WCQF Game 1 GDT: Coyotes 2 at Red Wings 4

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

Detroit is statistically the toughest team in the playoffs with that fight.

No enforcer needed.

[Firehawk 305]

Doan needs to get 'tuzzied' because I'm sick and tired of watching that POS running around without a fear in his heart. F that.

I absolutely loved that Bert fought even though it was a little one. We need that mean streak out of him, he's one of the only wings that possess it.

[Mabuhay Red Wings 177]

That shows you how much fans at the JLA miss hockey fights.

And it wasn't even a good fight.

That was a fight? Looked more like a game of twister.

[atodaso 279]

is homer hurt? cbc didn't mention anything

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Final score and recap now in OP.

[casey holmstrom 14]

Great game boys, way to start the playoffs!

[dat's sick 1,002]

Man what a nice start to the playoffs. First period was a bit shaky but I wasn't really worried since it wasn't a lack of fire but more a lack of composure. And they found that in the 2nd period and from that point on it was just classic Red Wings hockey. Phoenix never really had anything to answer with, even though they did score one.

I still think the Yotes are a tough opponent and this series COULD be a long one. However, this is exactly the way the Wings needed to open the series in order to not give the Yotes any big confidence boost.

Some notes:

* Great game. Very entertaining, especially the first 2 periods, despite all the penalties in the 1st. Playoff hockey, love it.

* Mule looks like he flicked the switch and is in playoff mode. He took the puck to the net, he shot it, he made plays, basically he looked more interested than he's done since he had that 5 goal game months ago.

* Pavel, as usual, was amazing. I noticed him falling down a lot but that might have just been because he was playing with a lot of effort and desperation. So many nice steals, shots, passes etc. We're looking for him to lead the team in the absence of Z, and he definitely did that.

* Howard kept the team in it during the 1st and beginning of the 2nd. Some huge saves.

* I wouldn't be against playing Modano over Miller next game.

[brett 1,029]

hey everybody wings won at home!

[sputman 1,268]

hey everybody wings won at home!

fo real!?

[wingnut40 176]

Why is Franzen wearing Hank's hat??

[Firehawk 305]

Did something happen with homer? I saw a post asking earlier. I did'nt notice any issue with Homer, and don't remember Ken and Mick saying anything.

[VM1138 1,921]

Nothing negative to take from this, everyone stepped up, all lines firing and making things happen. Love the composure of everybody.

-Love that Bertuzzi is playing physical, recognizing the team has a need and he has the skill set to provide.

-Love that Datsyuk and Franzen are stepping up like they usually do but maybe some of us worried about (at least with Franzen).

-Love that Howard was great, except for the first goal.

-Love that Hudler got a goal. Not sure if this will start a trend but it's a good start.

-Love that the Wings are trying all sorts of shots: wraparounds, blue line shots, one timers, don't over-rely on one move like they have at times this season.

Man, what a great game, I really truly hope they keep this up. This was the Wings team we've all been waiting to see, that we've all been hoping would show up in playoff mode.

[WizardOfOz30 1,886]

Why is Franzen wearing Hank's hat??

He's a fan? They want to feel like he's part of the game even though he can't play?

[VanDer 58]

Great to start the Playoffs with a good win

also is it just me or did Datsyuk fall over alot tonight??

[syntax 359]

Why is Franzen wearing Hank's hat??

Mule lost his hat, Hank wasn't around so Mule stole Hank's hat from his locker.

[hooon 1,089]

Mule was a beast tonight, so was Pavs. Great game all around. A few gaffs early but they corrected it. Keep it up Wings!

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Very glad to see Hudler get a goal as well.

[CanadaBoy 151]

Can't imagine how good the team will be when Hank returns.

[jstwatchin 23]

That was fun to watch. Jimmy was great ... Dats is sick!

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Glad to hear Howie played well.

[Mabuhay Red Wings 177]

Did something happen with homer? I saw a post asking earlier. I did'nt notice any issue with Homer, and don't remember Ken and Mick saying anything.

Might just be Babs wanting to preserve the lead. Homer's not somebody you think about when maintaining a lead.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Might just be Babs wanting to preserve the lead. Homer's not somebody you think about when maintaining a lead.

[CrimsonFlame 424]

Just got back from the game. It was amazing. When we killed that 5 on 3 the whole crowd exploded in to cheers louder than I've ever heard in a long long time. And from that moment on it was just crazy. Only drawback was that I was looking for a phoenix fan to taunt, but then I remembered that there aren't any

Also I'm not a fan of Jimmy Howard, but I have to give him huge props. He played his heart out tonight and it was great to see him not give up a bad rebound.

*edit*

Oh and props to our defense too, especially the PK. Our PK was simply amazing and I think our defense as a whole played solid. A much refreshing change from the past few weeks.

Edited April 14, 2011 by CrimsonFlame

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Just got back from the game. It was amazing. When we killed that 5 on 3 the whole crowd exploded in to cheers louder than I've ever heard in a long long time. And from that moment on it was just crazy. Only drawback was that I was looking for a phoenix fan to taunt, but then I remembered that there aren't any

Also I'm not a fan of Jimmy Howard, but I have to give him huge props. He played his heart out tonight and it was great to see him not give up a bad rebound.

Glad you had a good time and Detroit played well

[Barrie 900]

Great to get the Game 1 win. If Z needs another night off, than we have a lead to play with.

I don't see this series being too long. Winnipeg, ooops did it again , I mean Phoenix doesn't have the depth we do, and I think the only reason why last year went 7 games is because we were tired after 3 straight trips to the 3rd round at least.

Also, if Howard plays well, like he did tonight, look out, it'll be another couple months of Red Wings hockey in the spring.