Abel to Yzerman
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Previous entry: Late, Late, Late…a Game 6 Live Blog
Buh Bye Bubba. Next?
by IwoCPO on 04/21/08 at 10:29 AM ET
Comments (28)
422 comments left on the prolific, record-setting Game 6 Live Blog. It’s the highest number of reactions to any blog post in the history of the internet, according to A2Y research.
Just two of those comments were mine, and neither were essential to the conversation. I feel a little bitter, and a little underappreciated. But I’ll work that out in my quiet time.
Here’s something I would liked to have seen yesterday: the Wings, or maybe just a few, raising their sticks in tribute to the fans of Nashville. I’ve not been shy about my feelings regarding the idiocy of a hockey team in Tennessee, but that’s never been a slight to the handful of loyal supporters of that team. Unfortunately, those fans are the stark exception in a state that couldn’t care less about hockey. The average TN resident is getting fatter and stupider on SEC basketball and NASCAR, with the greatest sport on earth right under their noses, ignored by hundreds of thousands.
The fans who filled the SoGay for games 3, 4 and 6? An overwhelming minority, but still deserving of recognition for supporting their team through some tough times.
Reaction.
As for the Lidstrom goal—can anyone say 2002 playoffs, first round, against Vancouver goalie Dan Cloutier? Same type of goal. Even the Wings players acknowledged it.
“They were (talking) once we were in the locker room, the guys that were there,” Lidstrom said. “A lot of guys brought it up. It bounced high glove. He went down on the butterfly and bounced high over his glove. The puck landed in front of him and took a fluke bounce.”
Fluke goal, but strategic and insidious. Lidstrom does nothing haphazardly. He picked a spot, picked an approach and a time to try it and he floated a wack-job of a knuckleball at a rookie goalie under more pressure than he’s ever experienced. He knew the spin and probably the landing area. A lucky goal? Ok, if you want to label it that. But talent and genius created that luck.
By now you’ve read the analyses of this series, the input from the Diggers and others. So have I. Wanna know what the MSM thinks of your team? They think the Wings are lucky to be where they are. They won’t be talking too much about the airtight ‘98-like defense the Wings played for nearly seven consecutive periods.
And they’ll still bring up a lack of secondary scoring, despite Hudler’s resurgence and the unveiling of young Helm. They’ll point out that Zetterberg’s not scoring but Datsyuk’s performance won’t be a discussion point.
Oh, and yes, we’ll hear quite a bit about goaltending. Whoever’s next, you’d better believe Chris Osgood’s going to be considered the the inferior goalie compared to Theodore or Kiprusoff. You ok with that?
Yeah, I thought you would be. Me too. Guess who Osgood’s looking like right now? Yep. Chris Osgood. Not the Ozzie of January through March. But the Osgood of October right up to the all star break.
Kulfan points out this morning that Osgood has some sort of zen-like deal going on, that his very appearance on the ice “calms” the team. I don’t know about that, but I do know he’s in position to make every save and he’s not giving up rebounds. And I know that should the Wings win the Cup, the biggest story of this run will be Osgood.
And youth. It’s not the cool thing to talk about now, but eventually it will be. It’s not the kind of thing the MSM likes to point out, but the Detroit youth movement is doing the job. Kronwall is steamrolling anyone who comes near him. He’s doing it violently, but mostly cleanly. Helm has been a revelation. His performance yesterday guaranteed Uncle Mike has yet another tough call to make when Maltby returns Thursday or Friday or Saturday or whenever Little Gary says it’s ok for the Wings to play hockey again.
“He was hanging onto the puck down low, he wasn’t throwing it away,’’ Lidstrom said.
Babcock flip-flopped Hudler and Dallas Drake on his third and fourth lines, putting the latter on the line with Draper and Dan Cleary.
