GoWings1905

The disparity in skill and speed in just six minutes so far is unreal. Jimmy is the only one playing.

I hate that organ, their fans and everything about the Blackhawks. Not going to miss them at all. EDIT: That was a solid call. Gotta get plays like that out of the game.

Oh good, no Z against the Blackhawks went well last time. This game is going to be tough no matter what. Even a point somehow would be nice.

Quincey was even worse. I wouldn't mind Colaiacovo getting in tomorrow. The Red Wings are really struggling getting out of their zone and he moves the puck pretty well. I've given up on Ian White.

This team can't win at home for anything. Not a bad performance overall, but moral victories feel pretty empty with everything at stake.

Man, this extra point is huge. Glad we get to decide playoff spots with a shootout.

Abby goes to the net, to his credit. One of the few on the team that actually will. His goals are always in tight. Proof it works if you are willing because it's not like Abdelkader is a goal-scorer.

Agreed. Not going to happen, though.

Every game looks like the Nashville series lately. No speed, a bunch of perimeter shots that get blocked and a complete unwillingness to play in the tough areas of the ice. If you can't beat teams with skill, then you better have the tenacity to score some dirty goals.

Oh good, I was hoping we would get to see Franzen - Datsyuk - Abdelkader back together.

I'm perfectly fine with Sammy not coming back and utilizing the buyout on him this summer. His impact would be minimal anyways even if he could stay healthy and it probably also knocks Nyquist out of the lineup.

No Tootoo is annoying, but I kinda like moving Filppula to third line center. It's hard to believe Abdelkader and Miller are in the top-six fighting for a playoff spot. Then again, maybe that's why there is a fight. Basically a playoff game tonight. Tomorrow in Chicago is going to be tough on back-to-back, so beating the Sharks is imperative. Desperation from everyone on the ice in red and white.

Oh boy, the bullpen is really bad. The offense and starting pitching is loaded if they can just get some help from the relievers to hold leads. Villarreal has to start throwing strikes. It's the same reason he wasn't on the playoff roster and it isn't fixed at all. Torii Hunter is terrific, though. Quickly becoming one of my favorite players on the team.

Born and raised near Toledo, so it was natural to root for the Detroit teams. My favorite sport to play as a kid was basketball, so my first genuine interest was in the Pistons during the Grant Hill years. I remember the back-to-back championships, but they don't stand out as much to me because I was younger and hadn't fully come to understand and appreciate hockey. Needless to say, the Wings have been my biggest passion since the early 2000's. Hockey is the best sport in the world and the Red Wings exemplify everything I would want in a professional organization. 2002 and the sheer dominance was unbelievable. The 2008 run is my personal favorite though because that group put on a clinic every night in puck possession. It's really a privilege to have watched the Red Wings and their success throughout my life. When you also grew up cheering for the Tigers and Notre Dame Football, it's very easy to take the Red Wings for granted. They were always the one constant of success and joy. I definitely appreciate the memories and all of the legendary players more now looking back.

Agreed. He can get just as much (probably more) from the KHL in Russia, where his daughter lives. Is Pav going to be enticed by a middling team and wingers like Franzen and Abdelkader? The Red Wings need to show they are going to be seriously competitive for him stick around.

This is why you don't bank on players coming back from injuries to be your additions. I doubt Bertuzzi plays either and who cares if Samuelsson does?

This is why they can have a lockout again in seven years. I'm at fault too, but hockey fans are overly loyal.

Yeah, I'm good with that too. We already have a player filling that role well.

Gotta stick with these lines. Z and Pavel were excellent together and Franzen did a nice job centering the second line. Love the way Nyquist and DeKeyser played. Nyquist needs to stay in the top-six and DeKeyser earned the opportunity to remain in the lineup. Howard bailed them out in the third. Huge two points for the Wings. The Avs stink obviously, but that game had some playoff intensity late.

Euro Twins! Damn, if only Pavel could show up.

Oh come on. They call hooking nonstop and that doesn't qualify? Completely took away the scoring chance.

Oh my goodness. This third has been a disaster, but that was beautiful. Really need the extra point.

Nyquist goal? Seems to be the only offensive threat the Red Wings have tonight.

Completely outplayed this period by the worst team in hockey. They realize the playoffs are at stake, no?

What a circus. NHL officials are the best.