Update (6:17 PM): TSN reports that the Wings have called up Darryl Bootland to fill in for Tomas Holmstrom. On the surface, that could make things interesting tomorrow night, when the Predators are in town, but I think it’s more likely Booter will be on a short leash. Mike Babcock is not his biggest fan. - Matt
… The Wings lost 4-3 in overtime to the Avs yesterday in one of their most uninspiring performances of the year. They looked completely flat through two periods, and though they got it going in the third period, the outcome never really seemed in doubt. Just a bad game overall, for just about everyone. The Avs’ game-winner was a the Wings’ performance in a nutshell: uncharacteristic mistakes by normally reliable players, on which Colorado easily capitalized.
Other than that, I haven’t really got a lot to say about it. See Gorilla Crouch, who’s always got good, succinct game reactions, and Abel to Yzerman, whose post I actually agree with completely, for once, if you want more.
… More great news, which actually didn’t come from the game: according to Ansar Khan, Tomas Holmstrom will be out for a couple games with an upper-body injury sustained during the third period of the Chicago game Friday night (remember how he left the game with six minutes left?). He played through it yesterday, but is now listed as day-to-day. Babcock told Khan on Saturday that there were no injuries during the game the night before. Hmm.
A forward will be called up from GR, but the wire doesn’t list anyone yet.
… Khan also says Dominik Hasek is due back later this week, which means he’ll miss tomororw’s game against the Predators, but could be back Friday night to play the Kings.
It was good to see Draper get a couple goals! But overall, the team looked lazy… they were standing around watching the puck in their own zone, and Colorado was always beating them to it. Lots of clumsy play in their own zone too.
Let’s hope Holmstrom isn’t hurt too bad. Looks like we have the Grand Rapids Red Wings playing these next couple games!
I really thought Draper’s second goal actually went in off Calder. I know it deflected off him and landed next to the left post before going in. Did Draper get his stick on it when it was laying there?
I think their performance had something to do with it being an early afternoon game. Not that it’s any excuse, but it had to have screwed with their pre-game routine. Hopefully they’ll do a better job next time they’re in that position.
Oh yeah, or the Detroit Griffins! It’s not as bad as it sounds, though, since that GR line was one of the better energy lines for them on Sunday. If you’re looking to spark the team, a few guys with nothing to lose are pretty good at doing that!