasn't even his career best - plus 48 in 1999-00 with Detroit.

I digress.

On to the next. Good friggin' luck with this guy.

Think "Dead Wings" or "Dead Things" era - circa 1970s. This guy played in 314 games with Detroit from 1970 to1983. That's a long time, yes. The sad thing is, during those 13 seasons, he only appeared in three (THREE) playoff games. He also spent some time with the now-defunct OHA affiliate Hamilton Red Wings.

That is all.

The Kids Are ... Oh Whatever

2010-09-25T13:45:00.001-07:00

The youngsters are stepping it up. Jan Mursak broke out with a goal in last night's exhibition against Chicago. This is fun to hear about. I wish I could see some of these games, but such is life.

Mursak has been in and out of the Grand Rapids Griffins roster since 2006. He played in a total of 130 games in the past two seasons with Grand Rapids. He had 24 goals in 79 games during the 2009-2010 campaign. Maybe he's for real now. He is 22 and hails from Slovenia. I would place a picture of him here, but they all suck. He has to earn some decent photos before I start placing them on DRW.

Tonight, the Red Wings allow Chicago to play host. Some of the Wings regulars will be making the trip, but not all.

Again, hopefully another young guy makes the most of his time wearing the winged wheel. It means a lot to the organization, clearly, but it also makes Chicago look like fools. I'm not sure which is more important to me.

Time to take the central division back. Never too soon to start. Pre-season what?

Penguins Beat Up "Red Wings" In Pre-Season Opener

2010-09-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

What happened? Sheesh.

Detroit brought some guys up from the Griffins, sat a lot of starters, and lost 5-1 in Pittsburgh. That's what happened.

I am pretty unimpressed by some of the defensive numbers in the box score. These guys are trying to make the team right? I mean, get it together. Where is the hunger?

No one should ever go minus 4 on the Detroit Red Wings. Yeah, I'm talking to you Brian Lashoff. Also, If Derek Meech wants serious minutes this year, he's going to have to start playing actual defense.

I am going strictly off the numbers. But, sometimes that's all you can judge. I'm not OK with Ruslan Salei doing all the scoring.

How did Todd Bertuzzi get 17 penalty minutes?

I hope these are the worst numbers I see all season. What a nightmare to look at.

Exhibition Begins

2010-09-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, the season is almost here!

I turned on Sports Center last night, saw a hockey highlight. Surreal. It's difficult to see those during the regular season, let alone the pre-season.

So, the truth is I have been uber busy with life. You know, trying to stay alive and enjoy it too. Blogging always seems to get thrown on the sidelines. However, the season is almost here! I have to do my due diligence.

The Red Wings face the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight, in Pittsburgh. Yeah! I'm excited! Can you tell? Not. Just a tease folks. This isn't even on the TV.

But, pay attention to the stats and box scores. Some of those young prospects are still fighting for a spot. I love it. NHL exhibition games are tryouts. For Red Wings players, this is extremely important. There is a ton of young talent on the team and in Grand Rapids.

Let's go! This is the most I have ever used exclamation points in my life... !

Cheers!

Sometimes I Forget About Modano

2010-09-18T16:36:00.001-07:00

I saw this pic of Mike Modano from training camp and it startled me - in a good way. It is definitely strange to see him in red and white. It looks good.

I am definitely excited to see what he can do this year.

Look at those classic CCM Tacks.

The Red Wings should have no problem helping Modano appear five years younger.

God, just putting on the Wings sweater should make him feel a hell of a lot better - and look good. No Mooterus here brother, no worries.

Captains Around the League

2010-09-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

When you pay attention to the entire NHL with an objective viewpoint of each team, managing a fan blog for just one franchise becomes increasingly difficult. This post has nothing to do with the Red Wings. Deal with it.

Captains around the league:

Roberto Luongo gives up the "C" in Vancouver:

Earlier this week, Vancouver Canucks star goalie Roberto Luongo stepped down after two years as Canucks captain. He was the first goalie in franchise history to be named captain. Seriously, who makes the goalie captain? I never agreed with it. But, I am not in the locker room. Maybe he really was the best decision. That's unfortunate.

Of course, now the hot topic in the great northwest is who should be named his succeeder. I really don't think there is much debate beyond two players here: Henrik Sedin or Ryan Kesler. Moreover, I think Kesler edges out Henrik simply from a charisma and media standpoint. Plus, he's younger and grittier. I, and all Canadians, would be fools to tell you it doesn't matter in Canada if your Captain is not North American - must I mention the epic Mats Sundin fail? Yet, Kesler is a dirty American, so take your pick.

More Captain news in Montreal:

This is definitely one of the best/worst things to be in the NHL: The captain of the Montreal Canadiens. Just ask Chris Chelios.

Brian Gionta will be named the 28th captain in franchise history. He is American. So that's something to think about - Chelios is the only other American to hold the title. Gionta will love it. Gionta will hate it. Good luck son. Whatever, he's gone in a year anyway, right?

It's obvious he will face some criticism for being an American. This isn't something I am making up. This is from CBCSports.ca:

"Parti Québécois Leader Pauline Marois says she would like to see more francophone players on the Montreal Canadiens."

Oops.

The Habs did not have a captain last season during their magical run to the conference final.

Name That Old Red Wing: Episode 4

2010-09-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Indeed famous for being traded for former Pittsburgh Penguin Tomas Sandstrom, Episode 3's old Red Wing is Greg Johnson. In August 2006, Johnson returned to the Wings. However, his career would be ended by health complications. He retired as a Red Wing in September 2006.

Moving forward. This next old Red Wing had a high impact in a short amount of time with Detroit in the early 1990s. He did not get to enjoy the glory of the ladder half of the decade, but he was instrumental in helping the Wings regain and sustain a competitive edge. His name is often overlooked and sometimes confused.

Moreover, he was the first Red Wing to win a certain very prestigious award from the NHL. Anything more would be giving it away.

Red Wing of the Week: Adam Oates

2010-09-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

No, that's not Ray Liotta, it's Adam Oates - the guy from "Goodfellas." Wait. Never mind.

Oates played four seasons with the Detroit Red Wings - 1985-1989. Never drafted, Oates joined the club after a great college career. He filled in as center on Detroit's second line and began to make a name for himself as a premier playmaker in the league. He compiled 145 assists in 246 games with the Wings. He could score too.

But Oates spent most of his career playing against the Winged Wheel. He was traded to the St. Louis Blues in a deal which involved teammate Paul MacLean, Blues' Bernie Federko and Tony McKegney. In St. Louis, he became part of the iconic "Hull 'n Oates" duo with line mate Brett Hull. Hull scored 86 goals in the 1990-91 season and Oates earned 90 assists. They were a deathly combination.

His best years were in the early-to-mid 90s with St. Louis and then the Boston Bruins. Oates earned 97 assists and a total of 142 points. This would have assured him the 2010 Hart Trophy, no problem.

