Well, that was not fun. I expected the Wings to come out hard and put up a performance similar to their Game 1 or Game 2 performances. Instead, we got the latest iteration of a Wings team that is getting progressively weaker as the series goes on. The Flames didn’t play the world’s greatest game, but they definitely out-played Detroit and actually looked like they wanted the win.

To me, the game was defined by the Wings’ power play beginning at 11:54 of the third. They went through the motions, to be sure, getting a number of good chances, but they looked dispassionate compared to the Flames, who were dropping to the ice to cut off shooting lanes and to block shots. I thought, “This is the game right here.” They didn’t convert on that sixth and final power play after failing to do so on the other five.

We can look at the officiating and say it was bad. It was. Both ways, I suppose. But the Wings did not do what it took to win. The Flames did. Now the series is heading back to Detroit tied up 2-2 and I don’t know where it’s going.

I’ll get a more complete reaction to the game posted today, but to be honest, this week has kicked my butt as far as sleep goes and, if I have a break in my schedule, chances are I’ll be heading to bed rather than writing about how the Wings are letting this series slip away from them. So, it may be a while before it’s up.

Be sure to read Dave’s reaction over at Gorilla Crouch as well as Christy’s at Behind the Jersey.