Columbus is 1st in the central by one point, although they’ve played 15 games vs Chicago and Detroit’s 14.

Posted by Chris in A^2 from Nyquist Puck Control on 11/05/09 at 11:41 PM ET

Penguins suffered a meltdown in the third, losing to the Kings.
Los Angeles scored 4 unanswered goals in the third.
Final Score 5-2

Life is good.

Damn Nabokov.

Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 11/06/09 at 01:16 AM ET

I know! We should all go troll the Pens blogs because they lost a game! Wouldn’t that be so funny? Hahaha!!

Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 11/06/09 at 01:41 AM ET

anyways, I’m dissapointed that guys couldnt finnish this up in regulation,but leino,tuzzi and helm will get it done soon
told you freaks not to worry
looking decent,we should murder the Kessel Vessel on saturday

Posted by Edillac from jesenice,europe on 11/06/09 at 02:24 AM ET

I’d like to see May play on Saturday (I feel like I just wrote the first line of a Barney & Friends song).

The Leaves Leafs are a Burke team and I like having an enforcer in the lineup to help keep ‘em honest.  I don’t know if his eye is in good enough shape for him to be taking punches, but that could be solved if he just makes sure he doesn’t get hit.

My first chance to be a gamewrecker since the Winter Classic (thanks Rafalski).  They’d better bring their game against the woefully bad Leafs.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/06/09 at 08:23 AM ET

I’m still so pumped over this win last night.  When it was going to the shootout, I was thinking we were done for but then to win it…YAY!

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 11/06/09 at 09:49 AM ET

Current Central Division standings :

GP     W     L     OT     Pts     GF     GA    
Columbus Blue Jackets
  15   8   5   2   18   48   52  
Chicago Blackhawks
  14   8   5   1   17   40   34
Detroit Red Wings
  14   7   4   3   17   42   43  

DET:
2.93 G/G (13),  2.93 GA/G (16),  0.89 5-5F/A (22),  21.7 PP% (11),  76.0 PK% (25) 

TOR:
2.38 G/G (25), 3.92 GA/G (30), 0.54 5-5 F/A (30), 25.9 PP% (3),  69.1 PK% (30)

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/06/09 at 10:00 AM ET

By the By:
< < Christian’s football team, Duncan High School, plays for the District 5A-1 championship tonight.

Go Demons(!)

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/06/09 at 10:03 AM ET

Only saw the highlights, and it seemed a great game. The Draper-Helm-Eaves line (nickname, anyone?) must never be split up again, and those young guns are earning their ice time (or more).

And is SmallVille Leino turning into AmityVille Leino? Where’s that guy? Or Cleary? And why is Sony Ericsson on the floor, and what the heck is Lebda doing? Cover someone!

So, three in a row and a point behind Columbus on an awful-to-pedestrian season. I can live with that.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/06/09 at 10:38 AM ET

And is SmallVille Leino turning into AmityVille Leino? Where’s that guy? Or Cleary? And why is Sony Ericsson on the floor, and what the heck is Lebda doing? Cover someone!

I think Leino played pretty well last night.  It’s a tough cycle with the way Babs does it.  Gotta put up more points to earn more ice time and higher line matching.  I wouldn’t have minded seeing him replace Williams on Zetterberg’s line a couple of times last night just to see how he could have done with people other than Maltby and Abdelkader to pass to.

Cleary has been Cleary, he’s quietly really good.  He’s pressing for his 100th career goal, but he was defensively good all game long and his board play in the offensive zone is probably best on the team.  At some point in the season, you’ll look at Cleary’s numbers and go “how the hell did he get that many points?”

Ericsson and Lebda?  well…. at least I have confidence that one of them is improving.  I’d rather Big Rig improves in Lidstrom’s shadow than in the spotlight Lebda leaves in our defensive zone, but if I were the coach, we’d be 0-and-forever, so there’s that.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/06/09 at 10:50 AM ET

The Draper-Helm-Eaves line (nickname, anyone?) must never be split up again, and those young guns are earning their ice time (or more).

I like “The Red Corvettes”.  Fast in a straight line and great in the corners. Our best line the past two games.  Draper looks four years younger, he is absolutely flying out there, and looks VERY strong this year.  Vroom Vroom party starter.

Very solid effort and an excellent game overall.  The Heatley-Thornton line was stymied the whole night by our D, which has been excellent lately.  Also another game where the team played like a 5 man unit on the ice, not a collection of individual pieces.

The Eurotwins hate losing.  They both are playing with intensity we haven’t seen in a while.  I know it is still early, but the last three games were better efforts than I saw from the Wings all of last regular season.

I want the Wings to struggle all year.  I want them to get gritty, nasty, and resilient.  Those qualities win playoff games.

Just as I actually want the Penguins to do amazing in the regular season.  Let them get cocky.  Let them think they deserve to win.  And then I will watch them get crushed in the playoffs (when the season really begins for the Red Wings) because they had not faced real adversity all season.  Imagining the crying and whining of Rosby following a first round playoff exit, makes me believe in heaven on earth.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/06/09 at 11:03 AM ET

I just loved Helm last night (again) and I’m starting to really like Eaves.  Great shutdowns on Thornton and Marleau and Ozzie was strong again. 