Oates got a chance to compete against old friend and teammate Steve Yzerman in 1998 when his Washington Capitals met the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup final. It was the first of two trips he would make to the Cup finals. He never won.

Oates was also an accomplished lacrosse player. He is now an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils - or maybe that's Ray Liotta.

Some Comments On EA's NHL 11

2010-09-10T11:18:00.001-07:00

I played EA's NHL 11 on Xbox yesterday. It was the first day since Tuesday which I had a chance to really sit down and get into it. At this point I am pretty decent. I played NHL 10, but never owned it. I never even owned an Xbox 360 counsel until a month and a half ago. So, I wasn't a pro with the controls right away.

However, I feel like I have come a long way in the past month due to playing the demo. I started a season with the Vancouver Canucks. I find it difficult to be Detroit in video games for some reason. I don't know. This has always been the case. Maybe I'm just superstitious. With the game play set to the "Pro" level I started to definitely appreciate and enjoy the realism of the game. I started the season out 6-0. Then I was 11-0-1. Ryan Kesler is pretty awesome in this. Then, I put it up to "All-Star" and of course realized how much I still suck. There is a huge gap between the two levels. The CPU becomes a bit unfair. It's very difficult to score. It's very difficult to force turnovers.

I know I have to get better, but with the CPU acting like untouchable gods on the ice, I feel like I'm staring at an impossible feat. I lost four games in a row. Then I put it back to Pro level, and lost a couple more. Not sure why. I think I just suck at these newer video games - NCAA 11 should have been a forewarning.

However, I think this game is awesome. It's as realistic as one can expect. The CPU seems a bit ridiculous, but whatever. I need to start playing humans. Then, I will be able to fully review this game.

Stay Tuned

2010-09-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

Check back here for the new episode of "Red Wing of the Week" and "Name That Old Red Wing." I will be writing some more. Work and life get in the way of this blog. Which is quite a shame.

Before I end this brief message, let me say EA's NHL 11 is amazing and it too will take time away from the blog. I will hopefully get enough energy to write a review of the game. Hopefully.

Bruins Fan Punches Yzerman

2010-09-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

This is pure gold. Stevie really took one here. Like a champ of course.

I mean, I'm assuming there is alcohol involved here. Who does this? LOL. We can laugh about it now.

Red Wing of the Week: Stu Grimson

2010-09-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

One thing comes to mind when Stu Grimson is mentioned: Stuuuuuuuuuuuu. Next is the fighting. He did it well. He did it often.

A heavyweight fighter through and through, I consider Grimson to be one of the last members of the true heavyweight fighters club - which died off by the late 90s. There are fighters today, but their roles have definitely been reduced in the NHL. Back then, a player like Grimson was more than a novelty for fight-hungry fans, he was a necessity on most rosters. This culture still exist in the league, yet it's definitely not as prominent. And maybe it exists more outside of Detroit Red Wings hockey. Moreover, to be completely honest, just in the last few seasons, I have seen this culture start creeping back into the league, which is a great sign.

I digress.

Bob Probert was let go in July 1994. Someone needed to fill the tough-guy void. In reality, Grimson only played 67 games in a Wings jersey between 1994 and the beginning of 1997 - nowhere near Probert's impact. He notched zero goals, a whopping one assist and 165 penalty minutes. Clearly, he was on the team to fight. He played 56 games during the 1995-96 season and earned 128 penalty minutes. However, his best fighting years were not in Detroit. In fact, arguably his worst years were with the Red Wings. Hurt much? Yeah, from what I recall. Still, he left his mark on the fans. Grimson was just an added bonus to the already impressive '96 team. Not only would the Red Wings win, but Stuuuu might kill someone too.

Let us recall Grimson's handy work against a familiar face:

Name That Old Red Wing: Episode 3

2010-08-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Episode two should have been a little more difficult than one. Still, someone guessed him: Greg Stefan. I appreciate the feedback, just wish it wasn't anonymous. Feel free to drop your name.

Stefan sums up 1980s Detroit Red Wings goal tending. He didn't have an all-star defense in front of him. Yet, he managed a 3.92 goals against average - in the 80s. Not too bad considering how awful the team was for some of those nine seasons. However, his save percentage was at .868. Not so great. He had slightly better playoff numbers.

Overall, Stefan can be remembered for his record in career penalty minutes - more than any other Detroit goalie to date. There were a few more brawls back then.

Photo courtesy of www.GoaliesArchive.com.

Time to move on to Episode three's feature.

This Red Wing also played with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has a younger brother who is still active in the NHL. They both attended the University of North Dakota.

That shouldn't be too difficult.

Kirk Maltby Back With Detroit?

2010-08-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Rumor/fact, whatever it is right now, says Kirk Maltby is going to be in Grand Rapids soon. In other words, he is going back to Detroit, but won't exactly be "in the lineup," for now.

Let me be really frank about this: Go away Maltby. It's time to leave. This is not a personal attack on the guy. I appreciate everything he has done for the team during the past 15 years or so. However, it is time for him to move on. It is time for the team to move on.

Maybe this is just temporary until he can find a job within the organization which doesn't involve playing hockey. I was thinking he would go play on another roster - where he might get some better ice time. Yet, it's clear now that he wants to stay close to Detroit. Moreover, I didn't know he is healthy.

I hope both parties involved make the right move.

Todd Bertuzzi Guelph Storm Player Card

2010-08-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this retro Todd Bertuzzi trading card. Yeah, randomly.

Bertuzzi spent four seasons with the Guelph Storm before moving up to the New York Islanders in 1995. In his final season with Guelph he set the club's all-time single season goals record with 54 - which is also his personal best with any team since 1990-91.

This card is from the 1992-93 season. In 1993-94, Bertuzzi notched 28 goals and a total of 82 points in 61 games with the Storm.

Hopefully Bert can officially get back into sniping form with the Red Wings this season. I have no clue how healthy he is, but he appeared in all 82 games last year with Detroit, so that's a good sign. He's 35, but he is in great shape. Just needs to get the hands working again. I have faith in this guy. He could really help make Detroit's second line the deadliest in the league.

Once a goal scorer, always a goal scorer.

Comparisons to 2002

2010-08-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Big Red Machine recently did a nice job of comparing the 2002 forward lines to the current Red Wings. Worth checking out.

No one can look at this roster and not compare it to the 2002 star-studded squad. However, the team has nowhere near as much depth on the blue line today. That being said, I think Big Red Machine will offer a comparison on the defense too. So, stay tuned to that blog if you're interested.

Pretty awesome.

Peace.

August is Pathetic

2010-08-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

Let's all agree: August is pathetic. Everyone wants hockey. No one has it. All the news is bullshit and we have all heard enough about Ilya Kovulchuk. He can go Russia forever and it could be the perfect ending to a disgustingly epic post-lockout off season. Yes, that can be read as quite a sweeping generalization and dark viewpoint of future NHL off seasons. It can be.

