Kukla's Korner Hockey
Next entry: Wings Dominate
Previous entry: Homer On Game 1
Wings Deal With Malkin
by Paul on 05/25/08 at 07:38 AM ET
Comments (6)
from the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs Blog at CBC,
The job the Red Wings did against Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin was what most impressed the legendary Bowman.
“We were talking about it with Babcock, and he said what he wanted to do with Malkin was give him some offence with [Valterri] Filppula and [Jiri] Hudler, and then give him some checking with [Kris] Draper, [Dallas] Drake and [Mikael] Samuelsson,” Bowman said. “Give him some variety, you know? He had some good matchups tonight. Babcock did a good job in that one.”
Already, the Penguins sound confused. That’s what the Red Wings do to teams. You think you can play a finesse game against them, but they pick you apart on any turnover or soft transition play. Then, when that doesn’t work, you try to play a grinding, dump-and-chase game.
more and a note on Franzen too…
Filed in: NHL Teams, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
I can’t see how, if Franzen is already practicing and clearly only waiting for the doctor’s clearance for full contact, anyone can already call him out for another one or two games. He might very well be, but I would think it would be determined on a day to day basis.
He’s certainly ready to be back, and the coach and team are ready to have him back in the lineup - and his girlfriend is probably ready to shove him out the door and change the locks by now. 
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/25/08 at 08:34 AM ET
yeah that babcock is not a bad coach, eh?
NHL.com and VS might want to hold up on those comparisons of these Pens to the Oilers of the 80s.
Posted by rwbill on 05/25/08 at 10:29 AM ET
They should hold up on those comparisons regardless. That team was able to stay together for a lot longer than this one will be able to. They have something like 10 or 12 free agents after the season, I think, and Fleury is RFA so he needs to have a new contract, too.
There is no way they will be able to hold everyone on that team together, no matter how many players take “hometown discounts,” and even though Pittsburgh should be a very solid, talented team for years to come with smart decisions, the years of the old-definition dynasty are so over.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/25/08 at 11:21 AM ET
I think we’re getting the real story on Franzen as best as they understand it. Franzen’s long term health is in obvious question or else he’d have been in the lineup 3 games ago.
I don’t think they are disguising his situation in a typical playoff cover up. If they suddenly send him out in a surprise move I’d be happy but I don’t think that’s coming soon.
Posted by RWBill from the Land of 12 in 12. on 05/25/08 at 11:40 AM ET
Agreed - I tend to wonder about “unnamed sources.” The real story isn’t game four or game three, it’s “we don’t know because concussions are tricky and although he’s feeling better, he is day-to-day until the doctors give him the okay.”
Better be overly cautious than rush him back as the Philadelphia doctors seem to have done in the past. Nice to have him back, but still a solid team without him - especially if Pittsburgh doesn’t improve their play. Malkin was almost invisible, and he was outstanding during the regular season.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/25/08 at 11:50 AM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Video-Shane Lehman, Always A Hockey Player
Making Peace At The Winter Classic
You Have A 2 1/2 Hour Window To Do What You Do
About KK Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When learning from experts it’s best to learn personally from them, or from their blog. We can provide that with poker lessons blog, your home to learn poker personally.
Do you get shocked from the luck in the game of poker? Stop getting shocked and start being a Poker Shoker
Make extra cash while playing online poker. Rakeback is free and comes with rake races.
Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.
Lofty praise from “the Godfather” of coaching indeed.
Good grief, I certainly hope the Wings “unnamed source” is just throwing a “red herring” on the Pens.
Great find Paul!!
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 05/25/08 at 07:58 AM ET