RedWingsFanatic

That was about as bad a period of playoff hockey as this team can play. There was just nothing in terms of desire. Frankly, we're lucky to be in a one-goal game. I called out Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Hossa before the game and, this afternoon, they've been as invisible as ever. It's tough to imagine us winning a best-of-seven series without any of those guys producing. It's clear we miss Rafalski. We've been so sloppy in our defensive zone. I miss the stabilizing effect that he typically brings and I'm sick of seeing Chelios out there. The one saving grace has been our penalty kill, which did a great job killing off those last two Anaheim power plays. Let's hope we get a call and can even this thing up. If not, I'll be awfully nervous come Game 3.

Ugh Chelios. You're supposed to play 6 or 7 minutes and not get in the way. Taking a stupid penalty like that is not allowed.

First of all, what a pleasure it was to be relieved of Pierre McGuire. The broadcasts are so much more enjoyable without him. However, the Wings play was not as enjoyable. They were sloppy and careless with the puck and the fact that we were beaten on face-offs after thoroughly dominating them in Game One shows that things just aren't in sync. Luckily, it's a tie game and we can hopefully improve the rest of the way. I'm getting a little agitated with Marian Hossa, who has decided to go missing for most of these playoffs. He came to Detroit to play in these types of games and we need him. Darren Helm. Future superstar. He's so much fun to watch.

We need guys like Z, Dats and Hossa to get going. Winning without them producing is nice and shows off our depth, but it's not going to last forever. I'd love to see goals from a couple of them this afternoon. Sunday afternoon playoff games are one of life's greatest gifts. Let's enjoy it.

I love Aaron Downey, but this seems to be totally uncalled for. I mean, anybody thinking be deserved a roster spot BEFORE this incident was crazy, but this should really put any talk like that to rest for good.

Yeah, it was a sweet little sequence.

I'm wondering if Nick's effort last night isn't enough to propel him to the Norris again. I know it's a regular-season award and Mike Green probably deserves it, but he's gone missing during the playoffs and I think last night will resound in voters minds when the time comes. He'll get some consideration based on name recognition alone, but I can't help thinking that last night's effort might have subconsciously earned him some votes. I think the biggest thing about last night was that the Wings were able to win without Zetterberg, Datsyuk or Hossa really doing much of anything. If we can get those guys going at the same time while also getting Rafalski back in the line-up, the Wings will be in good shape. Also, Jonathan Ericsson is going to be an elite NHL defenseman. He has been scary good and his fight with Perry last night cemented his status. Awesome stuff.

s***, perhaps CBC and Versus were using the same center-ice camera operator because the CBC broadcast was a total mess.

Uh, more like Penalty Kill time.

Helm has been great again. I really hope he isn't the odd man out once Draper is back. I highly doubt he will be. He's been far too good.

Man, I just keep loving Ericsson more and more. That was great.

Well, first of all, it obviously wasn't a play away from the puck. You can see the puck when Brown hits him. For interference to be called, there has to be a stride and a half taken and I don't think Hudler had gotten that far yet. And, yeah, it was to the head. But Huds just has to keep his head up in that situation. It's not Brown's fault that he put it down right after he let go of the puck. I can't believe I'm here defending the ******* Anaheim Ducks. I feel like a dirty human being. We can debate the hit all night but it's not going to get us anywhere. I'm happy we scored on the ensuing power play and I hope Huds is okay. Let's move on.

Wow, the reactions on Versus and CBC could not be more different on the Brown hit. Jones is all pissed on Versus while all the guys on CBC agree that it was a clean hit. It's certainly up for interpretation, but in my opinion Hudler was responsible for making it look so bad.

I guess I'm the only one here, but I still think Brown's hit was legal. It was hard and nasty, but I don't really have a problem with it. Huds had barely taken a stride before he was knocked. He has to keep his head up during instances like that. I hope he's alright, but I'm probably pretty upset about that penalty if I'm a Ducks fan.

Naw, I really don't think so.

He was avoiding a too many men on the ice penalty.

Since the goal, this PP has been atrocious.

That doesn't seem to be a dirty hit, you guys.

A troubling start. And we take the first stupid penalty. Not good. In other news, the CBC broadcast is a mess. The camera work is absolutely horrendous. It's lost the puck numerous times and then goes back-and-forth for 10 seconds trying to find it. It's awful. And they've gotten at least 3 of our players' names all mangled. I don't want to watch Versus because their feed is a few seconds behind, but I'm awfully close.

Is Jonas Hiller retarded? I don't like using that word. But I feel like it might be legitimate in this case...?

That CBC intro was pretty legit.

Points or no points, Pavel was pretty great in that first series.

I hate the Ducks so much that it should be illegal, so I'm pretty pumped for this. I'm actually happy I'm not home in SoCal right now. I don't know if I could take all of...that. Mr. Lidstrom will need to be as good as ever in the absence of Rafalski. I have uber faith in him. Go get it, guys.

Babcock did an excellent job of attempting to cover up Ozzie's injury after the game. He almost had me believing him! Oz was obviously injured, though I'm hoping it's nothing that can't be fixed with a week off. I think my favorite part of the game tonight was Marian Hossa. Talk about a man on a mission. It's clear that he desperately wants a Stanley Cup and it was nice to see his effort pay off in two goals tonight. He was a total beast.

The power play was pretty tepid in that first period, but man, what this team has been able to do over these past four games is pretty remarkable. They've been so precise and good and it's just been a pleasure to watch. Hopefully they can keep it up for 40 more minutes and, all things considered, complete one of the most dominating best-of-seven series performances I can ever remember.