Friday, November 20, 2009
Fedorov accuses Wings of jealousy, thinks he was held back
The Free Press has an interesting article about comments Sergei Fedorov made to a Russian website. The full text of the interview can be found here. I liked Sergei when he was here but I'll admit that I was frustrated when he bolted. It seems like he's gotten more level headed with time, but the things he says about his time in Detroit are just bizarre. Fedorov comes off as a conspiracy theorist here. Jealousy within the team over the Russian 5? We'll probably never know for sure if this was true, but I'd like to know exactly who he thinks was jealous. Just when I was starting to like Fedorov again, he reminds me why he always felt a little more distant than the rest of the team.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Brendan Shanahan retires
Whatever hopes Wings had of re-signing former Wings star Brendan Shanahan can be put to rest, as he has decided to retire from the NHL. Shanny was an integral part of the Wings Cup wins in 97, 98, and 02. I grew up watching him play and have a lot of good memories; who can forget Shanny's Irish jig? Congrats to Brendan on a great career and thank you for your time with the Wings.
Howard to start again
Chris Osgood won't play tonight against Dallas. He is still fighting what the team calls "flu like symptoms." Despite practicing yesterday Osgood won't even dress as the backup, as the Wings called up Daniel Larsson again to fill that role.
Other than that, the lines will remain the same. I really like the lines Babs has settled with, and it's obviously paying off in wins right now. Not needing to mix things up is nice after the early part of the season was so full of line juggling to account for injuries and generally lackluster play. Now, just hope no one else gets hurt...
Other than that, the lines will remain the same. I really like the lines Babs has settled with, and it's obviously paying off in wins right now. Not needing to mix things up is nice after the early part of the season was so full of line juggling to account for injuries and generally lackluster play. Now, just hope no one else gets hurt...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wings v. Ducks in review 11/14/09
Any game against perennial annoyance Anaheim is fun to watch, but I couldn't help but notice a different feel to this game. Obviously, it's not the playoffs so some of the intensity and intrigue wasn't there, but at this point Anaheim's just not that good. Gone is the loathed Christ Pronger, and with that goes some of the rivalry's intensity. Any way you look at it, however, this was still a good win for the Wings, who still are 3 points behind division leading Chicago.
Detroit goal (1-0) 13:32 in 1st period; PPG Cleary from Kronwall & Bertuzzi:
Dan Cleary pulls a Holmstrom and camps out in front of the net. He's right in front to redirect the point shot, and does so to great reward.
Detroit goal (2-0) 19: 16 in 1st period; PPG Rafalski from Zetterberg:
Rafalski steps up towards the slot and puts a seemingly harmless slap shot on goal. This one's a little different in that it finds the back of the goal.
Anaheim goal (2-1) 8:12 in 2nd period; Perry from Getzlaf:
This goal is part good forechecking on Anaheim's part, and part poor passing by Ericsson
Anaheim goal (2-2) 3:47 in 3rd period; PPG Ryan from Getzlaf & Perry:
Ryan lingers behind the goal for a while, essentially placing himself behind the box D that the Wings are using. This leaves him unaccounted for. When Getzlaf makes his pass Kronwall turns to try and D up Ryan, but it's too little too late as the puck is already on his stick and in the net.
Detroit goal (3-2) 5:17 in 3rd period; PPG Datsyuk from Rafalski & Zetterberg:
Defensively, the Ducks are aligned in a triangle, with the fourth man playing 1-on-1 with Holmstrom in front of the net. Rafalski carries the puck laterally along the blue line, and spots an open Datsyuk to the right of the net. He puts a perfect pass on Dats' stick, and he really doesn't shot but instead tips the puck up and into the net.
Anaheim goal (3-3) 6:26 in 3rd period; Lupul from Getzlaf & Boynton:
A weak goal. Lupul digs the puck out of his skates off the pass from Getzlaf and just slaps one towards the net. Howard isn't ready and the Ducks score.
