Oilers @ Redwings; Puck Drop @ 7:30 pm

The Edmonton Oilers are currently on a 9 game road trip. The second game of their long road trip is tonight against a team they desperately want to avoid, the Detroit Redwings. In saying that, the Oilers are 0-4-1 against the Redwings in the past 2 years. The Oilers are 6 points out of a playoff spot which puts greater pressure on them in playing the Wings.

Being a Redwings fan, I am aware how big of a game this is for both sides. The Redwings are riddled with a long list of players on injured reserve and the Oilers are desperate for 2 points. The Wings currently sit 6 points atop the Oilers in the Western Conference. Should the Redwings win, that should permanently put the Oilers at the bottom of the West; especially with 22 teams taking part in games tonight. Every team is desperate as this shortened season progresses, it should be an entertaining game.

Prediction: Redwings 3-1 Oilers
Go Wings Go

Updated "Clipped" Wings

Todd Bertuzzi (Back, out 2-3 weeks)

Valteri Filpula (shoulder,  out  1-2 weeks)

Darren Helm (Back, out 2-3 weeks)

**All images retrieved from Google.images

Avalanche 1-2 Redwings 3/5/13

The Colorado Avalanche traveled to Detroit Tuesday morning to take on the Redwings, which would be the first meeting of the season. The Redwings came out strong in the first 40 minutes out hitting Colorado and out-shooting them as well. The Redwings took a 2-0 lead after two periods of play with goals from Johan Franzen and Nicklas Kronwall. Johan Franzen played in his 2nd game since returning from a groin injury that sat the big forward out a stretch of 8 games.

Heading into the 3rd period, goaltender Jimmy Howard knew he would need to stand on his head as this was a game Detroit could not afford to let up. The New York native stopped 36/37 shots as he held on to give the Redwings a huge 2 points with a 2-1 victory. Howard was just 1 minute and 26 seconds away from a shutout when the loan goal came from Avalanche F Paul Stastny. It does not bother Jimmy Howard though as all that matters in the end, is the result along with the rewarded points.

(Retrieved from Youtube)

After the game, Redwings' Coach Mike Babcock was asked how his team has progressed and managed to still perform defensively regarding all their injuries. Coach Babcock responded in saying "Yeah I mean the injuries are tough to accept, but we are getting better every game and defensively we have been outstanding as we've only conceited 3 goals in 3 games with 5 out of 6 points in return".

The Redwings will have a 3 game stretch that are considered as "must wins" as they are taking on below.500 teams in the Edmonton Oilers (Thursday), and a home-and-home series with last placed Columbus Blue Jackets (Saturday and Sunday).

Updated "Clipped" Wings

 DARREN HELM (Groin injury)

 TODD BERTUZZI (Back)
           JIMMY HOWARD (Lower-body injury)

 JOHAN FRANZEN (groin injury)

   

**All images retrieved from Google.images

Dazzling Loss

Heading into their matchup Tuesday night with divisional rivals, the Nashville Predators, The Redwings once again had been clipped with severe injuries. These include F Todd Bertuzzi, F Johan Franzen, F Darren Helm and several other key defenseman. The Redwings showed heart though going into overtime on the road at Nashville in a 4-3 overtime loss.

(Retrieved from Youtube)

Goaltender Jimmy Howard got injured halfway through the 2nd period, which forced backup goaltender Jonas Gustuvvsen into action. He stopped 19/21 shots which gave Detroit a chance. F Pavel Datsyuk a potential "goal of the year" with 6 minutes remaining to tie the game 3-3. A minute into overtime, Captain Shea Weber scored the winner for Nashville which is a heart breaking loss for Detroit despite their tremendous effort regarding their injuries. 

Detroit needs to get their injured players back as soon as possible as their is no time to waste in the shortened 48-game season. F Johan Franzen, F Todd Bertuzzi, F Darren Helm, and G Jimmy Howard are the key clipped Redwings that need to recover quickly in order to have a chance at playoff contention. 

Beating the KINGS in Style

The Detroit Redwings hosted the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings Monday at the Joe Louis Arena. The Los Angeles had lost 4 straight games prior to the showdown, so they were a desperate group seeking 2 valuable points. On the other hand, the Detroit Redwings had won 3 straight coming into the game beating some playoff bound teams in the St.Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, and Minnesota Wild. This game was filled with action and a rare scene seeing Redwings' star forward, Pavel Datsyuk get CRUSHED by Kings Defenceman, Drew Doughty.

       (Retrieved from Youtube)

Being a Redwings fan, this was the first time I've ever seen him get that hard in his career. Knowing Datsyuk's toughness though, he was able to shake it off and come right back minutes later and score a beauty top shelf goal on G Jonathan Quick.

(Retrieved from Youtube)

The game was tied 2-2 in the last minute by the Los Angeles Kings, but with just 4.5 seconds left, the Redwings managed to squeak one by Jonathan Quick to hand the Kings a TOUGH heartbreaking loss after such a hard fought battle. In doing this, The Redwings continue to answer the expert critics who predicted that the Wings would fail to make the playoffs for the 1st time in 22 years. Winning 4 straight games is huge for the hockey club and hopefully they can continue their dominance when they host the St.Louis Blues Wednesday night on the NBC network. Puck drop will be at 7:30 pm.   

