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12/11 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on December 11, 2006
in Alexander Ovechkin, Dominik Hasek, Notes and Sidney Crosby
. 1 Comment

Update (3:50 PM): Ansar Khan reports that Johan Franzen (knee) and Niklas Kronwall (groin) should be ready to return on Thursday against the Hawks in Chicago. So, Kronwall is behind schedule, based on reports from last week, and Franzen will be returning when expected.

Khan also says Chris Osgood (broken wrist) has had his cast removed and has faced some shots before practice. He’s a week away from returning, however, because of a rash. - Matt

… John Niyo of the Detroit News has a long piece about Dominik Hasek in today’s edition. Niyo recaps Dom’s time here up to this point in the season, pointing out that it’s worked out pretty well so far. The possibility of an injury remains as a concern, but Dom and the Wings are definitely doing all they can to avoid it. Hasek sounds as competive as ever and it’s showing on the ice.

… The next Wings game is tomorrow against the Senators, but there’s still hockey worth watching tonight. Versus is broadcasting the Pens/Caps game, or the Crosby/Ovechkin game, if you will. The NHL is really trying to push this game and get viewers, so if you can, tune in at 7:00 ET. You know you want to see those two play.

Unfortunately, I have two big finals tomorrow and won’t be able to watch, myself.

… Speaking of finals, I need to study some more. So, that’s all for now.

12/06 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on December 6, 2006
in Dominik Hasek, Henrik Zetterberg, Hockey Bloggers, Notes and Pavel Datsyuk
. 0 Comments

Update (3:20 PM): Wow, Blues fans are classless. - Matt

Busy day ahead school- and work-wise so I’m going to defer to two fellow Wings bloggers, Dave of Gorilla Crouch and IwoCPO of Abel to Yzerman. They both discuss the success of the reunion of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg last night in St. Louis.

Another quick comment: Dominik Hasek looked great last night. He scared us all in the third period, though, by seemingly getting hurt on a harmless play. He got up, though, and seemed to be none the worse for wear.

My confidence in the Wings goaltending continues to grow, but fears of injury still linger. Stay healthy, Dom!

11/28 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on November 28, 2006
in Injuries, Jason Williams, Notes, Pavel Datsyuk and Stars
. 1 Comment

Update (4:59 PM): Helene St. James reports that Jason Williams may return to the ice Friday night in Minnesota. Apparently, he feels a lot better today than he did last night and the pain could very well be gone in time for the game.

She says Ken Holland will be in Grand Rapids Wednesday (I’ll keep an eye out for him, though I won’t be leaving campus tomorrow) to check out the Griffins in case Williams does not return and the team needs an extra forward.

St. James believes Josh Langfeld is the most likely choice in such an event, though I think Darryl Bootland could be the one to get the call, despite what she says. Krys Kolanos, who stopped practicing with the team last week and with whom Bootland may have clashed, is now officially gone*, therefore removing a possible reason for Darryl’s recent benchings. He would bring a needed dimension, if he’s no longer in the doghouse.

*Interestingly enough, so is Stefan Liv, who has been sent down to Toledo of the ECHL in order to fine-tune his game after an awful North American debut. - Matt

Update (12:37 PM): George Malik links to a Windsor Star piece that points out that the Wings’ miserable power play isn’t operating in a vacuum: teams know they won’t have to pay for cheap shots as long as they’re facing the league’s worst PP percentage.

I can’t disagree, though only one of the three big injury-causing cheap shots so far this season (Wiliams 1, Franzen, Williams 2 below) has resulted in a Detroit power play. Kind of hard to use the man advantage for revenge when the officials aren’t calling penalties on the plays. - Matt

Update (11:37 PM): … IwoCPO is in fine form with his recap of last night’s game. Check it out here. - Matt

… The Wings won last night, 2-1 over Marty Turco and the Stars. Guess Tippett’s gamble to counter history didn’t work. Definitely a win the team needed.

I caught a little of the game, but was distracted by homework (among other things) at the time and don’t have much to say on it. I will comment that they seemed to be turning the puck over a lot, though they seemed to do a fair job of getting back to make up for their mistakes. Also, is it just me or does Dom fall a lot more this year?

