RedWingsFanatic

Don Cherry's stubbornness has really just become a farce. I used to really enjoy him, but he's become little more than a sideshow.

Yeah, I totally agree. His affinity for Sammy still frustrates me, too. I would like him so much more if he were a solid third-liner who contributed every five games or so. But he takes up so much ice time and makes so many stupid decisions, it's hard to get excited when he scores a goal once every 7,500 shots. I honestly groan when he does score, because it means Babcock can use it to give him more ice time. Blah. Thank you, Babs. Dats-Z-Cleary. Stick with it.

Well, I didn't say it was anything new. But placing so much reliance on a goaltender is tough. But, hell, it certainly wasn't Columbus' plan entering the season. Mason's play has been a shock to everybody, including their organization, so they're running with it. They wouldn't be within spitting distance of the playoffs without him. I just have a very difficult time seeing it last, especially when Mason is so untested in the playoffs.

We better see Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Cleary after the intermission. There is no reason not to. After that, why not throw Franzen-Hudler-Filppula out there? Put Kopecky back with Draper and Maltby. And then play the fourth line of Samuelsson-Meech-Downey sparsely (never).

For real. If they get a lead, they are dangerous. Ken Hitchcock knows what he's doing, and then they get Mason to make a few big saves for them and escape with two points. It's a strange and inconsistent model for success, but it's clearly frustrating. Anyway, a very lackluster first period. I kind of have a funny feeling about this one, in that I expect the Wings to play strong the rest of the way and make a comeback. Let's hope so.

The only reason Columbus is scary in the playoffs is Mason. I would much rather face them than Nashville or Dallas. I think I'd take Minnesota ahead of everybody else, but the Blue Jackets are very inexperienced and I don't think have the depth to compete in a best-of-seven series. They've played very well against us this year, however.

Two really nice plays from the BJ's. A guy cannot be left that open, however. The penalty had just expired, but he still needs to be covered.

Mom I'd Like To F**k. Very classy.

An early goal is exactly what Columbus needed, and exactly what the Wings needed to avoid.

I love when we get to hear Karen Newman.

Filppula scoring on a semi-consistent basis again would be fantastic.

Yeah, that's what I meant. I still think he can learn to use his size a little bit more as he becomes more comfortable, but watching him play with guys like Lidstrom and Rafalski and adapting to the NHL game is going to be fun.

I am so excited to watch Ericsson develop.

I mean, I don't think it's that hard to figure out. I want a Downey/Laperriere fight really bad.

Well not directly, no. It is unfair to blame him, but it just gave me slight ammunition to make my point.

I hate to mention this, but if the Avs keep this up and Conklin gives up a few tonight, Ozzie might start playing more often than not.

I love Aaron Downey as much as the next guy, but that last play was a perfect example of why he doesn't even come close to deserving a playoff spot above guys like Helm or Leino. He's not going to get it anyway, but it's still worth mentioning. I'll take solid play in the defensive zone over a little bit of grit, thanks. And, yeah, I'm sick of these slow starts against the Avalanche.

The Blue Jackets are just ravaged with injuries. That said, Mason has been so solid for them that they've been winning games. This is a game, though, that the Wings should win and need to win. It's interesting that Lilja is out for Chelios tonight. If Cheli plays a sub-par game, it's going to be difficult arguing for him to get any ice time the rest of the season, barring injury to another defenseman.

'Hawks fans have been chanting "Detroit sucks" for years and years. They did it back in the '90s, they did it a few years ago when they were the worst team in the league and they'll probably continue to do it. I think it's funny, but I do think it makes them look a little ridiculous. Anyway, I don't know if this has been mentioned in here yet, but it seems there is legitimate interest in bringing the Winter Classic to Michigan Stadium in the near future. Thoughts?

How much fun was this? That second period might be the best hour of my life. Good lord. What a display. We should play outdoors more often. And, seriously, does this finally earn Jiri Hudler some more ice time? Boy was on fire today. I love, love, love him with Hossa and Zetterberg. Such a dynamic line and it should be kept together. Ah, what a delicious afternoon of hockey.

I mean, it's hard to really say much about that period. Three questionable calls, three goals. And that was about it. This is starting to look really bad, though. If this keeps up, we'll be 5 points up on Chicago, with the 'Hawks having three games in hand. We really needed to come out with a strong effort tonight, and to say that we've played exceptionally poorly, but there just wasn't the first period jump that was required. I also think it's blatantly obvious how much we miss Lidstrom. If he's out for any significant amount of time, the Central Division will be officially up for grabs. Yikes.

Jimmy Howard is sucking it up in Grand Rapids. Bring up Larsson, if you want to bring somebody up.

If the Wings play this way Thursday, it's going to be gross. I do not want to experience that.

Datsyuk has morphed into the frustrating, fanciful player he was a couple of seasons ago. He is trying to do too much, forcing passes that shouldn't even made in the first place and trying to squeeze himself into areas when simpler moves would make more sense. The Zetterberg/Datsyuk/Holmstrom line hasn't done much since being reunited, and while I think a lot of it has to do with Holmstrom's injury, Datsyuk needs to get back to being the playmaking superstar that he was last season. And, seriously, for the love of God, can Dan Cleary please me moved off the line with Hossa and Franzen? What does Jiri Hudler need to do in order to get any semblance of respect? It irks the s*** out of me. Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie. What exactly happened on that second goal? Yeah, Stuart f***ed up and was completely out of position, but really? Really? He looked shaky all period. I've had faith in him all season, but I'm officially nervous. I always say you shouldn't win a game in which you don't score on an extended 5-on-3 like the Wings had, so they don't deserve this one. But late combacks have become the norm. Let's hope for another one.

That's not necessary. It's nice to expect a third period comeback.