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.

I KNEW I Shouldn't Feel Optimistic

Thomas Holmstrom. Broken foot. Out for 3-4 weeks. And the suckfest continues.

The Injuries Revealed

Over the last several days, the various injuries to the Wings have begun to be revealed...and it is quite a list.


*Lidstrom--speared in the testicles and required surgery. Also, he was bothered throughout the season by his elbow.

*Rafalski--separated shoulder and herniated disk in his back.

*Draper--torn cartilage in his neck and groin pull.

*Datsyuk--charley horse and foot injury.

*Cleary--severe groin pull.

*Holmstrom--left knee requiring pain-killing shots. This on top of a season of hernia, back, and knee problems.

*Zetterberg--hasn't been confirmed, but it has been suggested that he had a problem with his wrist/hand and wore a brace during the playoffs.

I STILL say that the Wings would beat the Pens any day of the week and twice on Sunday if they were healthy--and if Datsyuk was able to play every game of the Finals. The series would NEVER have gone past five games.