May 20th, 2013 at 5:05 PM
By Frank VajcnerIt's back to Hockeytown.
After the Detroit Red Wings took Game 2 of the series against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Red Wings now have a chance to swing momentum into their favor with the next two games at Joe Louis Arena.
Here's what to watch for:
- If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Mike Babcock is keeping the lineup the same as it was for Game 2. That means Drew Miller stays put on the fourth line. If he has to adjust anything, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg could see some shifts together if necessary. For the Blackhawks, Viktor Stalberg will be back in the lineup on the third line. Dave Bolland moves to second-line center, while Andrew Shaw centers the third line. Either Michael Handzus or Daniel Carcillo will sit.
- Captain Serious not happy. Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, normally one who doesn't complain, has let his frustration show. Toews has not scored a goal yet these playoffs (which only means he's due), but he's probably also ticked at the fact the rest of the team wasn't pulling their weight in Game 2.
- Penalty kill perfection. The Blackhawks have also not allowed a power play goal yet in the playoffs. Yours truly doesn't see things staying that way for long.
Read more... Join the Conversation... May 19th, 2013 at 2:27 PM
By Frank VajcnerRaise your hand if you thought that the Chicago Blackhawks would sweep the Detroit Red Wings after Game 1.
Now raise your hand if you thought that the Red Wings would defeat the Blackhawks by more than two goals in a game this series…didn't think so.
When I was watching the game yesterday, it was reasonable to expect the Wings to play much better, given that they had an extra day to rest.
What I never would have expected was the Wings to open up the proverbial can of you-know-what in the second and third periods.
The Red Wings sent a loud and clear message to the Blackhawks yesterday. That message was, to put it politely, "We don't give a rat's gluteus maximus about what you did in the regular season. It's the playoffs."
I will admit that Chicago is a good team. They execute well and don't do anything stupid, except for flopping to draw penalties (cough, cough, Marian Hossa). I could go on and on about how much I despise players who flop, but that's for another time.
My point for this column is as follows, the Blackhawks have too much hype surrounding them, and the Red Wings beat them at their own game.
Read more... Join the Conversation... May 18th, 2013 at 5:53 PM
By Frank VajcnerIt is commonly said that regular season success doesn't always translate to success in the postseason in the NHL.
The Detroit Red Wings proved that with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals. It was the first time that the Blackhawks had lost to the Red Wings in regulation since April 10, 2011.
Since then, the Blackhawks had gone 9-0-2 against the Red Wings, including their Game 1 victory.
Game 2 was almost the polar opposite of the previous game.
"I think we didn't play well in Game 1," Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said. "I think we had a long series [against the Anaheim Ducks in the first round] and it was a little wake-up call that we were in another series, so we wanted to play better today and I think we did."
The wake up appeared to come after Patrick Kane put the Blackhawks up in the first after a defensive breakdown.
The Wings played much better in the first period, despite trailing 1-0, as they outshot the Blackhawks 12-8. The Wings rang up 30 shots on goal after being held to 21 in Game 1, while holding the Blackhawks to just 20 shots after they put 42 on net the previous game.
Read more... Join the Conversation... May 18th, 2013 at 11:50 AM
By Frank VajcnerTime for the Detroit Red Wings to get back to work.
Game 2 is today (1 p.m., NBC) and here's what to watch for.
- Miller Time? Reports say that Red Wings forward Drew Miller could return to the lineup today after being out since April 20 with a broken hand. Mike Babcock said that Miller would play if he was in a position to help the team. If Miller returns, that means either Patrick Eaves or Todd Bertuzzi will sit.
- Dig Deeper. The Wings seemed to peter out in the third period in Game 1. In fact, they have allowed 15 goals in the third period in all of their playoff games this year. An extra day of rest should help, but the real problem is that they haven't been aggressive enough when tied or playing with the lead.
- Dynamic Duos Neutralized. As much as everyone may talk about Chicago's Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane not scoring a goal yet these playoffs, the same can be said for Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg not scoring in Game 1. They won't be kept quiet for long.
Read more... Join the Conversation... May 17th, 2013 at 9:12 PM
By Frank VajcnerDetroit Red Wings forward Drew Miller hasn't played since he broke his hand in April, but he could return to the lineup as early as tomorrow.
“If Drew Miller is in a position to help our team, he’ll play,” Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said.
Miller last played in Vancouver on April 20. When asked if he was 100%, he said that he was good enough to help the team against the Chicago Blackhawks.
‘”I wouldn’t say it’s 100% percent, but I wouldn’t say it’s far off,” Miller said. “I think I can play. I’m comfortable with it. I thought practice today was the big step to see how it was. I got through practice and I felt fine and everything, I had no pain. I feel like I was able to perform what I need to perform to be able to play."
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m available.”
Miller has been a regular on the penalty kill this season, and he could help neutralize the Blackhawks' explosive offense. He will likely get his spot back on the fourth line, which means either Patrick Eaves or Todd Bertuzzi will sit.
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