Heroes of Hockeytown

It would be good for him to get more points, as it's always good for everyone, but have a look at last night's game and you'll see how he contributes to the offense even when he doesn't get on the scoresheet. Specifically, Homer's goal. Lidstrom makes the totally unspectacular but correct defensive read, intercepts Perry's cycling attempt, and makes the perfect outlet pass to Datsyuk that begins the rush and ends with a goal. He doesn't even get a point on the play, but everything is predicated on his big brain and the transition from defense to offense that he creates.

Surviving this late start is going to be brutal. The West Coast should suck it up and take starts at 4PM-local-time like men.

Little brother emphatically put down this week.

Flip has been awesome in these C-bus games.

Well that was the PK of the century. And also the most poorly executed 5-on-3 I've ever witnessed.

Third, I reckon. All three pretty similar too. One of these days when he's not up against a Vezina mode goalie they'll go in.

My goodness what a terrible line change by Columbus. Thanks for that, fellas.

Why are all the D jumping up into the play with the lead? Very nearly surrendered two 2-on-1s.

Switch flipped.

I guess it takes Kronwall of all people crashin' the crease to get one by this ******* tonight.

9.5/10

What do you call the shift where he drew the penalty?

Vezina mode Mason again.

He went around the world but couldn't find his girl.

For some reason it seems like it's been worse, but the Wings' PP is actually 7th in the NHL right now. Maybe it's because when they don't score the PP is a disaster zone that spends 90% of the time meandering around the neutral and defensive zone; really feast or famine.

Years ago in days of old when magic filled the air, I thought this would be worth trying when it was clear the Sammy experiment on the point was a terrible, terrible mistake; but alas, Hudler remained a lefty:

He didn't do anything of note. The assist was a charity point on a routine pass that Flip and Stuart worked to a goal. But every player gets those so you can't hold it against him. Still, I didn't feel like he had any impact on the game.

I have to say that despite the BJs' record I didn't feel "up" for this game at all. It may be impossible for me to care about the Blue Jackets, in any capacity, ever.

Pretty well played game from top to bottom. Mason, especially in the first period, was the only thing that kept the Wings from running away with it for a while. Jimmy Howard is also a wonderful human being and goaltender.

Fourth line never ceases to do work.

Hank what are you doing?

Nice give and go with Stuie.

Hank takes that cross check about 500 times a game, glad someone finally decided to call it.

That was an interesting set up, Rafalski chilling on the half-wall over there.