… I did happen to be watching when Niklas Hagman’s knee caught Jason Williams just above his own knee behind the net in the Dallas end. I saw the replay from a couple angles and didn’t immediately think “Intentional knee-on-knee contact,” but some of the Wings are saying that it was, including alternate captain Kris Draper, who’s not known for shooting off his mouth. Mike Babcock, however, doesn’t believe Hagman went out of his way on the play, which resulted in a charley horse for Williams and fortunately not any knee damage. He’s listed as day-to-day, as of last night.

If it was intentional, I’d like to see some kind of disciplinary action by the NHL because then this lack of respect would be truly ridiculous. If it was just bad luck, that’s little consolation for Williams, who doesn’t need any more injury troubles on plays like that.

… Gotta love the title of the Freep’s Wings Corner today: “Datsyuk plans to shoot more.”

Apparently, he’s afraid that his opponents around the league have figured him out and know that he’s always looking for the pass. His solution? Shoot more. I’ll believe it when I see it, Pavel. I suppose it’s a good thing he realizes the puck doesn’t go into the net on its own.

Helene St. James provides two other excuses for Datsyuk: he has no proven Shahanan-like finisher, and he’s called on more to play a defensive role, like the rest of the forwards.

Yeah, well, you still need to produce offensively, Pavel. Just because you don’t have cannon for a wingman or because you’re meant to be more responsible defensively doesn’t mean you need to skate into a crowd and turn the puck over.

11/21 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on November 21, 2006
in Chris Osgood, Danny Markov, Injuries, Jason Williams, NHL, Nick Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Notes and Tomas Holmstrom
. 3 Comments

Update (6:50 AM): Ansar Khan reports that Chris Osgood has a fractured left wrist and will be out for 3-4 weeks. Apparently, they’re not calling anyone up at this time.

“My feeling is we’ll go with the two goalies and Dom will be on the bench when he doesn’t start,” Holland said. “But, that could change between now and (today).”

There are back-to-back games this Friday and Saturday, against St. Louis and Nashville. If they don’t call up Liv again, this would force Hasek to back up Joey, probably against St. Louis. It’s possible that they’ll call someone up later in the week, to prevent this. If not…well, let’s hope Joey doesn’t need to be pulled. -Megan

… Helene St. James profiles the Markov-Lidstrom pairing in the Freep today. Among other things, she points out that Markov’s reliability has meant that the Wings have not had to rely so heavily on Lidstrom, who isn’t averaging the near-30 minutes a game he usually plays.

It’s a good piece, but there is one gaffee on her part:

Markov, 30, plays bigger than his slender 6-foot-1 frame; last month, for example, he delivered a crushing open-ice hit on Edmonton’s Ethan Moreau, who is 6-2, 220 pounds. Moreau, who hasn’t played since, coughed up the puck on the hit, and the play led to a goal for the Wings.

It’s the same mistake John Wawrow made a little less than a month ago. I’m not exactly sure why it’s so easy to confuse Moreau and Jarret Stoll.

… Ted Kulfan of the News looks at Jason Williams and his concerns over physical contact in his first game back (Saturday). Apparently, they were unfounded, as there “definitely no shying away from anyone,” on Williams’ part.

Good to hear. So, you’re going to become a hitter now, Jason?

… The Freep’s Steve Schrader looks at the names of the NHL’s trophies and has some suggestions in light of the Cold-FX Mark Messier Award:

But what about the Gordie Howe Trophy, maybe for most Gordie Howe hat tricks?

Or the Wayne Gretzky Award for the top playmaker? The Mario Lemieux Trophy for the top-scoring owner?

Or the Scotty Bowman, for most creative line combinations.

Well, maybe they could rename one award. Instead of the Lady Byng, call it the Claude Lemieux Trophy, just to show a little sense of irony

Don’t forget to tack corporate sponsors to the front, Steve.

… Both papers report that Tomas Holmstrom and Niklas Kronwall are ready to return from groin injuries. “Babcock is confident,” they’ll be back Wednesday for the Canucks game.

As for Chris Osgood’s left wrist:

“I don’t think it’s broken,” he said. “I’ve had broken hands before and it’s not the same thing. It’s something different. It’s just that it’s where I catch the puck all the time, so I have to get it looked at. Hopefully I’ll be back sooner than later.”

Yes, hopefully. There may be more news on Ozzie later today since he was supposed to get his wrist looked at yesterday afternoon.

11/20 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on November 20, 2006
in Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall, Notes and Tomas Holmstrom
. 0 Comments

Update (2:17 PM): … Ansar Khan has an injury update for us:

Goaltender Chris Osgood practiced Monday for the first time in eight days but said his sore left wrist didn’t feel good. He will have it looked at by doctors on Tuesday and said he doesn’t know when he’ll return to the lineup.