I started to get a little interested in Brendan Shanahan's potential rule modifications camp. At first, the whole idea scared me. I can take change. Shit, I like a lot of change. However, hockey has always been a constant in my life - as a player, an official, a fan and a blogger. When I hear about radical changes to one of the most dependable things in my life, I start to worry a little. But, when I take a step back and think about the big picture, things started to look a bit better - as they often do.

One thing I want to comment on: The Detroit Red Wings raising ticket prices on certain games is shitty. Makes sense, I guess. A lot of shitty things make sense.

Soon we will be out of this month. Thank science.

Abdelkader Locked For 2

2010-08-23T14:25:00.001-07:00

Justin Abdelkader is a Detroit Red Wing for at least two more seasons. No surprise here. However, as I stated before, he still has a lot of work to do. He needs to work on his consistency. When he is on his game, he is one of the quickest and strongest players on the roster.

Overall, I am glad he has been given the chance to prove himself with this club. It is always nice to have another Michigan boy with the team. I think Detroit is up to three right now - Brian Rafalski and Mike Modano.

Cheers. Time to relive my days at Michigan State.

No-touch Icing, Pick Your Faceoff Opponent

2010-08-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Time for me to comment on a couple of these rule changes being discussed at the NHL Reserved Development camp. Brendan Shanahan and boys have been busy testing out some possible rule changes for the NHL. There are quite a few dealing with icing, offsides, face offs and more. Here's my thoughts on a couple of the potential rule modifications.

No-touch icing:

Amateur players know the drill - the play is dead as soon as the puck crosses the goal line. This is safer for players because it takes away high-speed chases into the end boards. However, the NHL uses touch icing in order to force the players to hustle until the end of the play. Some forwards take a lot of pride in beating defenseman to the puck. Of course, there have been some really scary plays and injuries due to this rule. And now there is a division of opinion among the rule makers in the NHL. The RD camp did some model-research in order to help decide whether to implement the no-touch rule in the NHL.

To be clear, this potential rule is not like the amateur no-touch. Officials will be allowed to make a judgement call. If the icing appears intentional, it's no-touch, no doubt. But if it's a missed pass, it's a race. Moreover, the defenseman has to make a play and cannot take advantage of the rule by letting pucks float into the corner. So, a lot of room for judgement on the official's side.

I am in support of this rule. I think it needs to be tried at least for a season. I don't think it will change the game too much. It might be a little more difficult for the officials, but in the end, I think it makes more sense. Yet, the conservative hockey fan in me still cringes at any rule change like this. I think if the league gives it a chance, fans might start to wonder how the game was played without no-touch.

The Face off Rule:

This rule deals with officials chasing guys from the face off dot in the offensive zone for cheating. The defensive center will be allowed to choose from any of the other skaters on the ice for a new opponent at the dot. So, most likely the center will choose an opposing defenseman to face.

I think this is ridiculous. Why put so much bullshit in the game? I do not want to see some kind of circus going on while the official is trying to drop the puck. If a guy cheats at draws (or even a winger cheats) just kick them out. I don't see why this rule is even necessary. Your center gets kicked out of the draw already, does there need to be a more severe punishment for this? No, absolutely not.

There are plenty other possible rule changes, equipment modifications and even rink/net dimensions being discussed. Most of it kind of scares me, but I think that's a normal response. I have to trust the men doing this research are acting in the best interest of the game. I know they want to make the play better for fans and players, but I personally care more about preserving the game and only making subtle, smart rule modifications.

Red Wing of the Week: Bob Errey

2010-08-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

Bob Errey spent his best years - his prime - with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1983 to 1993 before heading to Buffalo at the end of the '93 season. After helping the team win back-to-back Stanley Cups, Pittsburgh dumped him, more or less.

Errey's career wasn't over after the 10 productive years he spent in Pittsburgh. However, he had to modify his style a little to find a role on rosters. While helping a young start-up San Jose Sharks franchise perform a first-round upset against a quick, talented Detroit team in 1994, Errey got Detroit's attention. Soon, he would find himself wearing a Wings sweater and in a position to earn a third Stanley Cup.

He landed in Detroit during the lockout season of 1994-95. He helped the Red Wings make a push to the finals - scoring six points in 18 playoff games. Of course, the Wings couldn't push through the New Jersey Devils, and 1995 became Errey's last trip to the finals.

Bob was a another important piece to Detroit's record 62-win season in 1995-96. He notched 32 points in 71 games. Yet, fate was not on the teams side in the playoffs that year.

Errey was let go before the end of the 1996-97 season in order to make room for a couple big names - Brendan Shanahan and Larry Murphy. He missed out on the next two years of glory in Detroit while with San Jose and Dallas. I definitely would have liked to see him celebrate with the club.

Bob Errey is remembered for bringing veteran depth to a relatively inexperienced Detroit roster - an important ingredient to the formula Detroit became known for perfecting. He didn't spend much time with the team, but definitely seemed to have an impact on the young players.

I will always remember Errey from the famous Yzerman goal. He was the first to embrace Stevie while he jumped around uncontrollably in the corner.

Probert vs. Primeau in Practice

2010-08-22T12:03:00.001-07:00

This is awesome. Bob Probert fights Keith Primeau in practice. Not sure why or how this started. If you recall, please share.

Name That Old Red Wing: Episode 2

2010-08-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

I guess Episode 1 was not hard enough - somebody got it right about an hour after I posted it. The answer: Brent Gilchrist. I had difficulty finding a decent photo of Gilchrist in a Detroit jersey.

On to the next one.

Name this old Red Wing:

He played nine seasons with the Red Wings. During those nine seasons he appeared in 30 playoff games. He was a Detroit draft pick and turned out to be a pretty decent one.

Much like last episode's Red Wing, this guy suffered an injury which ended his career a bit early.

After his NHL playing career, he hung around hockey for a long time. He coached in the OHL for many seasons before moving up to the NHL - eventually winning a Stanley Cup while in a coaching position with another club.

Breakout Seasons

2010-08-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

The term "breakout" is often used to describe a player hitting his potential. His breakout season is when he really starts to become effective on the ice. Sometimes it takes a few seasons for this to happen. Not everyone is Sidney Crosby or Steve Yzerman - both had 39 goals in their rookie seasons.

Breakout seasons are not always easy to come by on the Detroit Red Wings. This is mostly due to the veteran talent Detroit usually has throughout the roster. Young guys really have to battle for ice time. The best breakout seasons I have seen in recent years have come from Jimmy Howard, Jiri Hudler and Johan Franzen. Howard shined last season, while the Mule proved he is the true definition of a power forward a few seasons ago. Hudler, well, I never noticed how effective the guy was until he was gone. He had a couple breakout seasons.