Tootoo Doesn't Forget Last Meeting

The last time the Redwings and Stars met at Joe Louis Arena was a week ago where the Stars spoiled the home opener beating the Redwings 2-1. Jordin Tootoo was injured in that loss with a viscous hit to the head. The Redwings played the Stars in a rematch last night (January 29) where the Redwings got revenge with a 4-1 victory. Not only did the Redwings get revenge, but specifically Jordin Tootoo got his revenge twice. Once, just 2 seconds into the game, he dropped the gloves with Eric Nystrom where he had won the fight and this eventually ignited the Redwings with momentum.

(Retrieved from Youtube)

Then, 16 minutes later in the 1st period, Brenden Dillon wanted a piece of Jordin Tootoo. They also dropped the gloves. Jordin Tootoo seems to know his role on the Redwings and is playing it very well as the Redwings were ranked last in the NHL in fighting majors, where as this year they are currently ranked 1st. The Redwings have always seemed to be a team that does not fight, and counts on winning games with their talented offense. This year, with certain players retiring and leaving the club, they need to find new ways to win and seem to be doing just that. Tootoo will have his players' backs it seems and the opponents should be aware of this as players seem to pick on the Wings' top stars. 

                                                         (Retrieved from Youtube)

Home Opener Loss vs Dallas Stars

Tuesday night, the Redwings hosted the Dallas Stars who have gotten much stronger with new acquisitions in the offseason. It was a special night for the Wings as they held an opening ceremony for veteran, Tomas Holmstrom, as he retired earlier in the week. The Redwings fell to the Stars 2-1 with Michael Ryder scoring both goals for the Stars. The score shows that it was a close affair but the Redwings scored with 4 seconds remaining in the game to make it look that way, but the Redwings should have been shutout as Kari Lehtanon was steller with 32 saves. Although, the Redwings goalie, Jimmy Howard, was also strong in net but it was not enough for the Wings. The Redwings really look weak this season and seem to be not hungry, they really need to change things around SOON.

                                                            (Retrieved from Youtube)

Slow Start to the Season/Injury trouble

Analyzing the franchise's past history, the Redwings are not used to this kind of a start to the season. They have started the season 1-2-0 against teams they have usually had success against. In addition, this season should be a different story for the Redwings as they have lost their top defender, Nick Lidstrom to retirement and the veteran, Tomas Holmstrom. Tuesday night, the Redwings lost one of their newly acquired defenders, Carlo Colaiacavo to a severe hand injury and will miss sometime. This puts the Wings in a tough situation in the back end (defense) and will need to acquire another defender who is on waivers to fill in Colaiacavo's spot. The season is very short with the NHL lockout erasing the first 34 games of the season so the Redwings will need to react quickly to stay as a division contender.

                                                              (Taken from Google images)

Brunner Pulls the "Datsyukian" Shootout Goal

The Detroit Redwings picked up their first Win of the season Monday night vs the Columbus Blue Jackets in a 4-3 F Shootout victory. The Redwings took a 2-0 lead in the 2nd period when Columbus answered with 3 un-answered goals, putting them ahead over Detroit 3-2 with 5 minutes remaining in regulation. The Redwings' star forward, Pavel Datsyuk tied the game with 4:33 remaining in regulation. There was no action in the Overtime period which caused the game to go to a shootout. The shootout went to the 4th round (sudden death) where Damien Brunner was selected to shoot; and he scored an unbelievable goal, also known as the "Datsyuk".

                                                                 (Retrieved from Youtube)

Morning Skate Update

The Redwings are scheduled to play at Columbus 7:30 p.m tonight.
In order for the Wings to be successful tonight, they will definitely need to change the way they played this past Saturday at St.Louis. The 3 keys to the game will be:

• Penalty Kill: gave up 4 power play goals last game
• Play Hard for 60 minutes: The Wings played for 20 minutes last game
• Traffic: The Redwings will need to cause traffic infront of the Jacket's G Sergei Bobrovsky

(Taken from Google images)

In addition, the Wings are slowly getting their injured players back. Defenseman, Jonathan Ericsson and third liner, Darren Helm are a game-time decision tonight and will be a big boost for Detroit if they can be inserted back in the line-up. Ericsson's value is his toughness and his big chunk of minutes played. On the other hand, Darren Helm leads the Redwings in hits as he seems to be Detroit's momentum starter with his viscous speed and hits.

           

   (Taken from Google images)

Season Opener vs St.Louis Blues Saturday

For hockey fans, it was a huge sign of relief when the NHL lockout was over. This past Saturday (January 19), every team was scheduled to play their first game of the 48 game scheduled season. The Detroit Redwings played their heated division rivals, The St.Louis Blues. With one of the greatest Defense man, Nick Lidstrom to announce his retirement in the offseason was a huge loss for Detroit. It clearly showed in their first game at St.Louis where Detroit lost 6-0 and got heavily outshot 36-14. The Redwings' Goaltender, Jimmy Howard conceded 5 goals and was yanked after the 2nd period. Newly aquired G Jonas Gustavsson made his presence in the 3rd period relieving Jimmy Howard and stopped 8/9 shots which is a good sign if the Redwings need to ever switch their goalie.  The Wings have not been shutout in a season opener for more than 58 years, specifically since 1954. Furthermore, not only did the Redwings get beat on the scoreboard and in shots, they got heavily out hit and were bullied the entire game. Hopefully the Wings can regroup and solve their defense issues as Detroit will have a limited time to reach the playoffs with this shortened season. They will try and rebound at Columbus Blue Jackets Monday night.

Go Wings Go

^Highlights from Saturday's matchup ^ (Youtube)