On the Wings

I’m on dialup and don’t have much time, so this will be brief:

This afternoon is the Game 2 of the Wings’ Western Conference Semifinal series with San Jose. They are down in the series 1-0 after losing the opener on Thursday night. Game 3 is Monday.

The Sharks began the series on the right foot, but could use another win today to really put the Wings on the spot. To do that, I think they’ll need to be,

• Excellent on the power play. If Game 1 was any indication, there won’t be a lot of penalties, but when there are, the Sharks need to produce.
• More physical. They have those big bodies and would be even more effective if they used them.
• Strong on the forecheck. If they can produce a similar hastiness in the Wings’ outlet passing, they’ll probably see a good number of turnovers.

The Wings need this game or else they’ll be in danger of collapse once they fly out to San Jose. They’ll still have to win on the road, but at least they’d be doing it from equal footing. They’ll have to

• Come out stronger. They looked flat and rusty in the first minutes of the game Thursday and cannot repeat that or they may find themselves down a goal or two again. And any opening jump needs to last throughout at least most of the game.
• Be more physical. Sure, they out-hit San Jose Thursday night, but overall, they weren’t the same team in that regard that they were against the Flames.
• Stay out of the box. If they can’t kill penalties, they can’t take them.

If the Wings can’t do those things and others, they’ll need to have Dominik Hasek steal a game. This may be Dom’s series to shine.

I expect both teams to play better than they played in Game 1, so it should be more exciting than that relative snore-fest.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to watch any of the game because of other commitments. Megan and Sarah will be doing the game recap.