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All Aboard The Stress Train
by IwoCPO on 04/18/07 at 11:39 AM ET
Comments (32)
The honeymoon is, not surprisingly, over; and we have returned to our regularly scheduled playoff programming: stress. And you know when it started? Not yesterday morning, or afternoon, or early evening. Nope. That kind of stress is a pleasant nervousness, a sense of anticipation. You like it because you like to look back on it and think, “What was I worried about?”
The real stress started on the first shift when every one of us saw a different type of game, even though we expected it. Did the Flames look that good? No. But they looked...different, right off the hop.
Here’s what we shouldn’t be surprised by:
*That the Flames came out with a lot more energy and jump. C’mon, did you think that team was going to lay down at home, in front of those wackjob fans? But, the positive is that for every hit, every burst of speed, every rush Calgary made in the first; the Wings hung tough. I remember thinking going into the second that the Wings were playing a perfect playoff road game. They withstood the first ten minutes, the first twenty.
Really, they competed the whole game. I have no problem with the Wing effort last night. I don’t believe they were intimidated by the crowd, the team, the refs, whatever.
*That the officiating seemed to lean in a Flamish direction. Please. You’re surprised? It’s the NHL playoffs and the home team gets a little home cooking? Part of the game.
*That the Wing offense didn’t click as it did in Detroit. Held to 30 shots? Hmm...didn’t see that coming did we? Of course we did. If the Wings are to win on Thursday they have to shoot more, or produce more quality shots than last night.
*That Todd Bertuzzi looked verywuzzi in the first. He looked so bad, in fact, that it was the first time since his acquisition that I considered re-signing him a bad move, if Holland chooses to. Not only was he getting his cage rattled...consistently...but he was taking it. The pre-Moore Bertuzzi, after he was drilled on whichever occasion, would have cross-checked someone in the back. Then he would have been an effective, angry maniac for the next fifteen to twenty minutes. He would thrive on it.
The post-Moore Bertuzzi lifted himself back to his skates and moved on. Docile is a word I’d use to describe him now. He improved in the second and third, held his ribs like Appollo in the 14th and 15th round of Rocky I in the second (or 3rd?), then seemed listless again after that. At this point I don’t think anyone knows what to expect out of Bertuzzi. I think that if he continues to dress, the 4th line may be best suited for him.
*Samuelsson’s continued lukewarm play. I say lukewarm instead of pathetic or invisible because I think he looked slightly better. I also believe Hudler should have played, because hindsight and second-guessing it what this blog was founded on.
What was I surprised by?
*The Saddledome crowd didn’t seem as loud as I recall it was in ‘04. Maybe due to their 0-2 (at the time) footing in the series, or maybe due to Versus!!!!!!!!!!! crowd mic’s, etc, etc. But it seemed subdued especially compared to, and they’ll love this, Rexall last year.
*Dan Cleary’s hit on Phaneuf. I said it last night that if the Wings win that game, his hit and the resulting goal from Draper would be the play that sets the stage for the rest of the postseason. It still might. Getting Draper on the scoresheet is big. Cleary’s play, his grit and his hustle are making him a very valuable young man.
*Nick Lidstrom’s poor play. Read that one more time, because you’ll never see it again. His culpability in two goals last night could very well have been the best thing to ever happen to this team this year. This may be the moment he truly solidifies himself as Captain material. In ‘97 The Captain called himself out to his teammates, along with the other vets, and he said he had to improve if they were going to accomplish anything that year.
Lidstrom is now in a similar position to lead by example. Expect excellence Thursday night.
But excellence or not, another thing is certain. The free ride is over. The luxury of the 2-game lead, the fond memories of blowouts and 36-shot disparities are done. The Wings? They’re probably not too stressed because last night was ultimately decided by mistakes made by players who just don’t make them. They held a one-goal lead in the third, in Calgary. They’re optimistic.
Us? That’s downright illegal. Pessimism baby....as my pal Doomsberry would say, “let it be your guide.”
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Comments
Ditto on those things the referees whistled that ended up with the Wings a man short a couple times. I refuse to associate what was called with what actually is… a penalty.
You guys are too tough on Bert. Stillwuzzi is an apt description. He was just barely getting into gear when the season ended, so I do think he can be better. I just don’t know how long that might take. The real culprit is the second line. I don’t get how Babs thinks because he sure can talk about accountability. I’ve yet to see him practice what he preaches in the case a few players. The lines really need some work, despite the Wings strong start. The Flames can and will adjust. Zetterberg’s rust is showing too, but I don’t doubt that Z can get it going again. And please, please do not put Lilja and Schneider out at the same time. Especially on the PK....