Is it just me or does there seem to be a lot of hooking/holding/interference going on this season that isn’t being called?

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 11/06/09 at 11:08 AM ET

“The Red Corvettes”

Love it, awesome. I like the idea of having a line with Eaves-Helm-Ferraro three or four years from now, and they could keep the nickname, since God Helm is obviously the main Corvette.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/06/09 at 11:16 AM ET

Is it just me or does there seem to be a lot of hooking/holding/interference going on this season that isn’t being called?

They’ve let a little bit more go every year since the first year back from the lockout with the draconian calls.  I like the way last night’s game was called overall.  I think each team got away with about an equal number of what would have been called in that first year and it really helped keep the flow of the game up.  I absolutely would not have blamed the refs for calling Lebda on an interference deep in our zone late in the third, but I"m glad they didn’t.  It looks like they’re gettting close to that good equilibrium between letting the skill and speed guys skate and keeping guys from plastering each other into the boards at 100 miles per hour.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/06/09 at 11:32 AM ET

The Draper-Helm-Eaves line (nickname, anyone?)

the “Cocaine Line” .... it’s a double meaning ....... yeah it sucks.

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/06/09 at 11:46 AM ET

It looks like they’re gettting close to that good equilibrium between letting the skill and speed guys skate and keeping guys from plastering each other into the boards at 100 miles per hour.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/06/09 at 11:32 AM ET

Speed-related injuries… I’m curious too. If you looked at all the injuries since the lockout and compared them to all the injuries five years previous to the lockout, I wonder what you’d find.

Posted by Bio on 11/06/09 at 11:49 AM ET

the “Cocaine Line”

It usually makes me sleepy, so the name doesn’t fits.

Oops, I mean…

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/06/09 at 11:50 AM ET

the name doesn’t FIT.

I told you it makes me sleepy.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/06/09 at 11:57 AM ET

Well, in spite of A2Y Public Enema #1, Brad McCrimmon, the PK is improving.

Prior to last night’s game, the PK% was 74.5% (28th), and now the PK% is 76% (25th). They have killed 10 straight in the last three games.

The PP needs some attention, too. Only connecting 21.7% (11th) of the time after last night’s game.

Despite a 1-7-5 record, Toronto’s PP is ranked 3rd in the league at 25.9%. How is that possible? Hopefully, the Wings maintain their focus despite all the HOF hoopla.

4-0-1 in their last five is a good start to righting the ship.

Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 11/06/09 at 11:58 AM ET

Thoughts:

That was frustrating Red WIngs controlled most of the game yet had to scratch and claw to get the win.  Harumph.  Why the heck do they hang onto the puck and not put it on net more?

(So in other words, they’re finally back to form????)

Other thoughts:

Is it time to try Helm on the second line with some more talent around him?  I like Eaves-Helm-Draper but….  I also like the idea of giving Helm a shot at a scoring line and see what happens.

I think there was a “Lebda playing good defense” sighting last night.

Osgood’s got “it” back, whatever “it” is.  He’s best when he maybe doesn’t look pretty in net, but makes the saves he needs and fights through the rest.  And that’s what he’s doing right now.

Bertuzzi needs to be demoted to the 3rd or 4th line.  He’s not getting it.  I don’t care what anyone else says he’s blowing so many chances it ridiculous… we have a new whipping boy, 19.

I got a very strong feeling that Nick has had a couple quiet talks with the boys behind closed doors about all-around defense and it got through.  This team the last 2 games looks *completely* different from the previous games this season.

Posted by Primis on 11/06/09 at 12:07 PM ET

If the name doesn’t FIT.

you must acquit.

Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 11/06/09 at 12:12 PM ET

you must acquit

American saying? I’m lost.

Primis, I’d start the Helm-to-2nd-line talk, but I figured you guys wouldn’t take me seriously because, you know, he’s kinda my adopted brother or something.

I think he should get a shot, but wonder how it would affect Drapes and Larry.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/06/09 at 12:22 PM ET

you must acquit
American saying? I’m lost.

A reference to Johnny Cochrane and the O.J. Simpson trial.

The prosecutors had OJ try on a leather glove that was found at the crime scene. It was dry and shrunken by the time the case went to trial and OJ could not get the glove on. In his closing argument Cochrane famously said “if the glove don’t fit, you must acquit.”

Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 11/06/09 at 12:28 PM ET

Hey, that’s on Seinfeld, right?

(that’s where it came from!)

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/06/09 at 12:31 PM ET

Red Wings   Scoring   Maple Leafs
41   Total Goals   31
41   Opp. Goals   51
13   Power Play Goals 15

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/06/09 at 12:38 PM ET

Red Wings Scoring Maple Leafs
41 Total Goals 31
41 Opp. Goals 51
13 Power Play Goals 15

Seems as though we should avoid taking penalties.