Osgood said he doesn’t think the wrist is broken, but X-rays in Vancouver were inconclusive because of the swelling. He hurt it in practice last Sunday, getting hit by a shot.

A possible broken wrist? Great. If it does turn out to be broken, our goaltending got kinda thin real fast.

Also, Josh Langfeld and Stefan Liv are back in GR since Holmstrom is returning Wednesday and the team no longer needs someone to back up the temporary backup. - Matt

… Henrik Zetterberg is signing autographs at Hockeytown Authentics tonight beginning at 6:00 ET. It’s only one item per person and I believe you need to have a smoke detector to donate. If Christy, posting at LGW Forums, is right, you also need to have a wristband to get in. Click here for directions, if you need them.

… Both papers report that Tomas Holmstrom will return Wednesday* against the Canucks. As for Niklas Kronwall, the situation isn’t so sure:

“He flies around a hundred miles an hour — I don’t know (why he isn’t ready), that’s why we have therapists,” Babcock said.

Kronwall himself believes he’ll be back for the game and is hoping to “skate full-out” today.

… Greg Wyshynski has a piece up covering The Hockey Recap, a site I’ve praised before. Definitely worth a read.

… Not a ton Wings-related out there this morning, which is okay since I’m up early to study anyway. I’ll most likely have an update for this post later.

*I had entered the game incorrectly in my calendar, which is what I’ve been going on, hence my repeatedly saying the next game is tomorrow instead of the next day.

11/16 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on November 16, 2006
in Notes and The Team
. 0 Comments

Update (3:42 PM): Not everyone is happy with the Wings’ new style and Jamie Fitzpatrick of About.com is one of them. He contrasts the Wings with the high-flying Sabres and pretty much demonizes them for *gasp* winning games by playing good defense (or playoff hockey, as some are rightly calling it) in a post to his Pro Ice Hockey blog yesterday.

Apparently, “Detroit games are methodical, low-scoring affairs lacking in end-to-end action.” Excuse me? Fitzpatrick and I must be watching different teams. Methodical? Sure, methodically dominating. Low-scoring? Sure, for the opposition. Lacking in end-to-end action? BS. There’s been plenty. Rushes just get funneled into the boards. Sorry, Fitzpatrick, but here’s a clue for you: the defense isn’t just going to step aside, on any team regardless of the new rules. Especially not when you have the best defensive corps in the league (notwithstanding Chrisscott “We are the Media Darling” Niederprongermeyer in Anaheim), as the Wings do.

Sure, the Wings aren’t the Sabres, but then they’ve never been fast like that. So the contrast isn’t any more applicable this year than any other.

As for the idea that low-scoring hockey is automatically boring, that just demonstrates an entry-level understanding of the game. Goals do not automatically equate excitement, just as tight defense doesn’t not automatically mean boring hockey.
This part is especially rich and has to be quoted in full:

The Detroit captain, Nicklas Lidstrom, is probably the league MVP so far (Though if I had a vote it wouldn’t go to him, simply because so much of what he does - breaking up chances; closing off promising rushes - makes the game less exciting.)

Excuse me, what? I don’t know if Nick has been the MVP so far, having only watched Wings games so far, but you don’t make a statement that he is and then say he doesn’t deserve it because he, uh, does his job well.

There’s one more little gem. According to Fitzpatrick, if the Wings play like this in the playoffs and bump off some Sabres-like opponents (how many of those are there in the West, by the way?), “Then we’ll see much howling in protest, and the dreaded resurrection of countless schemes designed to increase scoring.” So, basically, the Wings will bring about the end of the hockey world by playing playoff-style hockey … in the playoffs. Wow. (via IwoCPO at KK) - Matt

… Both major papers today focus on how the Wings have asserted themselves in a new identity over the past nine games after becoming fed up with mediots like Damien Cox calling them washed up without Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, etc.

Apparently, the team had a meeting after they lost to the Sharks on October 19th, though they didn’t turn it around immediately, losing to Edmonton on the 21st to finish up a four-game road trip. When they returned, however, they got their revenge on San Jose and have been winning ever since.

Ted Kulfan especially makes a big deal out of how they’ve been getting wins in ways totally different than in recent years: on the strength of their five-on-five play and penalty killing rather than their power play, with a focus on team defense rather than flashy offense, with physical play rather than shying away from contact.