Posted by snafu from Michigan on 04/18/07 at 11:14 AM ET
Career playoff Stats:
Bertuzzi 25 Games, 14 pts, and minus 4
Hudler 2 games, 2 pra, and plus 2
Was last nights decision hiding an injury to Hudler?
Posted by Gramps (hockeytowntodd) from HockeyTown on 04/18/07 at 11:36 AM ET
Wings played a solid game. some miscues by “those who don’t make mistakes” wer’e definitely a factor. Stillwuzzi is finding his legs.... his timing seemed to get better as the game went on. The energy provided by Hudler was sorely missed. Lang out on the final draw...pullllease. What exactly does Bob bring to the game?...well, besides good looks, charm, 49 turnovers, multiple missed checks, and a highly tuned sense of indecisiveness. His “game” will probably show up on the golf course in July. Promote him to the Press Box!
Posted by Rumbear from Hockeytown South on 04/18/07 at 12:02 PM ET
I watched the game on CBC and the crowd was just as quiet. Loved the hit on Phaneuf. I’ve been waiting for someone to smack that kid upside the head and I’m glad it was a former Oiler.
Good luck in the rest of the series. I’m counting on the Wings to take out these bastards in 6 games but am hoping for 5.
What a change from last year…
Posted by James Gunner on 04/18/07 at 12:03 PM ET
Rumbear is right, as the Mick would say “Bobby Lang” seems --- well --- indifferent. I will say this, he has looked a wee-tiny bit better since the first game. But the again, its not that hard to improve on a 6 T/O game is it??
A also agree with SNAFU, all year Babs states that if you play well you get minutes. YET Neither Lang nor Sammy are playing well—and in truth are not really noticable at all. Hudler is a dynamo in his limted minutes but he has to freakin sit. I really dont understand Babs and his ways here. Fill/Franzen/Calder on the second line. They deserve the time, all three re playing their asses off. Meanwhile put Sammy/Lang/Hudler on the Fourth line and let them earn some freaking minutes.
HOWS THAT GRAB YA????
I also agree with Tuba. LILLY looked pretty good last night. A couple of solid hits. Only one boneup play that cost a chance, but no goal—and you really couldn’t blame the guy for getting hung up in no-mans land.
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from NeverNeverLand on 04/18/07 at 01:41 PM ET
What is Langsadaisical’s deal out there? Absolutely uninspired play. I was a big Lang supporter last season. Where is the guy that single-handedly dominated the Predators in 03-04? Honestly, Filppula should be playing second line center. Having Calder on Lang’s line has been a waste of his play. Calder does a good job along the boards but if he centers it Lang stands around. Even if he does get the puck he stands around with it until someone takes it away. What a joke.
Oh Lang of 03-04, where art thou?
Posted by arice89 on 04/18/07 at 02:57 PM ET
I thought the same thing after seeing Bert’s first few shifts...this is not someone that needs to be resigned over the off-season. But then I remembered that he was looking better and better before cracking his skull over his own goalie, and I still think he’s got something to prove as a player. Last year I was with arice89, thought that Langer was underrated. Now I say cut him loose this summer and resign a rested and healed Bert. Give him a chance to lead the second line.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 04/18/07 at 03:32 PM ET
We need Paul to whisper into the etheral ear that Calder/Mule/Fill would make a great second line. All of these guys are strong two-way players that deserve freaking minutes--- all have played well this series. Recall the BABS saying “the coach is wondering why he (FILL) doesnt get more minutes. FREAKING PLAY HIM!!!!!! Three games and what have Lang and/or Sammy done ---- hmmmm inquiring minds want to know, really!!!! Even the DETNEWS Blog notes our invisible second line. If its so freaking obvious to anyone not working for the Red Wings, why in the hell can’t the professionals see the same thing!!!!!!
TD glad to see you back in form. Chief, I’ve only be here in Neverland half my life— and kinda hate to see my OKIE roots showing—Wait, no I’m not. The heartland rocks (kinda be nice if I wouldn’t have to go to Dallas to see a freaking game). Did see “THE CAPTAIN” play his last game there though. Me and my 14 y/o prognosticator were early enough to see pre-game warm-up. I was within spitting distance of “The MAN”. Loved every minute of it.
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from NeverNeverLand on 04/18/07 at 03:50 PM ET
People of the Wing World - - join hands - -start a stress train—stress train (credit O’Jays) NOT!!!!!
