Roller coaster: This game was a bit of a ride, eh? Big drop right at the start with that horrible first period (don’t let the fact that it only ended 0-2 fool you. It was horrible), then a big climb in the second followed by corkscrews and too-fast smaller dips and climbs in the third. Wild.
First period: The Wings looked terrible and were incredibly fortunate to only be down by two at the end of the first twenty minutes. And I don’t know if that was Chicago incompetence or what. I guess it was less their incompetence and more luck for the Wings since it could have been 0-3 had the Kane goal not been called back on an incidental contact call on Byfuglien (his feet made contact with Howard, so it was a good call). It’s sad that at this stage in the season, the Wings still need large swaths of time to get their legs under them every night.
This time was worse than usual, which led to a better than usual second period.
Second period: Yeah, that was awesome. And totally unexpected. To me, anyway. Nothing the Wings had done to that point gave any sign that they had that kind of push in them for that game.
Of course, they were helped big time by Cristobal “Gaping Liability” Huet. Even with a better goalie in net for Chicago, the Wings probably would have tied it up or taken a 1 goal lead or something, but Huet’s trainwreck made a five-goal period possible. The Hawks have nearly all the pieces necessary for a long playoff run, but they’re missing what’s probably the most important one: a competent goalie. If they had that, even their relative immaturity could be overcome. As it is, though, I can’t see them finding success with a guy like Huet undermining a great defense and offense. How they didn’t go all out to find a decent goalie at the deadline is beyond me.
Third period: Despite the Wings’ dominant second, it was obvious the game wasn’t over. The Hawks are too talented for that. And they didn’t disappoint in the “making it a game” category, unfortunately. This period was a little high on the drama, for sure. I could have done without the storming back to nearly tying it up crap. The same old script seemed to be playing out, but somehow the Wings held on.
Big pair of points and maybe a win that will help this team have the right kind of confidence.
Franzen’s Post-hockey career: Miming. His miming of Bolland’s dive fon that scuffle in the third was classic Franzen awesome. And Bolland’s childish door slamming was hilarious. I hope he got his mushed bananas on the bench after that (because he’s a baby! Get it?!)
Snipers: I joked during the game that Chicago’s staff should check the rafters for snipers because it looked like Huet got headshotted by one in the second period. The joke’s still lame today, but the point is that was a really Oscar-worthy dive and was all the more impressive for its effect on my respect level for Huet. I didn’t know it could go any lower.
Bert: Did not like seeing him get injured at all. A very awkward collision. Supposedly, he’ll be back tomorrow night, which is great news.
Also, one of the mediots on NBC’s crew claimed Bert needs to start crashing and banging more. Couldn’t disagree more. Todd is not that player any more and cannot be. He’s a marked man and any foray into more physical play is going to lead to his being in the box more than he already is. There’s also the fact that he’s somewhat fragile and risks injury if he doesn’t walk the knife blade he’s been on all season, prior to the injury yesterday.
He’s not the physical player he once was and he never will be again. Give it up, ignorant pundits.
On the Crease: After the incidental contact call, Pierre McGuire was whining about how he didn’t like it and then once more proved he has no business being involved in hockey broadcasts when he asked, “don’t the goalies have to fight for their ground too?” No, Pierre, no they don’t. That is the exact purpose of the crease. That is their space, the only space explicitly given to a player. There are swaths of the rulebook dedicated to protecting their space. They do not have to fight for their ground inside that paint.
Eurotwins contrast: Pavel’s been great since the Break, but as Ellen pointed out, Zetterberg has not. What’s going on there, Hank? Granted you made a nice pass on the Williams goal last night, but that extra gear that Pavel’s hit doesn’t seem to be engaged. Let’s see it tomorrow, okay?
Speaking of tomorrow: As nice and important as the win yesterday was, I’d trade it for a win tomorrow. The Wings have to beat the Flames. This is the playoff race made real. Here’s hoping they bring their best.