“I switched Huds and Drake every game at the start of the periods because Dally likes to run defensemen and I like to watch him run defensemen,’’ Babcock said. “Plus, with Helm’s speed, Hudler and McCarty don’t have to have the same kind of speed but they both got good hockey sense. I thought that line was outstanding, it was our best line in the first period and obviously scored a huge goal.’‘
Absolutely on the money. A Red Wing fourth line that was dangerous, buzzing, not just taking up space typically occupied by Mark Hartigan. Make the choice: Helm or Maltby. Who do you start in Game 1, Round 2?
Me? Helm.
Anyone staying up to watch the Calgary/San Jose game tomorrow? Really? You have an interest in that?
Oh, you’re torn. Genetically, you’re bred to hope for a Denver redux. You want the Dive. You want to see them suffer as I do. But you also know that Calgary is probably the better option for us right now. Nobody wants to say it but the Dive are currently a dangerous team. Calgary? Also dangerous, but not quite the way Denver is, not with the potential firepower that the Dive bring. I say roll the dice in Alberta and hold off on the Dive until the conference finals when there’s a strong possibility Floppa will have been slowed by some female-related injury.
A few other random thoughts:
-Dallas Drake was brought here for April, May and June and he’s making Tick Tock Kenny look real smart. He was a presence the whole series, banging and even creating chances. He has more energy now than we’ve seen from him all year. Drake seems to have been built for the intensity of the playoffs.
-Same with McCarty. With one key goal and plenty of physical presence, no one is questioning his place on this team. Think he has a preference for the next round? Yes, Denver would be pleasant for him I’m sure. But I wonder how he feels about Calgary? Hard to gauge how he left that team, not much written about it. Hopefully he wishes them ill.
-And while we’re at it, has anyone seen Kris Draper play as well as he did against Bubba? He could legitimately be considered the most physical presence throughout the series. Yes, Kronwall and Drake drilled some bastards, but Draper was there every shift, in the corners and especially around Ellis. He played inspired hockey from Game 1 to 6.
-Uncle Mike and Lidstrom. Since I questioned their leadership after Game 4, it’s time I gave credit where it’s due. Somebody flipped a switch in that room. Somebody convinced the team that a gear was being skipped or just not reached. And the results were obvious: shutdown hockey for two straight games.
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Comments
Stuart played a little more physical last game. Also noticed he shook hands with his left hand. Hopefully he gets a few more days to rest it. Anyone else surprised the Ducks got knocked out?
Posted by millsz from Brownstown, MI on 04/21/08 at 11:10 AM ET
Chief, I too was seriously questioning the leadership in both the dressing room, and from the coaching staff. Questions answered, emphatically.
“We have met the enemy and they are ours.” 10 September 1813, after defeating the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie, Oliver Hazard Perry, commander of the American fleet.
Game 6:
SHOTS ON GOAL
1st 2nd 3rd T
Detroit 10 21 12 43
Nashville 9 4 7 20
Game 5:
SHOTS ON GOAL
1st 2nd 3rd 1st OT T
Nashville 8 3 9 1 21
Detroit 17 20 16 1 54
Uncle Mike likes to say that adversity is a good thing. I’d add that may be true, but overcoming adversity is freking wonderful. Wings “D” look rock freaking solid—in back to back high-pressure games!!
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 04/21/08 at 11:17 AM ET
No mention of the Ducks getting bounced out of the postseason by Dallas? It was beautiful. All of the controversy with Selanne and Niedermayer sitting out half the season…for what? A first round elimination? Fan-freakin-tastic. Warms my heart. Especially considering they were the one team I was worried about meeting again in the third round.
