GoWings1905

Nice win. Not the prettiest display of hockey, but they got two points and did some things much better in the process. Nyquist looked awesome with Datsyuk -- they need to stay together and into the playoffs. Franzen still did nothing, but at least Pavel had Nyquist out there to help create scoring chances. Z's line was terrific as usual.

Best part of the game was only one goal against and seeing Jimmy look strong again. Ericsson was very good. I know he gets dumped on here, but he's very valuable on the PK and Babcock even singled him out for it. It's not a coincidence the PK is perfect since E returned. I think he has definitely outplayed both Quincey and Kindl. E always gets criticized, but Quincey takes so many bad penalties and hasn't had the impact that I expected so far. I would rather see Ericsson/Smith as the third pairing right now. Quincey needs to break his bad penalty knack. I like he's aggressive and wants to be physical, but do it wisely at least.

Back to controlling their own destiny for home ice advantage. Huge test on Wednesday. We'll see if the Red Wings can fare a little better this time against a tough division rival with a lot at stake.

Can we send Quincey back to where he came from please?

He has been an awful addition.

If there's anything I hate more than losing, it's listening to sanctimonious clap-trap about what does or does not constitute a fan, and where those who are deemed "un-fans" (to borrow from the Newspeak dictionary) can go.

Completely agree. People here are rightfully frustrated now with the way the team they love is playing.

Nobody needs to hear what constitutes a fan.

Consider me shocked the puck went in the net with Cleary, Bertuzzi and Abdelkader all on the ice together.

Too many passengers. Besides Pavel, Z and Fil there is no consistency at forward from anyone else.

Haven't won a road game in exactly one month.

Absolutely have to get two points on Friday now.

Do we have word on Franzen's potential return date?

Sign me up for a cold, coming back from injury Jimmy Howard in goal Friday over Conklin.

I get Babcock's philosophy, but home ice may be at stake and this team clearly needs it. Let Jimmy play if he says he is healthy enough. Conklin's numbers speak for themselves.

I feel bad for Conklin mostly tonight, but my goodness he can't make a timely save for anything.

Change your lines or something Babcock. Could have gone three points up on the Predators heading into Friday, but couldn't even show up on the road against the worst team in hockey.

^ That's hilarious. I saw that story the other day and laughed. The irony is "minor league guy" is actually the Cardinals second highest rated prospect. I get maybe not knowing some random non-roster invitee, but I would expect a Tigers broadcast to be able to identify Nick Castellanos during a game.

I want the Red Wings to keep winning and develop/reacquire good habits going into the playoffs. You can't pick your poison. What happens when the Sharks finish 3rd instead and the Red Wings end up drawing the team that gives them the most fits in the first round? Nashville or Chicago would be much nicer for travel purposes as well.

The Red Wings are as strong as any team in the West when healthy and when they turn up their intensity. If they can continue to build off last night's win, they could very easily secure 4th in the conference and get that potential extra game on home ice where they have flourished all season. If it means playing Nashville instead of maybe the Sharks, I will take that trade off. No disrespect to the Predators, but if the Red Wings can't beat them they sure as hell aren't getting through Vancouver, St. Louis, Pittsburgh or the Rangers to win it all.

Wanting to lose games is playing with fire. The Red Wings have struggled enough for the past month. Play hard for seven more games and go into the playoffs with some momentum.

If Nick does play, what's the purpose of Kindl being in over Smith? Smith is better than Kindl already.

Well, one more point than expected. Conklin was surprisingly strong.

Need Nick back on Saturday really bad. Schedule eases up the next three games -- huge opportunity to get some points before it gets tougher at the end.

Sorry Homer, but please please retire.

I see Cleary has replaced Ericsson as the board whipping boy. Usually by the same people that have bashed Cleary for years, but are extra vocal now.

Anyways, not a bad period overall. Nyquist looks really comfortable out there. Too many sloppy turnovers they need to cut down on, but at least they are in the game. I wasn't too sure that would be the case.

Nyquist is so slick. No reason he shouldn't be a regular from here forward.

Hopefully they can get another relatively quick and keep pushing.