On the Wings

Today is the second game of the Wings’ quarterfinal series with Calgary. It’s a hugely important game for both teams, as the Wings need a win to show that Game 1 wasn’t a one-time thing, and the Flames need a win to get back in the series.

Keys to the game for the Flames:

• Set the physical tone. It was the Wings who were initiating contact in the first game and the Flames can’t let them do that again.
• Be disciplined. Sure, the Wings only had one power play goal, but they’re bound to get better if the Flames keep giving them opportunities
• Get the offense going. This will be tough, but they didn’t get much going in Game 1 and can’t expect to win without doing so.
• Give Kiprusoff some support. They did not play good enough defense in Game 1 and can’t strictly rely on their goalie to win games.

Keys to the game for the Wings:

• Set the physical tone. They need to show that the new tough Red Wings team wasn’t an anomaly, and the best way to do this is to keep hitting and not let the Flames dictate the physical play.
• Be patient. The Flames’ speed will make it difficult, but they need to continue to be careful and patient with the puck. Puck possession is their strong suit.
• Get the power play going. If the Flames aren’t disciplined and are taking penalties, the Wings need to capitalize.
• Play a full 60 minutes. In this situation, they can’t afford to become lax for any stretch of time. They need to put out a complete effort.

This game isn’t the series, but the winner will have a big psychological edge on the other. The question the Wings need to ask themselves is would they rather go into the Saddledome up 2-0 or tied 1-1? You know the Flames will be gunning for the them and hoping to steal one on the road. The Wings need to at least match that intensity, if not exceed it. Was Game 1 the start of something new for this team? We’ll know at least part of the answer to that question today.

I’m not thrilled that this is an afternoon game, but maybe the Wings have an edge here. It is a lot earlier to the Flames, given their Western Canada body clock, after all.

For takes on the game from Wings bloggers and Flames bloggers, see the relevant sections on the sidebar to the right.