My dream postseason? Bring on the Avs next, then Turco in the third round…followed by a matchup with either the Pens or the Rangers in the SCF. That would be awesome.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 04/21/08 at 11:19 AM ET
While it’s well known in here that I am in no way, shape or form a ‘Turds fan, I will give props to Dan Ellis. He’s the only reason (aside from Dom’s “stellar” play in games 3 and 4) that Nashville was really even in this series. Granted, the Wings didn’t really step up in games 3 and 4, Ellis was the real reason that this series didn’t get away from Nashville early. I am ecstatic that our boys beat Bubba, AGAIN. By shutout, AGAIN. In their building, AGAIN. I personally don’t really care who we play in round 2. I think that games 3 and 4 of this series were the wake-up call the Wings needed. They showed Bubba how to play playoff hockey and now we’ll see the consistency from them we’re used to seeing in the upcoming round and beyond.
Posted by Chris from Columbia, Tennessee on 04/21/08 at 11:24 AM ET
Great series Preds. Gotta compliment them for a lot of things done right.
Good show of class by Predneck as well.
Posted by Chris aka Moore00 from Grand Rapids on 04/21/08 at 11:28 AM ET
Stuart played a little more physical last game. Also noticed he shook hands with his left hand. Hopefully he gets a few more days to rest it. Anyone else surprised the Ducks got knocked out?
He was also more responsible with the puck, IIRC, than he was in Game 4.
The Wings appear to have total confidence in Ozzy, and they should. He looks very strong: positioning is good, and he still has his reflexes, he’s better playing the puck, and more than once Bubba was left looking to the rafters for answers.
I’ll admit it, I backed the CMOI to start the playoffs, but the difference in the way the team plays in front of CMOI and Ozzy is night and day. They seem to know Ozzy will keep them in a tight game w. his play. They seemed to think they had to protect our CMOI. If this season ends up with the Cup in Detroit, Ozzy will be credited as the Cup winning goalie.
Posted by wingsfanindenver from 'lancheland on 04/21/08 at 11:29 AM ET
Anybody else think it was particularly poetic that, after getting his nose bloodied, Jordin Tootoo was pretty much a non-factor for the rest of game 6?
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 04/21/08 at 11:40 AM ET
PredNeck - you are a good sport. Ellis was amazing. I hope your management holds on to him for the next season. The fan support behind the team was really neat to hear and watch. Even if those darn whistles irritated me to death. 
I prefer Calgary for the next round but I dare not voice it too loudly for fear of the Hockey Gods.
I thought Rafalski got much better as the series went along. Sammy has to stop turning the puck over in the offensive zone! Great 4th line energy yesterday. It is only a matter of time before Zet’s shots start finding the back of the net.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 04/21/08 at 11:41 AM ET
I’ll tell you the best part of the Wings ending the series yesterday (besides moving onto round 2). NO MORE GAMES ON FSN SOUTH AND THE IDIOT TWINS!!! WOOHOO!!!
Posted by Chris from Columbia, Tennessee on 04/21/08 at 11:43 AM ET
422 posts! That is 22.2 posts for each of the 19 of us who ride the A2Y train!
I have to say this one more time. The Preds are a good team. Poile is a good GM, Trotz is a good coach, the players are young, talented and play hard. Their fans, all 19,000 of them, are loyal and loud. (Even without the damn whistles).
The only bad thing about them was their previous owner, who destroyed the team and left for Minny (and look what they got…eliminated in 6).
One more thing…I really liked the way Tootoo cuddled that octopus.
Posted by w2j2 on 04/21/08 at 11:45 AM ET
Chris, I think the best part of ending the series—no more of those damned whistles.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 04/21/08 at 11:46 AM ET
Just have to re-iterate something I said a couple months back…
Get rid of Lilja first, then and ONLY then will Lebda be our worst d-man and we can dog him much more effectively.
Posted by Dahrken on 02/25 at 03:59 PM
Ahem….
Posted by Dahrken from Grand Rapids, MI on 04/21/08 at 11:51 AM ET
Jeff, I’d rather listen to those whistles all day instead of Pete Weber and Terry Crisp. If you’ve never seen a game on FSN South, consider yourself lucky.
Posted by Chris from Columbia, Tennessee on 04/21/08 at 11:53 AM ET
I really liked the way Tootoo cuddled that octopus.