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/06/09 at 12:41 PM ET

By the way, the Maple Leaf 1-7-5 (29th)  are playing tonight, at Carolina 2-9-3 (30th)
- -should be a barn burner.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/06/09 at 12:41 PM ET

By the way, the Maple Leaf 1-7-5 (29th) are playing tonight, at Carolina 2-9-3 (30th)
- -should be a barn burner.

I’m sure ESPN called it the game of the week.

Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 11/06/09 at 12:44 PM ET

I’m sure ESPN called it the game of the week.

+1111

I’m sure the sting of the ‘02 conference finals still burns the balls off this rivalry.

Best of luck to OKie Jr. tonight.

Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/06/09 at 12:54 PM ET

Go Demons(!)

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 11/06/09 at 10:03 AM ET

Good luck - Go Demons!

Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/06/09 at 01:36 PM ET

still burns the balls

Where do you come up with this stuff?

the “Cocaine Line” ....

Nevermind.

Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 11/06/09 at 01:49 PM ET

The Draper-Helm-Eaves line (nickname, anyone?) must never be split up again, and those young guns are earning their ice time (or more).

I like “The Red Corvettes”.  Fast in a straight line and great in the corners. Our best line the past two games.  Draper looks four years younger, he is absolutely flying out there, and looks VERY strong this year.  Vroom Vroom party starter.

Posted by VooX from Behind the Bar in the Hasek Club Car on 11/06/09 at 11:03 AM ET

Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/06/09 at 01:58 PM ET

Go Demons(!)
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 11/06/09 at 10:03 AM ET

Good luck to the youngster Okie.

Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 11/06/09 at 02:04 PM ET

Best of luck to OKie Jr. tonight.

Thanks Tyler, and you too Stonehands.  Christian’s teammates gave him the nickname Rambo—everyone calls him that now, it is too funny.

They are either 7 or 14 pt dogs, depending on what you are reading, but they have a great running game.  They’ve got a chance.  Win or lose, they host an opening round playoff game next Friday. 

A win would be better, then they host the first two playoff games.

Tyler, and most of the “19” will appreciate this.  Obviously, I love DHS football.  But for the love of Gawd, their fight song is the Notre Dame fight-song =  incredibly difficult to handle.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/06/09 at 02:07 PM ET

Hey, that’s on Seinfeld, right?

(that’s where it came from!)

Posted by Guilherme from Brasil on 11/06/09 at 12:31 PM ET

Jackie Chiles.I believe he was alluding to the brasserie.

Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!

Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 11/06/09 at 02:14 PM ET

The Draper-Helm-Eaves line (nickname, anyone?)

I kind of like Tres Diablos.

Posted by WingsFanInBeanLand from Lidstrom's head telling him 1 more year on 11/06/09 at 02:16 PM ET

Thanks MO.  Big game tonight.  Maybe I should give Jobu some rum?

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/06/09 at 02:25 PM ET

How about: 

rapidez demonios

or are the terms reversed in Spanish (doh!)?

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/06/09 at 02:28 PM ET

“Your face, is my case.”

Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 11/06/09 at 02:29 PM ET

demônios rápido (Portugese)

Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 11/06/09 at 02:31 PM ET

The Draper-Helm-Eaves line (nickname, anyone?)

I kind of like Tres Diablos.

Posted by WingsFanInBeanLand from Earth. on 11/06/09 at 02:16 PM ET

This:

or, this:

Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/06/09 at 02:34 PM ET

Stoney, are those your flat coated retrievers? We have a flatie and she reminds me of <strike>Helm</strike> Taz with the way she tears around our yard and makes extremely quick changes of direction. They are the best dog.

Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Warm and sunny SoCal on 11/06/09 at 02:40 PM ET

demônios rápido (Portugese)

Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 11/06/09 at 02:31 PM ET

Or, this:

Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/06/09 at 02:44 PM ET

Not “demônios rápidos”, 50% of the fun of me watching hockey is its non-relation with Brazil (except for Regehr).

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/06/09 at 02:48 PM ET

demônios rápido (Portugese)

Damn computer site said it was a ENG-SPAN translation.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 11/06/09 at 02:49 PM ET

Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Mojitoville on 11/06/09 at 02:40 PM ET

No, not mine.
I have a female rottweiler, Jazmine, with a big bark, no bite.
At 18 months, being babied, she’s a great dog for us.
Beautiful markings with a pretty, petite head.

Posted by stonehands-78 from the beginning ... a WingsFan, on 11/06/09 at 02:50 PM ET

Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 11/06/09 at 02:52 PM ET

Friday, 6PM, the week is over. Thank God (yes, I mean Helm).

Crappy home internet will probably keep me away for the weekend, so ‘til Monday, guys.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 11/06/09 at 02:52 PM ET

Posted by Kate from Pa.  on 11/06/09 at 02:14 PM ET

Haha yeah they have Sue Ellen Mischke, heir to the oh henry fortune, try on the bra over her all her clothes and it doesn’t fit.

Posted by Itrusteddrrahmani from Nyc by way of A2 on 11/06/09 at 03:11 PM ET

How about the Three Horsemen?

With how fast they go, there’s no time for Famine, so they downsized him.

Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 11/06/09 at 03:13 PM ET