Detroit goal (4-3) 9:10 in 3rd period; Zetterberg from Cleary & Lidstrom:
Cleary avoids getting smashed into the boards and slips by the defender. He then makes a nice pass to Z, who puts a slap shot on net. The initial shot is stopped but Hiller gives up a rebound, and actually kicks the puck out farther into the slot when he sees the puck. He was trying to make sure it didn't trickle down his jersey and end up behind him, but that put the puck in perfect position for Zetterberg, who backhands it over Hiller
Anaheim goal (4-4) 14:27 in 3rd period; PPG Getzlaf from Selanne & Whitney:
The Ducks are on a 5-on-3 at this point in the game. The goal itself isn't too impressive. After a long period of puck movement, Getzlaf lets go of a slap shot that finds the top corner. Howard wasn't screen on the play, so not a great one to give up here.
Detroit goal (5-4) 15:29 in 3rd period; Zetterberg from Cleary & Ericsson:
Cleary carries the puck into the zone. He has Z on his right, and Cleary passes after he makes his move to the center of the ice. Z puts one on net from the middle of the face off circle and the Wings take the lead. This one had a healthy dose of puck luck on it, because in reality it shouldn't have gone in. It was a wobbler but it turned the tide for the Wings, so I'll take it.
Detroit goal (6-4) 17:45 in 3rd period; Helm from Eaves:
Helm carries the puck in all alone. He takes his shot from along the boards and hits the far side top corner. A beautiful goal, all in all. I have to agree with what I've heard, Helm really does look like the next Draper.
Detroit goal (7-4) 19:59 in 3rd period; EN Zetterberg from Kronwall:
An empty net hat trick finisher. Not bad, Mr. Z.
Detroit goal (1-0) 13:32 in 1st period; PPG Cleary from Kronwall & Bertuzzi:
Dan Cleary pulls a Holmstrom and camps out in front of the net. He's right in front to redirect the point shot, and does so to great reward.
Detroit goal (2-0) 19: 16 in 1st period; PPG Rafalski from Zetterberg:
Rafalski steps up towards the slot and puts a seemingly harmless slap shot on goal. This one's a little different in that it finds the back of the goal.
Anaheim goal (2-1) 8:12 in 2nd period; Perry from Getzlaf:
This goal is part good forechecking on Anaheim's part, and part poor passing by Ericsson
Anaheim goal (2-2) 3:47 in 3rd period; PPG Ryan from Getzlaf & Perry:
Ryan lingers behind the goal for a while, essentially placing himself behind the box D that the Wings are using. This leaves him unaccounted for. When Getzlaf makes his pass Kronwall turns to try and D up Ryan, but it's too little too late as the puck is already on his stick and in the net.
Detroit goal (3-2) 5:17 in 3rd period; PPG Datsyuk from Rafalski & Zetterberg:
Defensively, the Ducks are aligned in a triangle, with the fourth man playing 1-on-1 with Holmstrom in front of the net. Rafalski carries the puck laterally along the blue line, and spots an open Datsyuk to the right of the net. He puts a perfect pass on Dats' stick, and he really doesn't shot but instead tips the puck up and into the net.
Anaheim goal (3-3) 6:26 in 3rd period; Lupul from Getzlaf & Boynton:
A weak goal. Lupul digs the puck out of his skates off the pass from Getzlaf and just slaps one towards the net. Howard isn't ready and the Ducks score.
Detroit goal (4-3) 9:10 in 3rd period; Zetterberg from Cleary & Lidstrom:
Cleary avoids getting smashed into the boards and slips by the defender. He then makes a nice pass to Z, who puts a slap shot on net. The initial shot is stopped but Hiller gives up a rebound, and actually kicks the puck out farther into the slot when he sees the puck. He was trying to make sure it didn't trickle down his jersey and end up behind him, but that put the puck in perfect position for Zetterberg, who backhands it over Hiller
Anaheim goal (4-4) 14:27 in 3rd period; PPG Getzlaf from Selanne & Whitney:
The Ducks are on a 5-on-3 at this point in the game. The goal itself isn't too impressive. After a long period of puck movement, Getzlaf lets go of a slap shot that finds the top corner. Howard wasn't screen on the play, so not a great one to give up here.