Who is next? It should have been Valtteri Filppula last season if not for his wrist injury. Yet, I can't really complain. Filppula doesn't need to "breakout" in my opinion. He just needs to stay consistent and be smart. He's freaking good.

Darren Helm seems to have a huge following of loyal "Helmer" fans. A lot of people have pegged him as the next Kris Draper or Kirk Maltby - in their primes of course. Mickey Redmond may be his number one fan. But even Mickey must admit: Helm could be a lot better. Last season should have been Helm's breakout party. What happened? He played in 75 games, 12 playoff games with not the most impressive numbers - 11 goals, 24 points and one playoff goal. Let's not get too excited. With his speed and the amount of ice time he got last season, he should have had 20 goals. He may have done his job on the defensive end of the puck, but he still needs to prove himself as an effective offensive player.

With the signing of veteran Mike Modano, some fans complained this would take ice time away from developing players such as Helm and Justin Abdelkader. I want to remind everyone this is the Detroit Red Wings, not the Florida Panthers. Players like Helm and Abdelkader aren't simply given time to develop. They have to earn it. In my opinion, they haven't showed the consistency needed to be effective in this lineup every night.

It's not typically fair to harp on third and fourth line guys for points production. I am not saying Helm, Abdelkader, Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller need to be scoring every shift. Not possible. But I do want to see consistency. I don't believe a forward's breakout season should be about scoring points necessarily. Yet, he needs to show he's capable of doing what it takes, every night.

Name That Old Red Wing: Episode 1

2010-08-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

This is the first episode in a series of posts titled "Name That Old Red Wing."

I dug deep for this one. I wanted to start off on a strong, difficult note. So without further delay, name this old Red Wing:

He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens back in the mid 80s. He had his best AHL season in 1987-88 with the Sherbrooke Canadiens, scoring 74 points - enough to get him a spot in Montreal's lineup the next season.

Four seasons of minimal playing time passed, yet relatively decent production, in Montreal before he landed in Edmonton, and then Minnesota soon after. Then, he joined Minnesota in their move to Dallas and four seasons later (1997) he was a Detroit Red Wing.

He suffered from a serious groin injury during most of his five seasons with Detroit - missing a lot of games and never really getting much attention.

Eventually, he was forced to retire in 2003 after a bout with the Nashville Predators.

New Series: Name That Old Red Wing

2010-08-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

I will be starting a new series to hopefully complement "Red Wing of the Week." It will be called "Name That Old Red Wing." Basically, I will describe a former Detroit Red Wings player, coach or even someone in management. The reader will have to guess the identity.

I will post answers in a different location here at DRW.

The idea to do this comes from years of playing "name that old Red Wing" with friends and family. Most notably in college when my friends and I would sit around, have some beers and name off Red Wings of past. Yeah, we were that cool.

So stay tuned to DearRedWings.com in order to "Name That Old Red Wing."

Red Wing of the Week: Dallas Drake

2010-08-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Dallas Drake was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1989 - 6th round, 116th overall. Before that (and it amazes me how many Wings fans don't know this - especially after his resurgence in 2007) Drake was a star at Northern Michigan University. Under coach Rick Comley - current coach at Michigan State University - Drake and teammates earned the 1991 NCAA Championship. In his senior year at NMU, he scored 83 points. The Wings had some really high hopes for this low draft pick.

He performed well in his rookie season - notching 44 points and earning respect from Red Wings nation. Yet, his sophomore slump and a new-look, more "European" Red Wings was enough to get him shipped out to Winnipeg with teammate Tim Cheveldae.

Dallas became one of the more "hated" players in the league. This is no secret. He was known throughout the league as a hard-nosed, dedicated workhorse who wasn't afraid to scrap. Detroit fans got to know him best while he was skating against the Wings with Winnipeg, Phoenix and St. Louis. Most Red Wings fans would probably finger Drake as a hated opponent throughout most his years - which is why I chose the Blues photo. Yet, like many players, Dallas was welcomed back to the organization late in his career. The franchise had respect for him. Soon, the fans would too.

Detroit's 2008 Cup run included a star-studded lineup of players in their prime. Drake's role was to provide veteran depth and grit. Honestly, the 2007-2008 really proved how impactful this guy could be. He fit the role perfectly and without Drake's commitment to the system, I don't know if Detroit would have been the same team that year. He definitely earned his name on the Cup. It was a great end to a hard-fought career.

When I think of Dallas Drake, I think of hard work and determination. He truly is a testament to surviving in a league where snipers and playmakers get the headlines and the contracts.

The Team Faces Thing

2010-08-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

If you're paying attention to Puck Daddy's "Mount Puckmore" features, you know there is a Red Wings one on the way. No, don't worry, I'll leave it up to them to do the picks. That will be a tough one.

But it got me thinking: Does it really matter? Some of these franchises have had some great players, yet no Cups to show for it - St. Louis Blues. And if the Washington Capitals never hoist the Cup, will any of these superstars matter?

So I am left wondering: Shouldn't we just focus on management? Building a Cup-winning team - a dynasty even - is not in the player's control most years. Chicken or the egg? Right? Well, that's a debatable subject. Too many questions: Does the player help form the team? Does the organization develop the player? Etc., etc.

Whatever, something to think about. But, I have enjoyed the Mount Puckmore series thus far - mostly because the pieces are written by actual fans. I am not here to dump on this.

The Rules of Hockey: Slap Shot

2010-08-16T01:24:00.001-07:00

How about a little cinematic hockey fun while we wait for the season to start. Never gets old. I heard a rumor (a while ago and I never heard anything more) about a remake of Slap Shot. Please, don't let this be true.

Burying the Puck: Frustrating

2010-08-14T22:29:00.001-07:00

This clip from a game against Edmonton last season is proof to support my previous post about the Red Wings making goalies look like gods. Now, this is a great save from Jeff Deslauriers. Yet, what the hell?!?! That's an open net. Bury the puck!

I would accept Kris Draper missing this. But Henrik Zetterberg needs to put this puck where no human can touch it - not right where you would expect a goalie to make a last-ditch effort for an improbable save. I'm talking about ripping it high.

Detroit fans know how often this seems to happen to the boys. They set each other up with pretty plays but seem to struggle to put the puck in the back of the net.

Is it too much to ask? This just makes me want to vomit.

Funny Mock Yzerman Story

2010-08-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

I found this creative piece of Tampa Bay Lightning coverage over at DontTradeVinny.blogspot.com. One has to appreciate this stuff.

Well it's obvious: Stevie is taking what is rightfully his. He is probably going to have the Tampa Bay franchise back in the finals in a couple years. I can't say I am excited about it, but it's true.

He learned from some of the greatest.

As for the Montreal Canadiens: WTF?!?!