I’m not worried—its only a flesh wound (credit M. Python).
Really, I’m not. but you know, ignorance is bliss. And no real OKIE would ever be accused of having superior intellect. Wait—I do no claim to be an OKIE—I was swept here in a sea of love. Displaced from Marine City MI—but I digress. I cannot subscribe to the ignorance is bliss CYA.
Chief is right about one thing (well maybe a few things): “They’re probably not too stressed because last night was ultimately decided by mistakes made by players who just don’t make them.”
I do not reasonably expect either Lidstrom or Hank to get the Lang(sidaisical) disease (what is that 3” black thing on my stick “GET IT OFF") for the rest of the playoffs. They will atone. They will take it personally. The CBC color guy last night said Lidstrom is such a perfectionist even his locker is organized to a “T”. Both Hank and Lidstrom (along with Cleary, Mule, Fill, Draper, Maltby, Homer, D, Schnides, Lebda, Chelli, and yes even LILLY—and Huddles too if the freaking coach puts him in) will BAM Kick it up a notch (an Emeril zip).
No Worries Mates—Wings Fans around the world join hands and start a love train!!! Wings in Five
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from NeverNeverLand on 04/18/07 at 04:14 PM ET
I like the sound of a Filpulla, Cleary, Franzen line. Of course, Cleary on the Draper/Maltby line was working great, too. Were I coach, I would go back to what freaking worked...minus Lang, but with different shift priorities
Dat/Z/Homer
FIl/Hud/Mule
Draper/Maltby/Cleary
Bert/Calder/Samuelsson
Posted by Paul on 04/18/07 at 04:45 PM ET
Here Here to Paul!!!! I like your plan, I like it alot!!!! NOW if we can just get someone to openly suggest the plan someone who’s opinion actually matters.
Paul—why do you suppose, or what are you hearing, on just why Huddles sits instead of Lang or Sammy. What do you think the real reason is behind this injustice/insanity?? Didn’t BABS at one time state that minutes are dependant on production?? HMMM W.T.F. is going on in the Wheel organization???
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from NeverNeverLand on 04/18/07 at 04:55 PM ET
Jeff you manipulative bastard you. I’ve been thinking on this one all day...the suggested lines, and the banishment of Sam to the press box. I’ll be posting my manifesto on that very subject later tonite.
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 04/18/07 at 04:57 PM ET
IMO, it’s about age and contract. Babs my publicly say you have to play hard to play, but I think his comment about “we didn’t get Bertuzzi to sit him” tells all. he probably secretly (or otherwise) doesn’t want the owner to see him sitting a $3 million player (Lang).
now, Bertuzzi isn’t getting paid squat, and we didn’t give up anything for him (yet), so I don’t know.
I think there are politics going on instead of just putting a winning team on the ice. that’s why I respected Bowman so much - he didn’t play these politics.
Posted by Paul on 04/18/07 at 05:17 PM ET
I’d love to see a team, next season during the regular season, do an experiment where the fans decide the lines for the game.
I’d be willing to bet the lines chosen would do well. for some reason it seems the fans see things that the coaches don’t. maybe it’s because we’ve got such a great perspective on the game, the players’ effort, the timings and space on the ice, etc from watching on TV. anybody who has ever sat front row at an NHL game knows how hard it is to see what’s going on.
Posted by Paul on 04/18/07 at 05:20 PM ET
Paul, I don’t think that’s exactly accurate, to say the least. The coaches and players do a ton of video review.
Posted by arice89 on 04/18/07 at 05:21 PM ET
sorry, one last comment. if there are politics going on, it’s all in Babcock’s head. we all know Ilitch doesn’t care who plays as long as the team wins. maybe Babcock hasn’t been around long enough to learn this. I think it’s high time Bowman and Yzerman sit down in a room with Babcock.
Posted by Paul on 04/18/07 at 05:23 PM ET
I’m feeling more than a bit queasy here today.
Shades of 2004, all over. Lethargic play from key veterans, an injured star forward who can’t seem to get it going (Hank has been a step or two off- and things like this don’t always work out in time in the win-or-go-home playoff world). I fear our boys may be in trouble, and we may have already witnessed the last Wings victory of 2006-07.
Hope I’m wrong.
PS- Tomorrow would be a good time for Dom to steal us a game.
Posted by mudshark on 04/18/07 at 05:24 PM ET
Mudshark - I agree, Dom needs to steal a game. I’m just not sure he can. Yes, I’m riding the stress train.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 04/18/07 at 05:45 PM ET
It’s not politics. Bert needs ice time to regain his form. When the Wings go up against San Jose or Anaheim, they are going to need all hands, including an oiled Bertuzzi.
