Wings will dominate after Olympics

[Marty Barry 230]

I know that we have had a LOT of injuries this season and have been playing with a LOT of minor league guys, but I just have not seen the drive and/or determination of Red Wing teams past. Maybe it's the let down from the finals, maybe it's the "we'll play when it counts" mentality (i.e. Ozzy), I don't know. I refuse to believe that it's because we are playing with too many Griffins, what with our scouting dept. and all. I think that when our best players, who were chosen as the best in the world to represent their homelands come back, that they will possess that missing drive and set the example for the rest of the roster. WE WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. WE WILL GO DEEP. The Olympics, while dreaded by Buttman, may have just saved our season. Any thoughts?

Edited February 23, 2010 by Marty Barry

[SweWings 45]

I don't know about dominate but the first games after the olympics will be extremely important. A 5-6 game winning streak to start after the break would be amazing.

[Marty Barry 230]

With our roster, I think several players coming back in playoff mode will be infectious and lasting. I stand by my "dominating" remark.

[ilmickeyli 40]

We will know within a week or so after play resumes if the wings are in or out.. If they dont come out of the gate flying high and get a good streak going, they are done.

[cupforwings 138]

I agree!!

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

I don't think we will so called "dominate" but I can see us making a good run.

[stormboy 47]

yeah, i wouldn't say "dominate" either, but do see the possibility of renewed energy after the olympics. some players will get rest, others will have the enjoyment of playing with their countries and doing something a little different. hopefully it will be good for everyone.

[dat's sick 1,002]

Zetterberg has mentioned how it's nice to get away for a while, think about something other than the playoff struggle every day.

I think that might be true for most Wings players, and when they come back they'll have new energy.

Whether or not it will be enough to get us into the playoffs is another question. Like others have said, the first week or two after the break could pretty much decide our fate. A couple of losses out of the gate and we're done.

[rage 24]

I was kinda of thinking about this too Marty.

After some thought, I think yeah, it might be best that we had the Olympic Break this year. Not because of the Red Wings Playing in the Olympics, but because the rest of the team gets a HUGE rest!! They should be ready and more healthy.

Bertuzzi is one that comes to mind for me. He isn't playing, but maybe this is good for a player like him. Homer is another one. He needs the time to heal. All the 3-4th liners need this time to heal as well.

Then you have the World Class Players like Datsyuk/Zett/Lids/Rafi, and you have to think that they'll come back either really worn down or pumped and ready for more.

[digitaljohn88 4]

Hopefully Rafalski saves some of his new scoring ability for the Wings. 4 goals in 57 games for us, then he goes to Team USA and scores 4 goals in 2 games.......!

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Since we're talking about Detroit for a second, any word on the status of Eaves and Holmstrom?

We need these guys in the line-up.

[SweWings 45]

Since we're talking about Detroit for a second, any word on the status of Eaves and Holmstrom?

We need these guys in the line-up.

Haven't really heard anything definite about Holmström but his injury didn't seem that serious - just badly timed for the Olympics.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

We shall see...

[blikst 1]

Franzen will tear it up.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Actually, I thought the Wings looked great the last two games before the Olympic break. They got 3 out of 4 points against SJ and OTT, while completely outplaying both opponents. As any Red Wing fan can tell you, there's going to be games where they outshoot the opposition 52-26 like they did against SJ and come up with the loss, but those games are easier to take because you know efforts like that are going to yield far more results than the hot-and-cold play they've shown all season.

I'm optimistic about the team after the Olympics, but not because of something it may have done for the players. I think we saw the type of team they want to be going forward the past two regular season games.

[MCleveland89 122]

I was thinking the same thing. Especially for whatever Wing(s) take the gold medal.

[blikst 1]

Does anyone remember how the wings did in the following games after the 2006 Olympic break? I have a lousy memory and are to lazy to look it up.

Didn't some of the swedes miss the first games or something like that?

Edited February 23, 2010 by blikst

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

"Dominate"? I don't think so. But, like the saying goes: "The ice is paid for".

The Club's record at the Olympic break in 2006:

57 games played, 39W- 13L-4OTL-1SOL.

At season's end, 58W-16L-5OTL-3SOL.

Followed by a nice, big fat FRE.

[Vladifan 680]

Actually, I thought the Wings looked great the last two games before the Olympic break. They got 3 out of 4 points against SJ and OTT, while completely outplaying both opponents. As any Red Wing fan can tell you, there's going to be games where they outshoot the opposition 52-26 like they did against SJ and come up with the loss, but those games are easier to take because you know efforts like that are going to yield far more results than the hot-and-cold play they've shown all season.

I'm optimistic about the team after the Olympics, but not because of something it may have done for the players. I think we saw the type of team they want to be going forward the past two regular season games.

Thanks for saving me the time to type something very much like this myself.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Does anyone remember how the wings did in the following games after the 2006 Olympic break? I have a lousy memory and are to lazy to look it up.

Didn't some of the swedes miss the first games or something like that?

Yes, they missed the first game because the Wings' brass allowed them to go home to Sweden to celebrate their gold medal with the country. Every single Olympic Swede on the Wings stated how much it meant to them to be able to be a part of the festivities. Truly classy move by Detroit.

That being said, I don't see the Wings granting anyone any time off after these games given their desperate need for points and the fact that they play the following evening after the gold medal game in Colorado.

[j.hoop 64]

this is what we can only hope. maybe it will have taken going back to basics for them to realize whats important. i also think the mule has a chance to be huge, 3 points in 3 straight games back is nothing to deny.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

I sure hope so, we're all already at one another's throats over what side of the 49th parallel you were born on, I'd hate to see all that ill-will channeled onto the Wings if they keep losing.

[Guest Shoreline]

Things have definitely had a turnaround which is why the olympic break might actually be beneficial to the team who was just tired and hurt for a good chunk of the season. If the boys can get a second wind and push themselves into the playoffs that alone would make me quite proud, never mind going to yet another finals.

[Grim 5]

Franzen has got his jets on with sweden. looks like he'll be in fine form coming back to the D.... *knock on wood*

[dat's sick 1,002]

Franzen has got his jets on with sweden. looks like he'll be in fine form coming back to the D.... *knock on wood*

I also like how Kronner is playing. With all his knee issues you'd think he'd play it safe, but he is playing as physical as ever before.