Both Helene St. James and Kulfan are right. This Red Wings team is different. There is a hardworking attitude that you didn’t used to see, with everyone demonstrating good effort consistently. The Wings have always had good defense, but it was always secondary to their offense. This year, it’s central to their strategy. And unlike last season, their opponents during this stretch have not all been mediocre. They are beating good teams with dominating defensive performances.

I know that the win-streak will end eventually and that they will inevitably have rough spots this season, but I think that this team could have what it takes to succeed. The Detroit teams of recent years certainly couldn’t get it done. Maybe a team with a completely different style and work ethic can get the job done instead.

Still, it’s a long season, and a nine-game winning streak in October and November will mean very little in April. Last year was a major reminder that success in the regular season may be fun while it lasts but it doesn’t mean playoff success. I’d rather the Wings have less success during the season so that they have motivation to succeed in the postseason, when it counts.
… In light of the announcement yesterday of a deal between the NHL and YouTube, Helene St. James wants to see NHL players try the old Diet Coke-and-Mentos thing. I think she’s getting the hang of this blogging thing.

11/13 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on November 13, 2006
in Notes
. 0 Comments

Looks like a slow news day today, with both papers focusing on Jason Williams’ first skate since sustaining a concussion Wednesday night. So, because I have class until 2:00, work at 4:00, and homework to do in between, posting (by me, anyway - can’t speak for the others) will be light today unless something post-worthy happens. I’ll have a preview up tomorrow morning.

11/07 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on November 7, 2006
in Evgeni Malkin, Injuries, Mathieu Schneider, Notes, Pavel Datsyuk, Steve Yzerman and Valtteri Filppula
. 0 Comments

… Update (9:30 AM): The Free Press’ Steve Schrader points us to a quote by Evgeni Malkin in today’s paper:

“Always I was following for Pavel Datsyuk. I was following his game, the way he’s playing. I’m not trying to copy him, but I’m trying to be same leader as Pavel Datsyuk.”

From the outside looking in, I sometimes find it hard to see Pavel as a leader, but that’s not the first time I’ve heard him called one so apparently there’s some truth in it. It can’t just be that he’s an offensive force and leads by his skilled example. I’d like to hear a more concrete explanation of his leadership, like whether or not he’s vocal in the lockerroom or on the bench, etc. (via Snapshots) - Matt

… Because he was awarded with the Lester Patrick Award yesterday, both papers have pieces on Steve Yzerman today.

It sounds like his new life as a team vice president is going well. He has a flexible schedule (can arrive at work any time between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM), goes to most of the home games as well as some road games here and there, gets to read scouting reports, and has input on trades, according to Helene St. James.

His former teammates, apparently, have had trouble adjusting to his new role:

“They don’t recognize me as the vice president of the Red Wings — we’ll leave it at that.”

He does occasionally go down to the lockerroom to see the guys, however, though he apparently wishes there was a little less familiarity from them outside of the lockerroom. Ted Kulfan quotes him as saying,

“But I do think it’s best that if somebody wants to ask me about something, they’ll ask me as opposed to me kind of barging in and saying, ‘This is the way it should be.’”

Kulfan’s piece has some multimedia features in the sidebar that include a slideshow, some audio files, and a video.

… Everyone’s talked about how Henrik Zetterberg hasn’t been scoring enough, but I haven’t seen anyone talk about Niklas Kronwall’s lack of scoring. Until today. The News takes a brief look at Kronwall, who has been getting chances and believes he’ll get it going soon.

The paper also points out that he is #3 among Wings defensemen in minutes with an average of 20:31 a game. Not bad.

… The Freep reports that Mathieu Schneider should return to the lineup tomorrow night against Edmonton after he participated in practice yesterday. I like the quote the paper has from Mike Babcock:

“I thought he was going to be more careful today than he was. He didn’t look like he was careful at all.”

Hey, well, if he feels good, why should he take it easy, Mike?

… One negative aspect of keeping Valtteri Filppula is that he is just one of three skilled rookies on the team all competing for ice time. George Sipple reports that Babcock is set on giving them all meaningful minutes, which will be tough given the fact that one of the three will have to sit out every game.

Based on what minutes they’ve been getting so far, it looks like Filppula (11:21 in 5) is going to be in the lineup more consistently, with Hudler (10:28 in 10) next, and Kopecky (7:02 in 11) perhaps being the odd-man out more often than not.

