Detroit 3-Colorado 2

Tonight's game was a little bit of everything. The first period was good old Red Wing hockey--the kind we always counted on. And that's what we got--until this year. THAT is the kind of hockey we got in the second period--THIS year's Red Wing hockey. Yeah, they had a meltdown and lost the lead. Thankfully, Lidstrom FINALLY got another goal (first for the year on the road?) and they managed to hang on to the lead for a regulation win. Damn but it was good to get back to NHL hockey again.

So, what stood out for me. First, that second goal that Howard let in was very, very sad. I'm sure he's beating himself with a wet noodle right about now, thinking about it. However, there COULD have been some coverage from the other players, but...it still was sad. Z, Pavel, Holmstrom, Franzen--just great to see them out there. All in all, not a bad effort after two weeks.

Of course, I seem to concentrate a little more on my Baby Boy than a lot of the other players. He is playing his little heart out and getting great opportunities to score--he just can't seem to do it. Damn, but he came so close so many times tonight. Also, he better get his skates looked at because he wipes out so damn much--and has been for a while, even during the Olympics. Yes, I know some of the fault lies with his being molested by other players, but it is getting to be something that happens almost every time he is on the ice. Just an observation. And I couldn't believe he wasn't on the ice during the last minute so that he could get the empty-netter! He was getting to be the king of the empty-net goals in the Olympics--you'd think Babcock would utilize that. ;)

I'm really waiting to see how they play on Wednesday--it will let us know whether the Wings are back or not.

Much Going On

No one will be able to watch hockey this season without a program, that's for sure. With all of the players being moved, it will be hard to know exactly WHAT team is playing.

The Grand Rapids guys will be a big part of the Wings this year--which we all were pretty sure was going to happen, anyway. It is time for Helm and Leino and Ericsson to move up. Last year they could have been in Detroit, but the salary cap prevented that. It will be a much younger team than we've seen in a while, but good nonetheless.

Now with the probable move to Russia by Hudler, it looks like there will be a need for even more new faces on the team. Holland is going to sign someone, cause it doesn't look like there will be enough guys in GR ready to move up. With the exception of Abdelkator, I'm not sure who is next in line. Especially with the way the Wings like to give prospects the time to grow in the AHL. Interesting.

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So, Sakic is retiring. The only player that I could actually like on the Avalanche. He was as classy as a player could be--a good guy. Too bad he played for Colorado.

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Pronger extended his time in Philly by another seven years. And the Flyers continue to get themselves back into the Broadstreet Bullies way of thinking--if they ever were out of it. Their season might be mighty interesting, considering they signed Emery, too. I'm still waiting to see what this team can do against Pitts--I'm hoping for some bloodshed, actually.

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Just some of the interesting things going on: Anaheim signed Saku Koivu. The Islanders are hoping that Tavares will lead them out of the cellar. The Blackhawks signed all of their RFA's, so they will stay out of trouble over the 'oops, the mail was slow' 'mistake' that was made over the qualifying offers not getting to the players as per the rules. Surprise! {dripping sarcasm in that} And life goes on in the NHL. Isn't it October yet?