Detroit goal (5-4) 15:29 in 3rd period; Zetterberg from Cleary & Ericsson:
Cleary carries the puck into the zone. He has Z on his right, and Cleary passes after he makes his move to the center of the ice. Z puts one on net from the middle of the face off circle and the Wings take the lead. This one had a healthy dose of puck luck on it, because in reality it shouldn't have gone in. It was a wobbler but it turned the tide for the Wings, so I'll take it.
Detroit goal (6-4) 17:45 in 3rd period; Helm from Eaves:
Helm carries the puck in all alone. He takes his shot from along the boards and hits the far side top corner. A beautiful goal, all in all. I have to agree with what I've heard, Helm really does look like the next Draper.
Detroit goal (7-4) 19:59 in 3rd period; EN Zetterberg from Kronwall:
An empty net hat trick finisher. Not bad, Mr. Z.
Red Wings v. Canucks in review 11/12/09
Detroit goal (1-0) 17: 31 in 1st period; PPG Holmstrom from Zetterberg & Datsyuk:
Zetterberg passes from the corner to Homer in front of the net. Homer puts up a shot that hits the post. Luongo is flopping around now, and the pucks lands back in the crease after hitting the post. Holmstrom whacks at it and puts it in over Luongo.
Vancouver goal (1-1) 6:38 in 2n period; PPG Raymond from Bieksa & Kesler:
Slapshot from the blue line gets redirected off the skate of a guy who's falling down. He doesn't even have both skates on the ice, so I'd just chalk this up to a bad bounce.
Detroit goal (2-1) 8:00 in 3rd period; Zetterberg from Stuart & Kronwall:
Brad Stuart makes a great blue line to blue line pass that hits Zetterberg as he's entering the offensive zone. Z makes a move on one defender and then another before going top shelf and beating Luongo over his shoulder.
Detroit goal (3-1) 19:04 in 3rd period; EN Kronwall from Howard & Stuart:
I would just like to point out that Jimmy Howard has more points this season than one Mr. Marian Hossa. Oh yeah, and Howard's been great in net. Loss of offensive firepower? What loss?
Any type of momentum is going to be needed this season, so it's nice to see the Wings getting on some sort of a roll.
Zetterberg passes from the corner to Homer in front of the net. Homer puts up a shot that hits the post. Luongo is flopping around now, and the pucks lands back in the crease after hitting the post. Holmstrom whacks at it and puts it in over Luongo.
Vancouver goal (1-1) 6:38 in 2n period; PPG Raymond from Bieksa & Kesler:
Slapshot from the blue line gets redirected off the skate of a guy who's falling down. He doesn't even have both skates on the ice, so I'd just chalk this up to a bad bounce.
Detroit goal (2-1) 8:00 in 3rd period; Zetterberg from Stuart & Kronwall:
Brad Stuart makes a great blue line to blue line pass that hits Zetterberg as he's entering the offensive zone. Z makes a move on one defender and then another before going top shelf and beating Luongo over his shoulder.
Detroit goal (3-1) 19:04 in 3rd period; EN Kronwall from Howard & Stuart:
I would just like to point out that Jimmy Howard has more points this season than one Mr. Marian Hossa. Oh yeah, and Howard's been great in net. Loss of offensive firepower? What loss?
Any type of momentum is going to be needed this season, so it's nice to see the Wings getting on some sort of a roll.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Red Wings v. Blue Jackets in review 11/11/09
could say that this game looked like the Wings of old were back. I'm not going to, but I could. Honestly, I'm not one of the people who believes that the Wings have taken an insurmountable step backwards. I don't know whether you agree with me or not, but I think we all can agree that this was a fun game to watch.
Detroit goal (1-0) 1:05 in 1st period; Cleary from Zetterberg:
The play starts in back of the Columbus net, where Columbus digs the puck out and tries to clear from along the boards. The Blue Jacket with the puck attempts a lame duck pass to his man in the center, but he doesn't lead him at all. In fact, he passes is off the skate of his teammate, which is basically equivalent to the quarterback throwing behind his receiver in football. Z is there to grab the loose puck, and he pucks a shot on net from around the top of the left circle area. Mason lets go of a huge rebound, and Cleary is there to lift the puck ever so slightly over Mason's pad.