Willi Plett Tries to Kill Greg Stefan

2010-08-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this video while perusing for Tim Cheveldae fighting clips. This is one of the best. Definitely before my time.

Then I found this funny statement on Willi Plett's Wikipedia page:

"... with Minnesota his role eventually changed from goal scorer to exclusively pugilist."

Well, here you have it: Willi Plett tries to kill Detroit Red Wings goaltender Greg Stefan - circa 1980 something.

Tim Cheveldae vs. Curtis Joseph Goalie Fight

2010-08-11T16:16:00.001-07:00

This is a must see.

Carolina Hurricanes Piece at Puck Daddy

2010-08-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Puck Daddy recently did a piece on the Carolina Hurricanes called "Mount puckmore: The four faces of the Carolina Hurricanes." I suggest checking it out if you have any interest in learning why this franchise matters after the move from Hartford.

They mention the 2002 powerhouse that was the Detroit Red Wings - how they destroyed the Canes in the finals.

Overall, the piece pays homage to the fan base and ownership of the Canes. I really appreciate this type of franchise profiling. It's important for hockey fans to pay attention to the more obscure markets in order to figure out how they garner success and sustain a following. Doing this may help explain the NHL's push for new markets. When it's done correctly by the right owner in the right place, it works. The Carolina Hurricanes are the best example the NHL has. The Phoenix Coyotes are the worst.

Ruslan Salei Adds More Depth to Blue Line

2010-08-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

The signing of Ruslan Salei is ... who is Ruslan Salei? I think PuckDaddy said it best when referring to the obvious options Ken Holland had, and then the dude he went with. He seems to surprise often. Personally, I am not surprised with the move. I expected a veteran addition. I did not, however, expect Salei.

Who he is:

I remember Salei from the 2003 playoffs. He was with coach Mike Babcock's Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (Ah yes, starting to make sense). If you recall, Detroit made an early exit from those playoffs - a first-round blunder. Number eight Anaheim swept them. It hurts to go back. Salei had a hand in it. I remember the series like a nightmare. I can hear the commentators now: "Salei ... passes to Selanne, Selanne to Kariya, SCORES!!" Awful. But there he is. Forever. They made that 2003 run until the New Jersey Devils brought the hockey world back to reality. Scott Stevens almost killed Paul Kariya, etc. etc. You know.

Salei had five points in 21 playoff games that year. He was a big part of the fairytale Mighty Ducks.

But before 2003, there was an incident which sticks out. Salei was suspended by the NHL for ten games after putting a Dallas player's face into the boards. The player suffered a concussion and some other neck injuries along with a broken nose. Oh, the Dallas player was none other than Mike Modano. This was 11 years ago. No more hard feelings, right? See the PuckDaddy post for the video.

After spending the majority of his career in Anaheim, Salei moved over to the Florida Panthers (minor leagues) and then the Colorado Avalanche. He had a decent season in 2008-2009 before getting hurt, again. Yeah, he gets hurt a lot in recent years it seems. Can't wait.

Ruslan is kind of a badass. I mean, he's 35 now, and maybe a bit calmer with age, but in his prime he was kind of a spaz. I would enjoy watching him start some stuff out there this season. Detroit needs some more of that in the defensive zone.

Why Detroit has him:

Veteran depth on the blue line - the same old Detroit formula which never fails. Do not question this. I can't. No one can. Let us recall the plethora of veteran D-men who have helped this team achieve great things (*recalling*... this could take a while).

So it's a one-year deal. Well, he's affordable and will apparently work well under Babcock. Sounds like a winning move to me. As long as this guy stays healthy. Healthy has been a problem for him lately - much like Modano. After last season, I am paranoid about the health of players.

Fellow Wings blogger Red Wings Hardware mentioned Salei may be the first Belorussian to play for Detroit. I guess so. Cool? Hey, anything "Russian" is fine by me.

Red Wing of the Week: Igor Larionov

2010-08-09T20:44:00.001-07:00

Igor Larionov played eight seasons with the Detroit Red Wings (1996-2000, 2001-2003). He was an important member of the iconic Russian Five. He was a leader in the locker room. The man is known for his patience with the puck and awareness up and down the rink.

Although some would argue Larionov's best years were in the 1980s with the Soviet League, he made quite a name for himself in the NHL. He became the symbol of smart two-way hockey. In Detroit, he was simply known as "the professor."

Larionov was a dependable playoff performer. He earned 97 points in 150 playoff games. Maybe the most memorable professor moment came in a triple overtime game in the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals. Larionov roofed a backhander over a sprawling Arturs Irbe to end the long game. I remember screaming in the early morning. My father had gone to the bathroom for the first time all night when Igor ended it. Quite hilarious.

Larionov ended his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils in 2004. He finished his pro career in 2006 after a couple seasons in Russia and Europe.

Igor may go down as one of the best hockey players to have so much success in both Russia and North America. The Detroit Red Wings franchise is lucky to have him for eight years. He was a dynamic part of three Stanley Cup teams.

I leave you with this:

European Puck Possession: It's Science

2010-08-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings are known for their "European" style of puck possession hockey. This is a style which has been embedded in the organization over the past 20 years. The Russian Five, Team Sweden, etc., have all made this franchise something of a Euro-dream.

It makes sense. Hockey, like other major team sports, is a battle for possession. The beauty of the sport is there is no guarantee each team will even touch the puck. Of course, that's a long shot, but technically speaking, a team could play keep away for 60 minutes. Sometimes, and Red Wings fans know this, it seems Detroit is doing nothing more than playing keep away. This feeling is due to the lack of high-percentage shooting - which is largely due to peppering goalies until they are red hot and ready to stop anything while blind-folded. Moreover, lately, teams are becoming shot-blocking machines. So the Wings just skate around with the puck. Of course, that's an exaggeration. However, some games feel like that when I'm watching from the couch.

I like to compare this type of dilemma to football. Say a team has an impenetrable defense. I mean, they're forcing teams to go three and out, to fumble, to throw interceptions, safety, etc. However, the team's offense can't score. They have the ball a lot - the majority of the game. They put together huge drives - 10/20 plays even. But they suck in the red zone and their kicker often shanks the ball. This is a tragedy. This can be Detroit Red Wings hockey.

I guess the word is execution. Following through ... other words for not choking.

Alright, I am in no way calling the Red Wings choke artists. Far from it. They just get on these terrifying snake-bitten lulls. It's terrifying in all sense of the word.

How can this be fixed?

High-percentage shots. Not trying to do too much in the offensive zone. Going to the net. Being Tomas Holmstrom. Just to name a few solutions.

When it's the fourth quarter, you've had the ball for 40 minutes and it's only 3-0, you're giving the other team a shot at making you like like a fool. And it happens in hockey. I say it often: Shots on goal is the most heartbreaking statistic in sports, right next to time of possession.

It's about executing. The Red Wings need to do that this season.