He likes sushi, so it isn’t a surprise.
The Predators played very well, and I hope their fans are rewarded with a solid committment from the ownership to regard them as something other than walking wallets who should be happy with just making the playoffs.
Hopefully they will advance past the first round next year (as long as they beat someone other than Detroit).
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 04/21/08 at 11:55 AM ET
Dahrken, I agree with you, Lilja has to go. He’s a UFA at season’s end and has already turned down 2 offers (I think it’s 2). Let his ass go, concentrate on signing Stuart, and let one of the Griffins fight it out with Lebda for the 7th spot.
Posted by Chris from Columbia, Tennessee on 04/21/08 at 11:55 AM ET
Thanks Chris. I said that just before the trade deadline when everyone was calling for Lebda to go. All in all, beyond a couple scary moments, he played pretty well these last two games. The next Lidstrom?? Never! But for a cheap ass #6 D I think he’s done much better than Lilja. Though why Meech hasn’t been considered I’m not sure.
Posted by Dahrken from Grand Rapids, MI on 04/21/08 at 12:05 PM ET
i’m now assuming that there’s no way the Wings sign Lilja to a new contract after this season? maybe if he takes a pay cut. with Meech, Ericcson, and Stuart still around, i don’t see it.
couldn’t bring myself to watch the Wings game yesterday after watching their meltdown in Game 3. can’t believe that Radulov gave Arnott a concussion. that very well may have killed their season.
Posted by Alex from San Francisco on 04/21/08 at 12:07 PM ET
Something to consider for the remainder of the playoffs:
Will the Wings, regardless of how deep they go in the playoffs, face a defense corps better than Nashville’s?
The Ducks were considered by the entire MSM the best defense corps in the game, and they’re out. Dallas has always played good team defense, but specific to their defensemen, they’re a peg below without Zubov in the lineup. The Flames have an abrasive defense that is basically made up of four or five guys that play the exact same type of game, and then Phaneuf. Not very diverse and dynamic. San Jose, with a mix of toughness (Murray), skill (Campbell), and experience (Rivet) are probably the closest team remaining, in either conference, to having the quality D that Nashville had.
If you think about it, the Preds gave the Wings as rough a D matchup as you can expect. Weber, now that I’ve watched him six games in a row, is pretty clearly a deserving all-star, and certainly lurks in Phaneuf’s shadow only because of where he plays (I’d venture to say that while Dion is more potent offensively, Weber is better in his own end and more disciplined with his physical play). Hamhuis and Zidlicky both know how to make a first pass and can skate up ice, which is everything the way the game is right now. Suter actually reminds me a lot of Rivet, with just an all-around tough game, and an offensive flash here and there. And is there a better shot-blocking and hitting tandem than Zanon and DeVries? None of the games, even the final 3-0 game and the second 4-2 game were truly anything more than 1-goal games, and while Ellis was good, I think people are forgetting how good the D was at cleaning up his all-to-common rebound messes.
Just something to consider going forward. Yes, the teams remaining have much deeper forward units, but I think it’s reasonable to consider that Detroit has passed what will be one of the toughest defensive tests this playoff, regardless of how far they go.
Posted by Nathan on 04/21/08 at 12:33 PM ET
Right on, Nathan. The Preds got to where they were by playing a disciplined and potent defensive game, and they had the #3 ranked PK in the league. Coupled with an outstanding goalie, the defensive bedrock of their game was as solid as they come. And they were already in playoff mode, coming off an impressive end to the season, playing with the desperation that comes with squeaking into the eighth spot, with nothing to lose and everything to prove. The fact is, if they hadn’t had such a dismal first half of their season, then they may have been seeded higher in the postseason. Getting through them in the first round, with the requisite adversity, was no small feat. It should serve us well in the next round.