Detroit goal (2-0) 3:03 in 1st period; Datsyuk unassisted:
The play starts with something happening off camera, and I'm not even going to try and guess what happens. All that's important is that somehow the puck ends up going right to a wide open Pavel Datsyuk, who shoots from the top of the right circle and beats Mason gloveside
Detroit goal (3-0) 7:31 in 1st period; Draper from Lebda:
Eaves puts a good check on a Jackets player, and the guy has no choice but to throw the puck up the boards. There's no one there except Brett Lebda, who uncorks a slapshot from the blue line. Draper is in front of the net to tip the puck in, and the Wings score.
Detroit goal (4-0) 11:57 in 1st period; PPG Kronwall from Cleary:
Columbus has a chance to clear it out of the zone, but in what seems to be a recurring theme in this game Detroit gets the puck off a turnover and makes the Jackets pay. Cleary finds Kronner sliding to the center of the blue line, and Kronwall puts a quick slap shot on net for the goal.
Columbus goal (4-1) 10:56 in 2nd period; Nash from Umberger & Klesla:
One guy passes to another guy cross crease and the Blue Jackets score.
Detroit goal (5-1) 13:17 in 2nd period; Bertuzzi from Datsyuk & Holmstrom:
Dats passes to Bertuzzi, who is the trailer and entering the zone. The rest is just weird. I don't think I've ever laughed at a goal before, but I did here. Holmstrom steps aside because the Jackets defender is doing an excellent job of screening his own goaltender. Bertuzzi waits until Mason starts to fall over and just snaps the puck into the net. The ensuing goal celebration is probably the worst I've ever seen. Bertuzzi raises his arms after scoring, but no one comes over to congratulate him. Homer just stands at the side of the net and another Wings player glides around behind the net. Bert then does a half fist pump, though there's still no one around to congratulate him. Just laughable awkward.
Detroit goal (6-1) 13:50 in 2nd period; Leino from Zetterberg & Lidstrom:
I've heard that Leino is a natural scorer, but it's nice to have some hard evidence of that. This goal serves that purpose. This one's a beaut, gang (that's my Mickey Redmond impression. Nice, eh?). Leino takes the pass, kicks it up off his skate to his backhand. He then switches to his forehand and beats Mason in the top left corner, who's already butterflyed down.
Detroit goal (7-1) 4:59 in 3rd period; Kronwall from Rafalski & Bertuzzi:
Kronwall takes Rafalski's pass, steps up towards the faceoff circle, and puts a slapshot on net. It goes in. End of story.
Detroit goal (8-1) 8:08 in 3rd period; Abdelkader from Eaves:
This is a 2-on-1 situation, and Abdelkader has a lot of room because the d-man is shaded away from him. He waits for the defenseman to put his stick on the ice and committ to him, and the slight hesitation on Abdelkader's part throws Mason off. Abdelkader shoots and scores 5-hole.
Detroit goal (9-1) 18:36 in 3rd period; Abdelkader from May & Kronwall:
Abdelakder carries it in and passes to May. May waits for Abdelkader to get in front of the net and then passes. The puck bounces off a couple of skates before landing right in Abdelkader's wheelhouse, and he stuffs it in the net.
A number of players had their best game of the season so far, and the Wings looked like they're starting to click. Keep in mind that these Blue Jackets were, up until this game, 3 points ahead of the Wings in the division standings. Columbus is not the joke they used to be, but it was nice to see the Wings make short work of them in what is hopefully a confidence builder for a Detroit team that has already faced a lot of adversity this year.
Detroit goal (1-0) 1:05 in 1st period; Cleary from Zetterberg:
The play starts in back of the Columbus net, where Columbus digs the puck out and tries to clear from along the boards. The Blue Jacket with the puck attempts a lame duck pass to his man in the center, but he doesn't lead him at all. In fact, he passes is off the skate of his teammate, which is basically equivalent to the quarterback throwing behind his receiver in football. Z is there to grab the loose puck, and he pucks a shot on net from around the top of the left circle area. Mason lets go of a huge rebound, and Cleary is there to lift the puck ever so slightly over Mason's pad.