Comparing Some Detroit Teams

2010-08-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I re-watched the championship DVDs from 2002 and 2008. I needed some hockey on the TV. Going back and watching these made me realize how solid these teams were. Talk about veteran depth.

Then, I started thinking about Mike Modano and how he represents the veteran depth found on the great Detroit teams of past. In 2002 everyone was freaking old. Igor Larionov was about 70. I think the average age of that team was like 55. But seriously, I could go back and figure it out, but I think the average age was mid to high 30s. That's old.

Anyway, Brett Hull said it best: "I'd rather be old and smart than young and dumb any day." True, wisdom does seem to come with age. But does it matter if guys are too old to even keep up? Where is the line?

The Red Wings have never been too worried about that. Every time I see Larionov's game two, triple-overtime goal from the 2002 finals I think: Man, he made that team (Carolina) look like fools. The guy was 41. He looked 25 out there in the third OT. Unbelievable. The stuff of legends.

To be completely honest, I think Detroit is looking at a very well-constructed roster this season. It's similar to the 2002 team because of depth. Of course, most of the guys don't have the super-star careers behind them like the 2002 crew had. However, the talent and experience is there. I am ready to see how the rest of the NHL responds to this lineup.

Detroit Red Wings: Weekly Player Ratings

2010-08-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

October 2010

Mike Modano Will Be A Red Wing

2010-08-03T08:51:00.001-07:00

It is not official, yet. However, according to Helene St. James at the Detroit Free Press, Mike Modano is ready to join the roster on Thursday. This means he will be accepting the one-year deal presented to him last month.

This means Detroit has their third-line scoring center and veteran depth has been added to the offense. I am excited, to say the least.

More importantly, I think Mike Babcock is excited. It's important to recognize how much Babcock loves having veteran depth up front. He is the right coach to make it effective. He knows how to use guys like Modano. This relationship has awesome potential.

While I wait for the season to start, I am a bit more comforted knowing Detroit has Modano locked up. It's the right move.

Fake Fans

2010-08-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

I am ashamed. I own a Montreal Canadiens hat. I wear it sometimes. I wore it all throughout the playoffs last season. I wanted them to beat Pittsburgh and Washington. Thanks for that guys.

But here's the problem: Owning this hat brings down my credibility as a Detroit Red Wings fan. I was made aware of this yesterday at a restaurant in Santa Monica. A Maple Leafs fan confronted me and of course asked if I was from Montreal.

"No, actually I'm from Detroit."

"That's sacrilege."

Yes, he was right. It is wrong for me to be frolicking around under the Habs hat. Yet, I own it for a decent reason, I think. Montreal and Detroit are nowhere near rivals anymore. I hate Pittsburgh so much that I am willing to support any team which can possibly knock them out of the playoffs. Montreal is a storied franchise. I respect the team. I respect the fans. I want them to beat up on teams I hate in the East - which is every team in New England - except the New York Islanders - Pennsylvania and D.C.

Still, this whole episode bothers me. I will never be able to wear it again, in public, without feeling like a traitor to my kin.

I appreciated the hockey banter at the bar - something I seldom get to indulge in. I just wish I was wearing a Detroit Red Wings hat.

Let this be a lesson to all.

Detroit Red Wings Destroy Turco

2010-08-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Marty Turco has played his part in some great Detroit Red Wings games and goals. Remember the Pavel Datsyuk breakaway goal which made Turco look like a pee wee goalie with dull skates? Yeah, I used to watch that clip weekly. Never gets old.

Before getting picked up by the Chicago Blackhawks this week, Turco spent the previous ten years in Dallas - where he started his NHL career. Before that, he played in the IHL with the Michigan K-Wings (Kalamazoo Wings). Before that he wore maize and blue.

Here is a guy who has never gotten over that metaphorical hump. He puts up decent regular-season numbers and not-so-decent playoff numbers. He is a household name (to most avid hockey fans) but one must wonder why. He has some really bad lulls which seem to plague his career. It's quite sad, really. So much talent and potential, yet he seems to be his own worse enemy.

Some of his worst lulls have come against Detroit. Some of his most embarrassing games between the pipes have come against Detroit, and better yet at Joe Louis Arena. Why? No real reason. I think it's just a head game.

Joining Detroit's division must be on his mind. I mean, it has to be. The guy is about to be part of the rivalry now. If he seemingly couldn't handle the pressure in Dallas, what the hell will happen to him in Chicago? - where Detroit is enemy number one. This isn't just shits and giggles anymore. I'm afraid he could actually get killed by some crazy Hawks fans.

Mostly, this post is meant to be a reminder: Marty Turco sucks against the Red Wings. There is no way around this. His record is something like 6-12-5 all time. I don't care why and I don't care how. It just is. And now, he has to play them more. He has to battle for Detroit's division. He has to play in Chicago where the weather does actually get cold enough for ice.

I'm not sure this was a great move. But man, Detroit fans have to love it. Let's embrace the stigma. Let's get in his head and stay there.

Things to Avoid From 2009-10

2010-08-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Red Wings had a relatively awful season in 2009-2010. There is no denying this. The team got injured early and never fully recovered. What Detroit did in the last months of the season and into the playoffs was more than any human could expect. They managed to make the playoffs - having an outstanding post-Olympics record. While this was an impressive run for a nearly ruined roster, I still have my qualms.

I will break it down between offense and defense. Everything I speak of here should be things to avoid starting this fall. I am focusing on the negatives, clearly. I can't help it. This is the pessimist side of me shining through.

Red Wings Offense Negatives:

Goals For:

The Red Wings scored 223 goals last season. This put them at fourteenth best in the NHL. In a year where goal scoring seemingly increased throughout the league, fourteenth best is not something to brag about. Twelve teams scored more than 230 goals. Five scored more than 249. While this may seem like a lot, it's actually less than the previous season - in which Detroit was first with 289. Of course, Washington led this past season with 313. Yet, the average goals for was much higher in 2008-2009.

The Red Wings lost a lot of goals for - 66. This was due to a few guys exiting the roster and many key offensive leaders getting injured for a substantial part of the season.

Detroit cannot afford to score less than 250 goals this season. Too many teams are stacking their offense with pure goal-scoring talent. If 223 goals gets a team fifth place last season, it will undoubtedly get the same team ninth place this season. The Red Wings need to widen the margin between goals for and against. This may seem like obvious commentary, but there is more to it. Detroit lost a lot of games due to shoot outs last season. It's no secret this team needs to avoid overtime and shootouts. They can't afford to win games by one goal. It's not their style. They need to get leads and hold them - something they struggled with last season.

