wings' struggles in long series

[Guest no1beatskipper]

I'm not here to start a fight, I just have my own observations about the Wings. We've seen them play a lot over the last 3 seasons out here in Alberta. I find that the Wings style of play is so x's and o's based. They are very strategic and skillful. But after playing 2 or 3 games in a row, teams get used to their tendancies. That's what makes a 7 game series different. It's not like playing the Wings once, then off to Chicago the next day, you get to see the same team for 2 straight weeks, naturally you will start to figure them out. I find the Wings always start strong, but they don't fade during a series, the opponent is making it harder. Look at your PP, passes/ shots were getting through in games 1 and 2. Look at last night, Lidstrom 2 blocked shots in a row?? He is usually money at getting pucks though lanes. Our D is aware now that Zetterberg goes wide with the puck, Datsuyk's little touch passes through feet. In contrast, Calgary, and even Edmonton for that matter play a much simpler game, dump pucks in, cycle, a lot of board work. It's kinda like a solid running game in football, you know what's coming, see if you can stop it, and in the end the Wings get 'out-willed'. A series is all about who can make the best adjustments, I've tried beating that to death here, cuz believe me, there are a lot of dumb hockey fans here, and after game 2 threw in the towel. But Calgary weathered the storm, made some adjustments, and now we have ourselves a best 2 out of 3.

[wingsfan75 2]

I'll agree with you to a point. I think you're partly right about the x's and o's style of play. For example, I feel like when the Wings try so damn hard on the PP to get the shot from the point it works totally against them in the playoffs (at least in the last few series). Last night the Flames totally took away anything from down near the net in the 3rd period especially. The Wings need to isolate the guys at the sides of the net to get the cross-ice passing clicking. That's how we're going to beat Kipper.

I do think that the Wings out-played the Flames in the first couple of games though by dumping and chasing. We were faster and because of our puck control style we were able to draw more penalties.

It's really a tale of two series right now. I think the team that carries the play more is the one that comes out on top; penalty-wise and the like.

[FinRedWing 172]

and in the end the Wings get 'out-willed'

If we lose this series(which I don't think will happen),this is the one reason I wouldn't approve.

If Kipper steals the game,lucky bounce decides it or Calgary's just too good - fine.

But if I see that the other team just wants it more ,that would make me sick.

It's about time the Wings "out-will/work" others in the first round.

Starting tomorrow & continuing at the Dome.

[WingsDC2B 0]

Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. And the Wings have not been lucky in the playoffs since Lids red line shot in round 1 vs. VAN in 2002.

[aarond 0]

2001-Get out to 2-0 lead, then injuries to Shanny and Yzerman, poor goaltending, and lose next four.

2002-came from behind in three of the four series they played.

2003-Swept.

2004-First round: Won first two, lost second two, won last two. Started strong, finished strong.

Second round: never led in the series, but still nearly forced a game 7 at home.

2006-Red Wings win game 1, but never led the series again.

So really, the only series where the wings started out really strong, but then wound up losing, was 2001.

Edited April 20, 2007 by aarond

[regwinguofmfan 0]

We dont score playoff style goals, I said that last night.

The NHL playoffs have become a contest of who can goon it up the most and get caught the least.

Its been this way for the lase 80s till now.

It wont ever change.

[e_mcgrath88 0]

What an idiotic observation.. the reason you won the last 2 games is because of some stupid officiating and kipper playing great.. nothing else... 5 on 3's are like free goals..

[OsGOD 3]

Well maybe the tradional sweep was out the questions but I am still all for winning 4 in row at home if nothing less!

GO WINGS... make them bleed their own blood!

[Yzerfan1999 81]

What an idiotic observation.. the reason you won the last 2 games is because of some stupid officiating and kipper playing great.. nothing else... 5 on 3's are like free goals..

I wouldnt call it idiotic. It makes sense, i think it has to do with playing styles. Both Edmonton and Calgary play this simple game, more of a dump and chase in the offensive zone, and a defensive tactic of keeping everything to the outside. In that sense its a style match up that works in the flames, or oilers like last year, favor. While the wings try and dipsy doodle around everyone, the flames hit hard, win little battles, and dont sit back. The wings were playing a similar style the first two games, but seem to have fallen back into this puck possession play now. They can obviously play better, and i think they will.

[aarond 0]

Look at the stats in this series. The Wings have had the puck the whole series, and the last two games are no exception. The difference right now seems to be the minders.

[58Miles2Joe 12]

I think no1beats nailed it right on the head. The Wings need to go in thinking of themselves as a grinding, dump-and-chase, out-work and out-hustle type of team; then that will open up opportunities to engage in the fancy-dan type stuff. That way the play is less regimented, less predictable and becomes more organic. Then the WIngs will rule the universe, as it should be.

/hyperbole-free zone