Lang is a different issue. Babs is waiting for him to turn it around. IMHO, he has waited long enough. Filpulla should center that line, with Calder and Bertuzzi.
Posted by w2j2 on 04/18/07 at 05:59 PM ET
1: Hey guys, I told you there were 2 Calgary teams, just happens that you’ve seen the ridiculously bad team twice and the competent team once. Who knows which one will show up next game though, I wouldn’t be suprised if the Wings dominated and I wouldn’t be suprised if the Flames dominated. Its that much of a see-saw.
2: I was there last night and there in 04, and I was in Edmonton in 06 (for an Anaheim game to be fair) and I don’t notice any crowd difference. The ‘Dome I think tends to be louder simply because there are 5000 extra people. Of course, I’ve never heard it louder then when Gelinas scored in 04 against you guys (with all due respect).
To be fair to Bertuzzi, he had a really snazzy drop pass that didn’t quite work out, but it could’ve been a thing of beauty. If I were you guys I’d be a little more concerned about Zetterberg’s play.
Posted by Kyle from Calgary on 04/18/07 at 06:07 PM ET
Babblecock used to speak with Bowman on a regular basis - I haven’t heard BabblecockTheArticulate mention that much lately (or maybe he did, and I just didn’t ‘get it’), but I doubt it’s changed.
Bowman was always maddenly loyal to veterans and horribly loathe to play young talent. It wouldn’t surprise me if Bowman’s advice to Babblecock would be to sit the kids in favor of the vets anyway.
As a long-time proponent of finding a way to ditch Lilja, I hate to admit that I’ve been impressed with his play in this series.
“...LILLY looked pretty good last night. A couple of solid hits. Only one boneup play that cost a chance, but no goal—and you really couldn’t blame the guy for getting hung up in no-mans land.”
The most frightening part of that statement? That’s one less than Lidstrom! And Lidstrom’s ended up in the twine! Definitely something strange going on there last night…
Posted by Hoser from Downer Peninsula on 04/18/07 at 06:14 PM ET
The Wings are up 2-1 right now. We will see what happens tomorrow. If the Flames win, everything would be as expected.
I don’t see this as shades of 2004. This is not a team, that even last night in the loss, will roll over for anyone. They lost the game because they were out-played on special teams and didn’t play with the extra discipline that everyone knew would be necessary in the Dome.
The main difference is that unlike in 2004, the Wings were clearly the better even strength team last night, and that makes the adjustments for the rest of the series easier. The biggest thing I saw was that when Detroit hit the PP, their urgency and sharpness dropped. Back on 5-on-5, it was like everything was fine. In ‘04, Calgary definately out-played the Wings during even-strength hockey, in all aspects of the game (unless you’re counting harmless perimeter shots—and give the Flames credit for that, that’s not an excuse).
Posted by Nathan on 04/18/07 at 10:42 PM ET
Good Morning WingNation!!!
Although I would much rather play the Star in round two—That ain’t gonna happen. The Orca/Hockey Stick (second ugliest unis in NHL) look to have that series salted away. Too bad for the Livonia product. On the other hand, Turco probably isn’t crying too much—I bet he’d rather golf than see Winged rubber all in the back of his cage.
Next up on the wish list is the Prey in round two. I love watching the Wheel tear them up and listen to those Southerner’s crying to Uncle Jack Daniels about why they cannot win. It’s all so simple, but the ‘Ville cannot see the forest through the trees—The Wheel are superior, and they have an inferiority complex. Maybe because they play in music city, maybe their 3rd jersey is the ugliest in hockey. No, no, its b/c we are in their heads. But here again, the Prey are stymied by Nabby—so it looks like the Sharkies. And to tell you the truth—I fear the Shark. But more on that much later.
I can hear you all now even over the Motown blaring from my puter. “You stupid Okie M@# F@#, you’ll put the jinx on us!!!” Stop your freakin crying. Uncle Jeffie’s 14 y/o prognisticator who is 3 and 0 this series says for tonite: Wings 2, (F)lame 0. Thats right a big fat goose egg for the (F)lame.
Know I see bewildrment, puzzlement, from the Wing Nation. Let me elucidate and validate the prognosticator!!!! As Chief said, and I (rather puzzlingly concur) Lidstrom boned up more than Lilly in game 2 (I cannot believe I just typed that!!!). I am here to tell you it aint happenin again.