Turnovers in the Neutral Zone:

I must have spent hours writing about Detroit turnovers in the neutral zone - specifically at their own blue line - last season. While I can't seem to find the turnover statistic (I think it exists?), I am certain the Wings had a starling record. So many games were lost due to turnovers. It's easy to blame the defense when the turnovers happen at their blue line because they are the ones with the puck on their sticks last. However, so many times it was the winger's and center's fault. Guys were out of position or just not communicating. I am not sure what it was, but the Wings had such an awful breakout last season. The offense has to take a lot of blame for it.

If they did get out of their zone, getting into the other team's was not always a sure thing. The Wings often tried to get cute in the neutral zone. This isn't a dump-and-chase team, and I'm not asking for that, but so often guys tried to make ridiculous passes at the blue line which did no one any good. Chip-and-chase? Darren Helm does the pass-to-himself play a lot. A lot of players wont do this and it's terrifying. Not everyone is Henrik Zetterberg or Pavel Datsyuk.

Shots:

This may be the most misleading statistic in sports. Example why: Detroit was second in shots last season with 2,737. Toronto was fifth with 2,671. We know how this turned out for both teams. Chicago was first. Washington was third and Pittsburgh was fourth. So how the hell does Toronto end up fifth? A misleading statistic, that's how.

All season I watched Detroit take terrible shots. I mean, awful shots. Eyes closed and rip it. I was dumbfounded by some of these shots. "You can't score if you don't shoot," "Never a bad play to put the puck on net," and etc. Yet, what about aiming and making your shot worth it? And what happens when you pepper a goalie and get him hot? What about your crappy shot just becoming another turnover - of the worst kind because your team is looking for a rebound while the opponent is shooting up the ice. This happened to Detroit a lot. There comes a time when quality, not quantity, has to be the focus. Or, a happy medium at least.

Overall, I just need to see this offense play smarter.

Defense: How It Was Abysmal

It may appear the Detroit Red Wings suffered mainly on offense - few goals, poor shooting percentage and utter confusion through the neutral zone. However, there was an effluvium coming from the guys on D. It seemed quite contagious all season. What the D lacked was consistency. Brian Rafalski and Nicklas Lidtsrom brought it every night. But then there were guys like Brad Stuart and Nicklas Kronwall who basically lost games for Detroit. Sometimes they showed up, but when they didn't, bad things happened. Very bad things.

Is this the fault of not having decent play up front? I think not. I blame some terrible defensive awareness. Again, this is contagious. Jonathan Ericsson was a main catalyst. He gets some slack for his age. He received a lot more ice time than anyone probably expected. Mistakes were sure to be made. However, Stuart and Kronwall have no excuse.

This defense coughed the puck up in the corners routinely. This single-handedly lost the series against San Jose.

Less turnovers. More smart play with the puck. Getting to the center red line and dumping it in when there is no pass: All this needs to happen more often.

Overall:

A lot of the above is obvious signs of a team struggling from injuries. Guys were playing injured or filling bigger skates. It's difficult to play to a potential under this circumstance, clearly. However, the bad habits which began last season need to be highlighted and then corrected.

Marty Turco to Chicago

2010-08-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Marty Turco is now with the Chicago Blackhawks. He signed a one-year deal. This is rather interesting news to me. I thought Antti Niemi was their man.

As a Detroit fan, I look forward to Turco's play in this division. The man doesn't exactly have the greatest record against the Red Wings. He absolutely cannot play at Joe Louis Arena. In his veteran career, he is 6-12-5 against Detroit.

Of course, there is no guarantee he will have the starting position. Although, he does only have a one-year deal. He has to get out there sometime.

Whatever Chicago, not the move I would have made. Yet, who am I to question the Bowman's?

Modano In August

2010-07-27T17:00:00.001-07:00

To follow up on all my Mike Modano musings: Modano said he will decide what to do after he skates in August.

Whatever dude, just make a decision.

If he decides not to sign with the Detroit Red Wings then I will have to do some real thinking. I feel better about this team with Modano on the roster. Without him, it is a different team. Something tells me the Wings are better with him. Just a gut feeling. I have been wrong before.

Detroit Red Wings Goalies Of Old, New

2010-07-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

I spent the past week in Michigan wandering around Metro Detroit and even up north. I had a lot of time to indulge in the tragicomedy of the Detroit Tigers. Also, I received a good dose of Honolulu Blue hope - six wins? Really? But of course, I talked hockey. I talked Red Wings. Since nothing too exciting is happening right now, my father and I found ourselves discussing Red Wings teams and players of old. Yet, more precisely, we conversed on old Red Wings goaltenders - the list of scapegoats and heroes of at least the previous 20 years.

Names like Bob Essensa and Tim Cheveldae. Guys like Marc Lamothe or Norm Maracle. Then I found this and, well, there it is: The history of Detroit Red Wings goalies is long, tough and tragic. Few have been able to really be the show between the pipes at Olympia and Joe Louis Arena. There is no argument here, just plain facts: The Detroit Red Wings are tough on their goalies. More than anything, the guy who accepts this position needs a metallic spine and shot nerve endings. Talent is a must, but composure and character reign superior. Decades of goaltenders have found this out the hard way.

Which leads me to Jimmy Howard. Does he have the guts? He has the talent, no doubt. Howard is as good as any throughout the league. He is in good shape and he has textbook skill. He has a calm temperament with a touch of insanity. But does he have the intense amount of composure and a duck-feathered back to last on this roster? I believe he does.

The playoffs were definitely not a cakewalk for Howard. He faced some offensive onslaughts and was hung to dry a few games. When we all watched for his response to some bad goals and games, he delivered a great show. Although he may not be the youngest rookie ever, he is still technically a rookie. This guy showed he has the poise to bounce back. He has what it takes to play goalie in Detroit.

Let's see him turn into Chris Osgood (but better) and not Cheveldae.

Modano: An Honest Take

2010-07-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Mike Modano is showing up at every Detroit Red Wings blog - for good reason. The eight-time NHL All-Star is up for grabs. He alluded to wanting to wear the winged wheel. He is from Livonia, played in Westland. He spent his teen years with the Little Caesar's organization and with Compuware more than 20 years ago.

Since 1989, Modano has become a household name. He became the face of Minnesota hockey, then the most popular hockey player in Texas - yes, Texans even knew who Modano is. It's no argument that in the mid-to-late 1990s, Mike Modano was the face of USA hockey.

Now, he has the chance to bring it back home. He won't be the face of Detroit hockey, but he will be a face in Hockeytown - which is more than most NHL players can say.

Sounds like a nice story. But by now, July 15 - two weeks after free agency began - we're all getting sick of the potential story and more interested in what the hell is taking so long for Modano to give an answer. Maybe I should speak for myself, but this guy needs to make up his mind before August. If he decides to hang up the skates and retire, kudos to a great career. If he decides to play for Detroit, well, you witness the story-book ending unfold. Gurus are already picking Detroit as a favorite this coming season.

