Update (6:35 PM): Oh yeah. Dominik Hasek is starting a back-to-back game tonight. For the first time this season. I somehow managed to forget that. All the more reason to hope that the Flames demonstrate a modicum of self-control. - Matt
Update (2:57 PM): Ansar Khan reports that Brett Lebda skated briefly today, but, “left the ice limping noticeably.” I’d be shocked if he plays tonight. Kyle Quincey will be joining the team from Winnipeg. - Matt
Tonight is the sixth game of the Wings’ Western Conference Quarterfinal series with the Calgary Flames. They took a 3-2 lead in the series yesterday with a 5-1 win and will go into Calgary tonight looking for their first road win of the postseason.
For the Flames, this game is obviously of enormous importance. They’re facing elimination, but they have the advantage of playing at home. They will be looking to take control of the series back after losing it yesterday. For them, the keys to the game are:
- Discipline. The Wings proved yesterday that they’re going to make the Flames pay for penalties, so staying out of the box is key for Calgary tonight.
- Composure. The Flames can talk about wanting to stir up emotions as much as they want, but if they lose it tonight like they did yesterday, they might as well start scheduling their tee-times.
- Kiprusoff. Kipper did not have such a good game yesterday and is going to need to come up big tonight for the Flames.
As for the Wings, this game is a big mental obstacle for them to get over. They have had very little luck in Calgary thus far this series and need to work out a win tonight. Returning to Detroit with the series tied 3-3 is not an ideal situation, even given their success at home. They need to avoid that. Some keys to their game:
- Special teams. They made the Flames pay on both the power play and the penalty kill yesterday and they need to continue that tonight whenever they are given the chance.
- Even strength. They can’t count on getting many power plays tonight, so they need to continue controlling play 5-on-5.
- Stay safe. If things go badly for the Flames, the Wings need to avoid confrontation as much as possible because Calgary will be gunning for them late in the game. If they’re coming out on top as things wind down, their first concern needs to be getting out of town healthy.
The Wings haven’t had a team on the brink of elimination since 2004, but let’s hope they haven’t forgotten how to finish the job. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyle Calder is back in the lineup tonight, since his benching seemed to be more for his own motivation than to use Jiri Hudler. It looks like Kyle Quincey will be playing in his first NHL playoff game, so expect the Flames to try to exploit his inexperience.
Word has just come down that Jamie McLennan has been suspended for five games. Big whoop. He obviously deserves it, but it doesn’t change anything for him, since he wasn’t going to play in any of the Flames’ next five anyway. The League ought to have mandated he start tonight instead (as Ansar Khan suggested yesterday). I’m disgusted that Langkow is not getting a game, but I’m not surprised they’re not doing anything with Iginla. As for the fines, they’re just slaps on the wrist.
The Wings need to win tonight. Let’s just hope things don’t get ugly again. I don’t want to see retribution from any of the Wings, because I have a feeling that the Flames could out-do them in that department. I just want a clean, business-like game. Don’t stoop to their level.