11/06 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on November 6, 2006
in Notes
. 0 Comments

… Ted Kulfan focuses on Valtteri Filppula today in his Notebook, saying Fil is unlikely to be sent back down to Grand Rapids unless the team decides he’s not getting enough ice time. Given that he’s been getting 13-15 minutes a game, I think he’s here to stay.

… Helene St. James looks today at the team defense, which has been primarily responsible for the Wings’ recent success. They are limiting opponents to just over 21 shots a game and allowing just 1.67 goals on average, not just against powder puff teams like Columbus or the not-so-offensively-minded Flames, but to Dallas and San Jose as well. They’ll have a big test on Wednesday as they host the speedy Edmonton Oilers, who were the last team to beat the Wings.

… Via George Malik,

There was a report yesterday that had sources saying the Red Wings have been asking about Forsberg. It didn’t happen, I was told yesterday. (Philadelhpia Daily News)

Forgive me if I’m not too disappointed.

… The streak is over: Evgeni Malkin went goalless for the first time this season as Pittsburgh lost to the Sharks in San Jose last night, 3-2. Malkin had scored in six straight games since coming back from a shoulder injury.

11/05 Notes

Published
by
Matt Saler
on November 5, 2006
in Dan Cleary, Notes, Peter Forsberg, Trade Rumors and Valtteri Filppula
. 0 Comments

… The Wings beat the Blue Jackets last night 4-1, extending their win-streak to six while at the same time opening up their offense a little. The Wings now have a couple days off before they host Edmonton on Wednesday at 8:00 ET.

… Daniel Cleary scored twice, including a great shorthanded breakaway goal in the second period. It’s hard to believe now, but Cleary was an offensive force in the OHL before he was drafted by the Blackhawks. Obviously, he’s fulfilling a different role now, but it’s good to know he has that burst of speed and a finishing ability.

… The other goals came from Henrik Zetterberg and Mikael Samuelsson. It’s good to see those two scoring. Hank’s was a blast from the left circle and hopefully signals more to come.

… Dominik Hasek didn’t get a ton of work, facing only 17 shots, but the goal he did allow looks like it was through a screen. It seems Dom’s getting on track as well.

… One thing that’s not getting on track, however, is the power play, which George Malik says is still in “‘decline the penalty’ mode.” The Wings were 0-for-7 last night, prompting Mike Babcock to say to the News,

“We’re going to talk about this every day until we get it fixed.”

I hope so. The special teams aren’t all bad, though. The PK unit killed off eight of nine Columbus power plays.

… Valtteri Filppula had a great game last night, according to Helene St. James. He played 13:45, of which 3:10 was power play time. He assisted on Mikael Samuelsson’s goal with a nice play from down low to Nick Lidstrom, who’s shot resulted in the scramble for the puck on which Sammy scored.

Although the Wings could use size and toughness, it’s easy to see why they’re taking Filppula over Brad Norton. Fil is just too good a player and can contribute offensively, something the Wings need probably more than they need what Norton can give. The Wings are a four-line team again, as St. James points out. Couple that with the team’s strong defense and they are still going to be tough to beat.

… Lastly, there’s a rumor floating around that has the Wings looking at Philadelphia captain Peter Forsberg. An earlier rumor had the Flyers interested in Andreas Lilja and Mathieu Schneider, and though the rumor mills haven’t officially connected the two into one coherent story, the idea seems to be that a Forsberg-for-Lilja-and-Schneider dea is likelyl. I say: “Bull!” George Malik puts it best:

Maybe I’m crazy, but I find it hard to believe that the Wings would trade their #1A defenceman for a fragile forward.

Malik also points out that even if the Wings traded both Schneider and Lilja, their combined salaries still woudn’t leave space for Forsberg’s, meaning the team would be right up against the cap. That might not be such a big deal if you’re of the persuasion that Floppa would fill in the sniper slot the Wings are supposed to eventually fill this year, but it would mean it’d be a lot harder to get a goalie, should the need come up.

Basically, I can’t see something like this happening. The days where Forsberg would have been an attractive acquisition are long gone. He’s still a great player, but far too injury-prone. Why trade away our best offensive defenseman for a guy who may or may not be able to play a full season? Besides, the Wings already have the next Peter Forsberg in Henrik Zetterberg.

If a Lilja-for-Forsberg trade would work under the cap, I’d say “Do it, Kenny!” but I doubt the Flyers would go for it. They have enough pylon-imitating defensemen as it is.