I’m not going to spend a lot of time on this one this morning.

Crap: As in what the Wings played like, almost to a man. I don’t know that I’d go as far as John W. and call this “the worst defensive effort I’ve ever seen from this team, and that includes those 8 goal games last year,” but it certainly ranks up there. Horrible, horrible effort.

Bright spots? Helm, Howard and Osgood. Oz will certainly get some flak in many circles today, but through two periods, he was one of just two Red Wings to show up. Sure, he could have had better rebound control on one or two goals, but he still looked like he cared.

As for Helm, there’s no surprise there. The guy was playing in his first game as a full-time NHLer and looked the part. He even occasionally inspired his linemates to step out of the suck mold and do some cool stuff (like May’s inexplicable Datsyuk impression in the third).

Jimmy came in to a tough situation and managed to allow just one goal to a Sabres team that hadn’t taken its foot off the gas all that much. I thought he looked pretty solid.

Everyone else: crap, except in isolated spots. Broad brush there, I know, so if anyone else can name a player who was consistently there last night, I’ll adjust my stance.

Best take: George’s mid-game post.

For more: If you’re interested, check out my tweets from last night for a more detailed picture of my thoughts on the game. Start at the bottom, and use the “Newer” link to read forward.

As for me, I’d just as soon “burn the tape” as George said, and hope the Wings come back with a better effort tomorrow night. I’m generally confident games like the Hawks and Caps wins will be the norm for this team, but losses like last night’s really are depressing.