I don’t know what the Wings did to deserve this, but it’s getting ridiculous: Chris Chelios left the game in the first period not long after blocking a shot with the unprotected back of his right leg. Mike Babcock told the media after the game that it might be something of a fracture, though he’s not sure if it’s the kind Cheli could play on (non-displaced).
The Wings played the remainder of the game with five defensemen, three of whom are effectively rookies. The defense came up big, though, with first time NHLer Jonathan Ericsson looking like a veteran together with a similarly poised Derek Meech. Ericsson is the real deal, folks, and Meech is more impressive every time I see him play.
After that performance, it’s hard to be worried about the defense in the playoffs, to be honest. I say that in spite of the fact that the Wings still lost 1-0. They called it a moral victory on the radio and it’s hard to disagree. Still, I can do without the moral victories. That’s what Monday’s win was as well, and the team lost Nick Lidstrom. Tonight it was Chelios. Any more moral victories like that and there won’t be much of a team left.
Anyway, I’m sure there will be more on Chelios in the morning. It seems a safe bet that he won’t be in the lineup against the Canucks, which would mean the very, very green (i.e. not NHL-ready) Jakub Kindl or the fairly steady Garrett Stafford could get the call.
Oh yeah. Anyone else think Dion Phaneuf should be facing league discipline for that vicious-but-somehow-unpenalized hit on Tomas Kopecky? Five games, please. Maybe more.
I have the same question Matt. What the fudge! I don’t remember the Wings being bit this much by the injury bug in a long time, not since I’d say when Shanny and Yzie went down in the 2001 playoffs.
Although with Ericsson’s strong play, and Meech coming into his own, I agree with you that i’m convinced we don’t need any defensive depth. I like what Kenny has said in that he won’t sacrifice our top prospects to get a Mats Sundin. I’m glad he’s going to hold onto Meech and ericsson, because these two are the future of the Red Wings blueline. We got two blue chippers, and potentially a third in Kindl. No reason to give them away.
I’ll bet Phaneuf gets nothing - he’s a good Canadian boy and a future Norris Trophy winner!
And from this day forward, anyone in the MSM who talks about the Red Wings being old should be smacked in the face - not currently true at all.
My wife actually came downstairs to ask me why I was yelling at the TV after that hit on Kopecky. I was thinking the same thing - suspension or fine.
When I first saw it, I thought, “well, maybe he couldn’t stop in time” but after seeing the replays, he actually put more into it. Complete lack of respect for other players.
Did Dion get a spring put into his neck? Cause his head whips back like a bobble head doll anytime a stick get within 6 inches of him. What a cheater.
And I am tired of these chincy little hooks getting called but the hits to the head let go, everytime.
Koodos to Ericsson, way to play under pressuure!