However, if Modano decides to go play somewhere other than Detroit, then I am thoroughly disappointed. I am not saying he is Detroit's LeBron James, but he will definitely be turning his back on the hometown club.

It is rare to get offered a decent job in Detroit these days.

Modano Stuff

2010-07-11T23:47:00.000-07:00

I think FoxSports.com is full of garbage. It seems the only place I read about Mike Modano's Minnesota Wild interest, or lack of it, is at Fox.

Anyway, the way I see it, he gave his word. He said Detroit or nothing. I am starting to lose faith in the guy. I'm not sure I even want this indecisive flip flopper on the roster - if these rumors are true.

Enough about Modano until something happens.

Unrelated:

I am not over the 2009 Stanley Cup Final. I never will be. Thinking about it makes me sick. The other day, someone had to remind me of it. They were a Pittsburgh fan. I was upset.

The thing is, I can handle watching teams lose. I can handle seeing teams beaten. My teams. But there was something about the 2009 Cup series which will never sit well with me. Watching the Detroit Red Wings completely fold. Seeing the Penguins jump on the sliver of opportunity. It should not have happened.

The Red Wings roster needs to bounce back before they are too old. The current core group needs to erase 2009. This past season was absolutely not theirs to take. I must see some hope in the coming one.

Modano Thinking of Other Teams

2010-07-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Clearly, Mike Modano is far from making up his mind. He said Detroit or nothing this past week. However, now he is seemingly going against his statement.

Talks of Minnesota and San Jose are starting to pop up. Modano said Minnesota would be an "interesting story" since he started his career in the "State of Hockey."

I don't buy it. This seems like a bunch of garbage showing up on the Internet. Believe what you want to, but Mike Modano is going nowhere but Detroit or the couch.

Red Wings Prospects Sound Promising

2010-07-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

From what I have seen and heard on Red Wings Facebook pages and websites, the prospect training camp seems to be going well. Of course, the organization wouldn't say it's going poorly. But there seems to be some extra excitement with this group of draft picks.

Riley Sheahan's name sticks out. He played at Notre Dame for a couple years. Scouts are comparing him to Brendan Shanahan due to his size and skill combination. If this is true, I look forward to seeing Sheahan in the big league.

Yet, I am not seeing much room on the roster for an under-developed player. He will really have to have some raw talent to get on the bench, better yet get on the ice.

So how about Mike Modano? Make a decision!

Kovalchuk Is Money

2010-07-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

While LeBron James creates his own oil spill panic for attention, Ilya Kovalchuk's free agency continues. It mostly goes unseen - like most of the NHL.

However, I care, and you probably care since you are here, reading this.

My opinion: Ilya Kovalchuk needs to stay in New Jersey. The Los Angeles Kings may look like a good choice, but we all know the fate of the Kings organization lies in it's fan base: real hit and miss.

He made it out of the minor league in Atlanta. I wouldn't settle for LA just yet.

If he does not stay with the Devils, he is making a big mistake. Yet, I have to agree with Greg Wyshynski of PuckDaddy:

"... the sadist in me would love to see all NHL suitors drop out in an epic collusion ... save for theAtlanta Thrashers, leaving Kovalchuk to decide between the ATL, the KHL and sailing the Caribbean for a year until this all blows over. "

But I disagree with the price drop Wyshynski alludes to later in his article. Kovalchuk can get paid and he knows it. I would pay to see him at Staples Center. I am sure many would. Teams have the money. The time to drop his salary is definitely not now. There is cap space.

Going to Russia should be right out. It will be a disgrace to the NHL if he can't get at least a one-year deal.

Pierre McGuire: A Reminder

2010-07-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

Pierre McGuire is an awful broadcaster. I wrote a really nasty piece about him earlier this year. I do not apologize for it. I only hope it serves to make people aware of his delusional commentary on NBC.

McGuire is not going anywhere soon and this is a real shame. If he stays on NBC's hockey broadcast team, he best shape up. I doubt there is a chance he can come to senses.

This is not a personal attack on Pierre McGuire as an individual. I do not know the man on a personal level. This is one spectator's reaction to his work as a hockey commentator.

Agree or disagree. I'm not here for apologies.

Miller, Eaves Sign, Modano Sought

2010-07-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

Mike Modano better make a decision soon so I can sleep. If he signs, I am buying a Mike Modano sweater. Maybe I won't, but I am sure it will be the hottest selling Red Wings sweater in years. What number would he wear? Can't have nine. This could possibly be the reason he is afraid to join the roster.

While I wait to see how the club acquires Modano (Duct tape and rope may do the trick), other guys are committing. Drew Miller is on for a couple years. Patrick Eaves is back for a year. Both guys are solid "grinders" and vital parts to the penalty kill. Eaves really impressed me last season. He showed great grit and toughness which I did not know he has. He reminds me of Kirk Maltby when he was younger. Eaves probably has better hands - and will actually drop his gloves. So, he's better than Maltby.

Of course, everyone knows my affection for Miller and the Miller family. It will be nice having the Spartan on the team for a couple more years, at least. He fits into this organization well.

Alas, once Modano wakes up and commits, I will be ready for a self-induced coma. The coma will last until hockey season.

Enough of this World Cup crap. It's un-American.

Modano Visits Holland and Babcock

2010-07-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Mike Modano is being flown to Detriot to talk with Red Wings GM Ken Holland and Mike Babcock.

Hopefully they make him an offer he can't refuse. I am all for this.

Bob Probert Dies at 45

2010-07-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Former Detroit Red Wings enforcer Bob Probert died. He was 45.

Detroit Offense Looking Decent

2010-07-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

While I worry about the defense and what kind of player the team will add back there before the season starts, I continue to feel more confident about the guys up front.

The lines look decent from top to bottom. Mike Babcock is keeping Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg together. This hopefully means he has a deadly first line to work with and an opportunity to produce some frustrating combinations for teams to deal with on the second and third lines.

The Red Wings have a chance to be an impressive force up front - especially with one more edition for depth purposes. Mike Modano could be the one.

I am wondering where some of the players will end up. Where could Daniel Cleary fit into the lineup? If Jiri Hudler is going to play with Johan Franzen and Todd Bertuzzi on the second line, will Babcock really put Cleary with Datsyuk and Zetterberg?

There will be many questions. I won't rest my brain on this issue until another veteran forward is added to the roster (Mike Modano).

The NHL Free Agents

2010-06-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

The idea of Mike Modano on the Red Wings reminds me of previous moves which really worked out - the off-season signing party of 2001. It sure has the same feeling.

I am thinking about what the Red Wings really need. If a guy like Modano could be the answer to Ken Holland's call for offensive depth, then who else is out there?

Take a look here. Side note: Detroit is paying Todd Bertuzzi more than Tomas Holmstrom. Is that right??

I could go insane looking at the free agents and trying to decide.

As for Modano, maybe Detroit can do better - no offense to Modano.