RedWingsFanatic

You know, I was questioning earlier why Babcock wouldn't split up the top line to compensate for the two injuries. I guess I just got my answer in these last couple minutes.

I sometimes think Lilja goes into each game with the objective of doing the worst possible thing at the worst possible time. He's become pretty good at it.

What the hell is Andreas Lilja doing?

Maybe my eyes are deceiving me, but it appears Matt Ellis is playing a very solid game. If he, Downey and Drake can play like this on a consistent basis, I would ride it as long as possible.

It's a little troubling that Datsyuk hasn't scored yet.

With injuries to two regulars, I'm surprised Babcock is sticking with Datyuk/Zetterberg/Holmstrom. It sort of creates a scenario where you have one outstanding line, one pretty decent one and then two fairly mediocre ones. Though, the Downey/Ellis/Drake line had a couple spirited shifts. The only reason the Red Wings aren't losing is Chris Osgood. He's been really solid in his four periods so far this season. Hope he can keep it up. Downey seems like a total class act. He came across as a really nice, humble guy in his interview with John Keating. I hope he finds a spot on the team as much as the next guy, but I'm not sure how likely that is. Anyway, a pretty tame period from both teams. Nothing really of note.

Wow. I was not aware of the injury to Samuelsson. So, Downey is in. Should be interesting.

Tonight's Attendance: 17,696 If there's any slightly good news, it might be this. That's the highest home attendance yet, including opening night.

First off, this isn't the same Blackhawks team. That's obvious. They are much better and much faster and they're going to be tough to play. They earned this win just as much as we gave it away. Secondly, and more importantly, the Detroit Red Wings played an awful game of hockey tonight. Just terrible. That third period was painful to watch, as essentially everything went wrong. They are going to have to be so much better than this. I'm not in panic mode or anything, but this was not pretty.

Everybody in the league should talk to Patrick Sharp and see what exactly he's doing to neutralize Datsyuk, because it is certainly working. He's powerless.

The Wings look BAD.

It's not like he's played poorly. He flops around more than I care for, but he cant be faulted for the fact that it's a tie game. That falls onto the defensemen.

I'd also like to bring up that dumbass penalty that Lilja took, SHOOTING A STICK RIGHT INTO THE PUCK HANDLING BLACKHAWK. I just...I...I don't know.

The Red Wings have not played well at all tonight. The 'Hawks have been the better throughout both periods. Again, weak play in the defensive zone, complete with a terrible combined play by Chelios and Lidstrom, has killed us.

The Wings have the two-goal lead, but Chicago was the much better team in that period. I keep saying it, but the 'Hawks are going to be a really great team in a couple of years. I mean, Kane and Toews already look incredibly mature and they were successfully anchoring a power play against one of the best power play units in the league. The fifteen Blackhawks fans in Chicago have to be very happy. I know one his goals was into an empty net and tonight's was a bit fluky, but it would be fantastic for the Wings if Draper can contribute on a regular basis. The Wings still have been pretty sloppy in their own zone, which obviously is a bit of a problem. The entire defensive corps has been pretty unimpressive so far, including sir Nicklas Lidstrom, who has been merely average, which never happens. I love Dallas Drake. I mean, I sort of feel bad for him that, as a veteran in his upper 30's, he's been relegated to the team's enforcer, but it's nice to even HAVE an enforce. So, I'll take it.

This is when I don't mind playing the Blackhawks twice in a week, when we have some revenge to get after. The 'Hawks have the potential to be a dangerous team, and I think a lot of that rides on Khabibulin. If he can be stellar, and his stats are pretty nice so far, Chicago will challenge for a playoff spot. In two or three years, I fully expect them to start giving us some competition for the division. With that being said, I think the Wings are able to come out and take this one tonight. They know they should have won last weekend and a win here will a great send-off for the West Coast trip. If they play well 5-on-5, it shouldn't be a problem. That's been easier said than done so far, though.

Tonight's Attendance: 16,629 I think that number is just a little below where it was on Monday night.

Not the best most impressive effort of all-time, but I will certainly take the two points. Zetterberg and Datsyuk were everywhere out there tonight, Holmstrom continues to find the net and it's always nice to see Draper get on the scoresheet in back-to-back games.

The Wings have been really sloppy in their own zone tonight. The entire defensive corps has left a bit to be desired thus far, but it was great to see Lilja just slap on from the point. I love to see that. Samuelsson, though, continues to amaze me with his ridiculousness.

Haha. I typed the wrong word. Fixed now.

Oh, and another thing. Mickey Redmond discussing the pronunciation of Filppula's name is one of the funniest things I have ever heard. "There's Filppula. I like to call him Fill-poola. It's easier. But, he like's Filp-ula. So..."

My goodness, what a first period from both Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Great stuff. However, the Wings need to be much better at 5-on-5. I think they only have ONE goal at 5-on-5 so far this season, which is dangerously low. The power play looks fantastic, which is great, but even-strength is where teams define themselves. I need to see some more work. All in all, though, a pretty entertaining first period of hockey. Some goals, some hits, some awkward Larry Murphy analysis from in between the benches. Couldn't ask for anything more.

I don't think just anybody can do the training regimen that Chelios can. I mean, he is in an elite class.

I would sign him. I honestly would. I mean, it's not like he is demanding much money at all. I say give him a shot. What's the worst that could happen? Maybe he gets here and has a career rejuvenation. And, if not, no big deal. I don't know, maybe I'm just a sucker for a great comeback story, and this would certainly be one, but I think it might be interesting.

Am I the only one that would jump at a chance to sign McCarty? He wouldn't demand much money and he'd bring something to the team that is obviously lacking. Plus, it would excite a lot of people that are having a hard time connecting to the team. I don't know, just something to think about. Anyway, I always want a win more when Ozzie is in net. Nothing against Hasek, I just like the Red Wings more when Osgood is between the pipes. Wings 3 (Chelios, Chelios, Chelios) Flames 2 (Iginla, Aucoin)