Detroit goal (2-0) 3:03 in 1st period; Datsyuk unassisted:
The play starts with something happening off camera, and I'm not even going to try and guess what happens. All that's important is that somehow the puck ends up going right to a wide open Pavel Datsyuk, who shoots from the top of the right circle and beats Mason gloveside
Detroit goal (3-0) 7:31 in 1st period; Draper from Lebda:
Eaves puts a good check on a Jackets player, and the guy has no choice but to throw the puck up the boards. There's no one there except Brett Lebda, who uncorks a slapshot from the blue line. Draper is in front of the net to tip the puck in, and the Wings score.
Detroit goal (4-0) 11:57 in 1st period; PPG Kronwall from Cleary:
Columbus has a chance to clear it out of the zone, but in what seems to be a recurring theme in this game Detroit gets the puck off a turnover and makes the Jackets pay. Cleary finds Kronner sliding to the center of the blue line, and Kronwall puts a quick slap shot on net for the goal.
Columbus goal (4-1) 10:56 in 2nd period; Nash from Umberger & Klesla:
One guy passes to another guy cross crease and the Blue Jackets score.
Detroit goal (5-1) 13:17 in 2nd period; Bertuzzi from Datsyuk & Holmstrom:
Dats passes to Bertuzzi, who is the trailer and entering the zone. The rest is just weird. I don't think I've ever laughed at a goal before, but I did here. Holmstrom steps aside because the Jackets defender is doing an excellent job of screening his own goaltender. Bertuzzi waits until Mason starts to fall over and just snaps the puck into the net. The ensuing goal celebration is probably the worst I've ever seen. Bertuzzi raises his arms after scoring, but no one comes over to congratulate him. Homer just stands at the side of the net and another Wings player glides around behind the net. Bert then does a half fist pump, though there's still no one around to congratulate him. Just laughable awkward.
Detroit goal (6-1) 13:50 in 2nd period; Leino from Zetterberg & Lidstrom:
I've heard that Leino is a natural scorer, but it's nice to have some hard evidence of that. This goal serves that purpose. This one's a beaut, gang (that's my Mickey Redmond impression. Nice, eh?). Leino takes the pass, kicks it up off his skate to his backhand. He then switches to his forehand and beats Mason in the top left corner, who's already butterflyed down.
Detroit goal (7-1) 4:59 in 3rd period; Kronwall from Rafalski & Bertuzzi:
Kronwall takes Rafalski's pass, steps up towards the faceoff circle, and puts a slapshot on net. It goes in. End of story.
Detroit goal (8-1) 8:08 in 3rd period; Abdelkader from Eaves:
This is a 2-on-1 situation, and Abdelkader has a lot of room because the d-man is shaded away from him. He waits for the defenseman to put his stick on the ice and committ to him, and the slight hesitation on Abdelkader's part throws Mason off. Abdelkader shoots and scores 5-hole.
Detroit goal (9-1) 18:36 in 3rd period; Abdelkader from May & Kronwall:
Abdelakder carries it in and passes to May. May waits for Abdelkader to get in front of the net and then passes. The puck bounces off a couple of skates before landing right in Abdelkader's wheelhouse, and he stuffs it in the net.
A number of players had their best game of the season so far, and the Wings looked like they're starting to click. Keep in mind that these Blue Jackets were, up until this game, 3 points ahead of the Wings in the division standings. Columbus is not the joke they used to be, but it was nice to see the Wings make short work of them in what is hopefully a confidence builder for a Detroit team that has already faced a lot of adversity this year.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Yzerman inducted into Hall of Fame
I'd be a terrible Wings blogger if I didn't mention Stevie Y's induction into the Hall. I watched the ceremony on NHL Network, and it actually was pretty good. Yzerman's speech was pretty standard, but is it just me or did the unflappable captain seem nervous? Anyways, the Captain deserves this honor. Congratulations Steve, and thanks for 22 amazing seasons.
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