As for the goaltending, I think most people, myself included, believed that Dom HAD to start in the playoffs. The starter’s job was his to lose, and he did just that. I was comfortable with the thought of Ozzie bringing in unspectacular but fundamentally solid play (that is consistently underrated by the MSM), and he did just that. Perhaps Dom can come back in for a game or two when he’s well-rested, but I think Osgood will hold the net for most, if not all, of the playoffs.
Quincey needs a spot next year, don’t forget. I reckon Lilja’s gone at season’s end.
All respect to the Preds and their too-few loyal fans. They played a good game and it isn’t a stretch to imagine them stealing an upset here which thankfully didn’t happen. And while I still think it was an idiotic idea to put a team in Tennessee, it would be more idiotic to move this team again. The fans who rocked the arena and made such a loud noise during the playoffs prove that.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from right here, worriedly awaiting Bettman's next move on 04/21/08 at 12:51 PM ET
And Campbell hasn’t been winning friends and influenceing people among the San Jose fans, either - although I think it’s idiotic to expect someone to justify his anticipated slary numbers in his first playoffs with a new team in an unfamiliar conference. It isn’t as though the Sharks have shown their playoff mettle before and just need someone to add to it, after all.
As for the goaltending, I think most people, myself included, believed that Dom HAD to start in the playoffs. The starter’s job was his to lose, and he did just that. I was comfortable with the thought of Ozzie bringing in unspectacular but fundamentally solid play (that is consistently underrated by the MSM), and he did just that.
True. Hasek at his best is better than Osgood at his normal steadiness, and hasek at his worst is worse. Let him show which Hasek he will be, and then go with the goaltender who gives the team the best chance of winning.
Osgood cracks me up, though. He is so laid back I keep expecting him to doze off right in the middle of an interview after the game. No wonder the team plays so well in front of him - they know exactly what they are going to get each game.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 04/21/08 at 01:06 PM ET
Andrew and Nathan:
The Preds got to where they were by playing a disciplined and potent defensive game, and they had the #3 ranked PK in the league. Coupled with an outstanding goalie, the defensive bedrock of their game was as solid as they come.
I’m not arguing with either of you; but it is hard to rationally state that NSH had one of the best defensive corps in the league.
REG Season stats:
GA/G 2.73 (15th)
SA/G 29.8 (18th)
PK 85.4% (3rd)
In the last two games NSH gave up 54 shots (game 5) and 43 shots yesterday. I realize shot totals tend to be exagerrated, but a team getting outshot 2 - 1 in games they “must have” doesn’t say a whole lot.
That being said, I hope that you are right, and the next team “D” isn’t as good as NSH—but I kinda doubt it.
Look at the hit totals from the (F)lame/Shark series. Look at the “D” play from DAL, outworking the Defending Cup Champs at their own game.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 04/21/08 at 01:13 PM ET
I would like to give special praise not only to Nashville fans, who were absolutely screaming their heads off the past couple of games, but also to Barry Trotz.
He is going to get a lot of slack for not winning a playoff series yet, but given the adversity and expectations of his team this year he has overcome all to put together a good squad.
His comments and post-game interviews are always well-thought out and very respectful of Detroit and it’s players. Some of the best pro-Detroit quotes of the series came from Trotz and not anyone from the Wings staff or media.
These guys and Chicago are going to give us fits next year.
Posted by VooX on 04/21/08 at 01:50 PM ET
Jeff, I am specifically referring to the depth and quality of the Preds’ defense corps, not entire team defense.
There are two things to consider when looking at the average defensive numbers the Preds have put up all season.
The first one is that until Ellis got real hot down the stretch, the goaltending was pretty rough for Nashville. Both goalies went hot and cold (especially cold for Mason) for most of the season.
Secondly, as we should all know as Wings fans, shot totals don’t necessarily reflect dominance by one team, or poor defense by another. Despite losing, Nashville’s defense did a very good job clearing the horrendous rebounds that Ellis gave up. I, for one (and apparently I’m the only one), thought that Ellis was at best “above average” in the series, and that his defesemen, particularly Zanon and DeVries, were stellar in cleaning up the messes that he made. Without those guys limiting second chances in high-traffic areas, Ellis would’ve looked rather poor, in my opinion.
