GoWings1905

Huge problem not having Datsyuk against the Sharks. Z has to practically play every shift against Thornton/Pavelski or it's going to be ugly. Really wish Jurco was up to play on the second line instead of Miller and Bertuzzi.

No kidding. The Wings probably can't afford to give up another goal. FSD showed Niemi is like 12-2 against Detroit with a GAA under two.

I can't see this leading to Rafalski playing again in the NHL. I don't doubt he could probably greatly improve the Red Wings ability to move the puck, but that's about the only upside at age 40. Even three years ago, Rafalski was an undersized defensive liability that struggled with puck retrieval as his knees wore down. He made it up for it then at least with his point production and PP skill. I'm tired of Quincey/Kindl too, but if the Red Wings are looking for other options beyond a trade, they should just call up Ouellet or Almquist for good.

Ouch, those forward lines are absolutely horrendous. Why isn't Jurco still up to add some offensive punch with Pavel out? That second line would be an average fourth line. Glad DeKeyser is back at least. Z is probably going to have to take over this game if the Red Wings have any chance to win.

I would choose Smith/Quincey because Smith is the best player out of the four by far. That being said, I would rather have Colaiacovo over Quincey. Cola moved the puck well the three games he was healthy and the Red Wings defense lacks that skill overall.

Unfortunately, Smith still didn't get a shot. Kindl and Sammy were on the point for the second PP unit.

Jimmy obviously bailed the team out in the first when things could have gone south quickly. That's the type of performance the Wings need more consistently with Howard while they battle injuries and likely aren't going to be scoring five goals very often. Also, I think it's absolutely clear now from the past couple games that Brendan Smith should never be paired another second with Kyle Quincey. Smith has looked composed and much more assertive jumping in offensively playing with Kronner. I would keep those two together and have E/DeKeyser on the second pairing. Whichever of Kindl/Quincey is less of a disaster at the time with Lashoff then. Good win with a very tough three games looming in California.

Really unfortunate Helm can't stay healthy because we all know what a difference maker he is on the ice for the Red Wings. It would be nice with Weiss out too for Helm to center the second line because I think most games the Wings need Z and Pavel together to carry the offense. Hopefully this isn't long-term and Helm will come back contributing offensively like he was before.

We are incredibly blessed to have both play here. They complement each other very well and I wish the Red Wings could find a way to keep them on the same line consistently because they have such great chemistry together. Like others have stated, I would say Pav is the more talented of the two. Flashier, highlight-reel moves and maybe the most creative player in hockey. As Mickey says, he's the worth the price of admission alone. If I have to pick one though, I would choose Z. He's the heart and soul of this team. The Red Wings are judged on playoff success and Z has always stepped up his game when it matters since the lockout in the post-season. His work ethic and ridiculous drive really make him elite because he certainly isn't the biggest, nor fastest player on the ice. Z often has put the Red Wings on his back since assuming the captaincy. It has been a flawless transition coming off two legendary captains. It's going to be a very sad day when the Euro-Twins are no longer part of the organization. It's a treat to watch them.

Bozak throwing his stick up and having a point shot hit it is extra effort, but Abby driving the net hard to tie the game isn't? The Red Wings loss today had nothing to do with compete level. That was the best 60 minute performance they have put together in awhile.

Jimmy was great the first 65 minutes. I highly doubt he was determined to lose the shootout, given the stakes and his competitive nature. It's hard to be upset with the Wings effort today. They were the better team and if they duplicate that in upcoming games, wins will follow.

Is there a more fitting outcome given this season? Red Wings played well and probably deserved better, but that's how it seems to be going. January is a brutal month in terms of the schedule. Really gotta find a way to string some wins together and display some consistency. Awesome event, no less. Enjoyable to watch despite the disappointing loss.

Abby! Great pass by Smith. I think he has done a nice job all game of jumping into the play with his speed. Hopefully the Wings can get another. They deserve to win this game.

Besides the obvious stupidity of Cleary on the PP, he is taking faceoffs while not being a center. So, the Wings start chasing the puck right away.

Agreed. I hate having Pavel play with both Abby and Bertuzzi on a line. Pavel is too creative to be stuck with two wingers who largely depend on the puck hitting them in front of the net for goals.

Has he left the ice? I swear every time I look Cleary is out there.

I'm not quite sure what the infraction was that Abby got called for. Looked like a harmless play.

NBC is garbage. Are the Penguins playing today? Enough with highlights of them and injecting Crosby into every discussion.

Haha, all the talent on that bench for a shootout and Scotty picks Homer.

Ozzie forgot he was mic'd up there or just doesn't care. "I'm ******* freezing!"

For sure. It looked like Stevie was laboring just walking in on skates when he was announced.

Sergei skates so well. Nick would still be the best d-man on the team too.

First game was pretty cool, but this second game is going to be awesome. Can't wait to see the reactions for Stevie and Nick.

Bertuzzi takes awful penalties. Most of them occur in the offensive zone. Should have won this game easily if not for Howard and Bertuzzi's typical stupidity.

Eaves! Great work by Z there. Just pull Howard now. Been playing with an empty net all night anyways.