And for another thing. I think the (F)lame are a mentally fragile bunch still. They know they absolutely have to win tonite—because they suck on the road. They’ll being gripping the stick so tight tonite it would splinter if they were still made of wood.
Finally, the second line of Fill/Mule/Huddles will rock the (F)lame generating hits and drawing P’s!!!! Bert/Calder/Sammy will do decent on the fourth line in their limited role good cycle, no T/O’s). Hank/D/Homer pot one, and Malts/Drapes/Cleary pot one after a vicious forecheck and crushing hit by Maltby this time. Wait Wait, I forgot Lang(sidaisical)—ohhh hes in the press box curling his hair!!!!
Good News TD, glad the warhorse is still in the game. Tell him, next time you see him that My family says a “heartfelt” thank you and God Bless!!!!!
Wings in Five!!!!!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from Heartland USA on 04/19/07 at 08:37 AM ET
I still haven’t seen the deep-diggerss post the practice lines from yesterday. It wasn’t posted by TSN either. Did they not skate??? Or are practices suddenly closed?? Or am I the only won with questions??? Saw the Freep Niyo headline about disasterous second line play!! Maybe someone is putting bugs in the ear --
Paul you sly dog!!!!!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from Heartland USA on 04/19/07 at 08:44 AM ET
Okay - Okay I see KHAN! has a story about yesterdays optional practice. Lang(sidaisical)/Calder/Sammy were not there (I recall Babs saying optional practice was when HE decided who was practicing).
then Khan!! states: Babcock, whose team leads the series 2-1, said he hadn’t decided whether to break up the line for Game 4 tonight at the Saddledome.
Then Khan!! opines: “If he does, the only probable change would see Todd Bertuzzi replacing Samuelsson at right wing.”
And I say WTF!!! If you are going to shake things up—then freaking shake!!!!
According to Khan!! Babcock said he didn’t second-guess “for one second’’ his decision to insert Bertuzzi into the lineup for rookie Jiri Hudler, who had played well on the fourth line with Valtteri Filppula and Johan Franzen.”
Really!!!!!! Are you freaking blind???? Now I’m totally puzzled!!!! He may not have second guesses about playing Bert (which IMO was a good plan). But he certainly should have a lot of issues floating between his ears about his choice to sit Huddles. Good freaking grief!!!!!
I guess I should just be damn glad someone in the Wheel Organization is noting the problem.
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from Heartland USA on 04/19/07 at 08:55 AM ET
Babblecock generally means the opposite of whatever he tells Khan(!) - so I interpret that to mean that he is so internally conflicted over sitting Hudler that he hasn’t slept since and is now babbling incoherently in an attempt to forget the whole sordid ordeal.
Posted by Hoser from Downer Peninsula on 04/19/07 at 09:36 AM ET
if he isn’t second guessing every decision he made in the day before a loss, then he isn’t doing his job.
it’s exactly his job to look at what was working, look at all his changes, and figure out which ones were wrong...then make adjustments.
if he’s not second guessing any of them, then he’d do game 4 exactly like game 3. we all know that won’t happen, so that proves he IS second guessing...and just doesn’t want to say so.
Posted by Paul on 04/19/07 at 09:48 AM ET
Don’t be too sure on that assumption. That is exactly what he did last year. Staying with what wasn’t working until he had a good tee time.
Posted by Gramps (hockeytowntodd) from HockeyTown on 04/19/07 at 10:41 AM ET
yeah, he doesn’t seem to grasp that we don’t have time to wait for players who aren’t producing to get it going. that’s what the regular season is for.
Posted by Paul on 04/19/07 at 11:02 AM ET
BABS!!! Get on the horn to Bowman, or just plain grow a pair and follow your own freaking advice—Play those who MERIT the minutes!!! How freaking hard is that. Isn’t making those choices YOUR JOB—why you get paid!!!!! EEK, Egad, and W>T>F>!!!!
Posted by Jeff - - OklahomaWingNut from America's HeartLand on 04/19/07 at 11:08 AM ET
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I think replacing a hot rookie with scrambled gray matter-uzzi was suicidal. Obvious from the first puck drop that it upset the chemistry. I will give Lidstrom a pass on last nights performance (there were mistakes made before the play ever got to him), you cannot expect a win on only 2 goals. Like Cheli and Hasek, Lidstrom won’t have 2 bad games in a row. Little Gary’s New NHL is starting to remind me of Professional Wrestling. Pity, Mr I will not have to return all that G#5 ticket money.
Posted by Gramps (hockeytowntodd) from HockeyTown on 04/18/07 at 10:59 AM ET