I don’t know if there are any places that track rebound opportunities, but consider the Wings goals this series. The most important goal was a center ice shot. Hudler scored on a one-timer straight in from just inside the blue line. Filppula on a great individual play and shot where Ellis horribly overplayed the angle. Mac on a tic-tac-toe pass from Hudler to the front of the net. Homer’s goal in game 2 is the only one that stands out as a time when Detroit was able to capitalize on the huge rebounds Ellis gave out.
I don’t think Detroit did a bad job of getting to the net and getting second chance opportunities—I think Nashville did a great job of limiting those chances. As many times as Ellis made a great save on a second-chance he gave up, he let in a bad goal (Filppula, Hudler, Lidstrom goals, again as examples).
Posted by Nathan on 04/21/08 at 02:39 PM ET
It’s amazing how rational and intelligent the comments are now that the wings have moved past the first round. I’m about 50% kidding.
Just to chime in, I too think that the series serves the Wings very well for whomever they face next. I didn’t find very much to complain about the last two games of the series. Great defense.
Yes, Chris, I rejoice too at the thought of no more Petey and Crispy or whatever. Two bigger broadcast homers will never be found.
Posted by AndrewB from TN on 04/21/08 at 02:52 PM ET
His comments and post-game interviews are always well-thought out and very respectful of Detroit and it’s players. Some of the best pro-Detroit quotes of the series came from Trotz and not anyone from the Wings staff or media.
I noticed Trotz during the post-series handshake. He was offering more than just a “congrats” to many of the Wings players. McCarty especially. I know Trotz and Babcock are more than just acquaintances as well. I’m glad he’s our guy, even if there are some wacked out Preds fans who want him gone. Yes, can you believe that? No wonder we get a “know nothing about hockey” rep.
Posted by PredNeck from Hicktown on 04/21/08 at 02:55 PM ET
PredNeck—
Hopefully, in the not too distant future, many more people south of the Mason-Dixon line (and in other “non-hockey” markets) will wake up and realize what a truly awesome sport hockey is. Thank you for being a classy fan and “carrying the torch.”
RE: Coach Trotz—Like Mike Babcock and most other coaches/players in the NHL, he is first and foremost a “hockey guy.” While they’ll do whatever is necessary to try and win the war on the ice, they also understand and appreciate that they are part of a special brotherhood. As Babcock said in training camp RE: inviting U of M coach Red Berenson to participate (paraphrasing): “Hockey people find each other.”
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 04/21/08 at 03:59 PM ET
Regarding Stuart: he has to seriously elevate his play these play-offs, accept a pay cut, or find somewhere else to play after this season. His current contract is for 3.5M, which is simply too much for the Wings to spend on their fourth defenceman. Keep in mind that Kronvall’s cap hit is only 3M for the next four seasons. Either way, Lilja’s gone and Meech is in as the 6th/7th defenceman. Quincey was unimpressive this season, but Ericsson just may be good enough to jump ahead of Meech on the depth chart and maybe even earn a regular spot if Stuart and Lilja are gone.
I’m not convinced Nashville had the best remaining defence core in the playoffs, but I don’t think it’s a big deal anyways. Team defence matters much more in today’s game, and the Sharks have been superb in that area this season.
Posted by Ryan from Toronto on 04/21/08 at 04:57 PM ET
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I truly enjoy your blog. I will continue to read it into June because I think you guys will still be playing then. Congrats to the Wings. The better team won and deserve to advance. Ozzie is where he needs to be and you guys can now actually relax a little now, making it past Round 1. Wings/Avs would just be a lot of fun.
Now, I have to go do some farming and sister marrying . . . and make a tee time.
Posted by PredNeck from Hicktown on 04/21/08 at 10:53 AM ET