VM1138

His puck handling wouldn't even be a big deal if he didn't try to handle it all the time. Play to your strengths, Howard. Cover that puck if you need to.

Boggles my mind that Kindl is continuously relied on. I see him out there more than Kronwall it seems. I agree with others that bringing up a black ace wouldn't be any worse necessarily. Even if they got pressured easily by Boston it would be a lateral move.

I think we are under utilizing Legwand, too. Andersson is so slow...but I guess all of our options are.

Aside from giving Oullet or Sproul a shot, I'd rather juggle the lines than change the actual lineup.

The KK article made me think of the speech Rocky gives in Rocky Balboa: "But it ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward." It sounds counterintuitive, and maybe even cowardly, but the team doesn't stand a chance if it plays Boston's game. They don't have to run when challenged, but don't get frustrated like Smith got yesterday. You could see a wildness in his lack of composure. It's good entertainment, but remember how Boston started to get a little rattled in Game 1 when the Wings didn't play into their hands? That's how it should be. Stretched out over a couple of games it can really throw Boston off their game. Grind. Take the hits you can't avoid, but keep going. They've done it before. Of course, that only matters if our power play can enter the zone and shoot the puck more than once a power play.

Agreed about Sproul or Oullet. They can't be worse than Kindl or Layoff right now and might be good. I wouldnt put both in, because Boston will exploit them mercilessly. I'm not sure who you'd pair them with, though. Could cause lots of turnover. And why are people slotting Bert in the lineup? He's slow and wouldnt replace someone who deserves to sit. Franzen is due but I'd like to see him on the third. I don't want to sacrifice team offense just waiting for him to wake up. Play him easier minutes on the third. His hitting and defense fits in well there.

Howard wasn't terrible. The pass was awful, but as far as making good saves, he did pretty good. I'd say he was at fault for two of the goals. We have to score more than once a game. Makes me excited for Mrazek, though. His puck handling can create offense.

Agreed. I like that Smith stood up to Chara, but it pained me to see how frustrated Smith looked. He wasnt just pissed, he had totally lost it. And Chara laughed at him. So did the commentators, which I don't understand. Chara isn't a fighter, the only thing he had going for him was gargantuan reach. The team cannot lose its cool. And we have to improve our one man rushes. Our speed doesnt do any good if the skater is going up against all five Boston players and Rask. They need to support each other and crash thr net more. I'm tired of dump and chase, too.

Plus, the lineup just doesn't work. I understand the logic on paper but it didn't work today. Let's mix it up. Add speed and skill to Datsyuk's line. Franzen could be better on the third, bring Legwand up to play with Datsyuk and Nyquist. I think Babcock wanted them to focus on team defense, hence the low scoring. You know, weather the Boston storm. He probably counted on a split and knows how to get a better performance next game. Legwand-Datsyuk-Nyquist Tatar-Sheahan-Jurco Franzen-Helm-Alfredsson Miller-Glendening-Abdelkader Still balanced lines, puts Abdelkader where he is most effective, and makes Datsyuk's line more effective. Helm and Franzen played well together back in December and could inspire Franzen to grind, which he does do when he's not scoring. Plus, maybe it opens him up for scoring. I trust Babcock to take full advantage of last change.

A series is all about how teams bounce back. Every game has different stories, factors, etc. That's a good thing at least. Plus, no more afternoon NBC games scheduled. I know that sounds silly but it makes me feel better.

None of Datsyuk's linemates can handle his plays. So freaking maddening. These lines just aren't optimized. Thank God for last change at home. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

I figure that Game 1 was a warning game for Boston about what the Wings can do, and Game 2 has been a warning for Detroit. Game 3 might be more even again. Being a Sunday afternoon game pretty much doomed us anyway so its not a surprise. Good thing about being inconsistent is that we know the Wings will be better at some point this season. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

The Wings can't even do basic things like not lose the puck when skating unopposed. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

I agree with others. Shake up the lines. At least to start. Maybe Boston shuts us down, but these lines aren't good. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Howard made a bad pass but the second goal was bad defense. I'd say Howard is playing phenomenal. We should be down 3 or 4-0. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Ha e we had a shot on goal yet? Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Howard had some amazing saves. It's the defense who is letting Boston walk right in on him. Or behind him. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Easter Massacre. So furious. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Should've predicted that the penalties will go against the Wings. Settle down, guys. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

They're on their heels and making panic moves. Hate it. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Which coach is responsible for our power play? I don't understand how a team can be worse with an extra player. I can't fathom it. That's going to kill us if it doesn't change. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

I feel like Game 1 was a perfect textbook example of hockey. You could see the strategy even moreso than most games. Which means this series might be a coaches series, which bodes well for us. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Really nervous about this one. My head knows they can win. My superstitions say no. Afternoon NBC game, pissed off Boston, I can't wear my lucky jersey today, watching it at someone else's house who says they always lose when he watches..... Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Tough guys are still here. But the rules make it stupid to defend yourself. It is far more advantageous for a team to have a dirty player than to defend oneself. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

I don't think Boston took us lightly. They played really, really good. It was a very even game. I think we just saw that Detroit is, in fact, on the same plane as the Bruins. Very closely matched team. Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2