On the Wings

… Ted Kulfan focuses on Valtteri Filppula today in his Notebook, saying Fil is unlikely to be sent back down to Grand Rapids unless the team decides he’s not getting enough ice time. Given that he’s been getting 13-15 minutes a game, I think he’s here to stay.

… Helene St. James looks today at the team defense, which has been primarily responsible for the Wings’ recent success. They are limiting opponents to just over 21 shots a game and allowing just 1.67 goals on average, not just against powder puff teams like Columbus or the not-so-offensively-minded Flames, but to Dallas and San Jose as well. They’ll have a big test on Wednesday as they host the speedy Edmonton Oilers, who were the last team to beat the Wings.

… Via George Malik,

There was a report yesterday that had sources saying the Red Wings have been asking about Forsberg. It didn’t happen, I was told yesterday. (Philadelhpia Daily News)

Forgive me if I’m not too disappointed.

… The streak is over: Evgeni Malkin went goalless for the first time this season as Pittsburgh lost to the Sharks in San Jose last night, 3-2. Malkin had scored in six straight games since coming back from a shoulder injury.