Round two

Photo by Stuart Cahill

THE GAME

Boston Bruins (31-17-7) @ Detroit Red Wings (33-16-6)

I'm headed into work early today to cut the highlight of this game for our nightly 10p ET show.  It's going to be a nice long 10-12 hours day (Overtime! And I don't mean the Versus show).  What is there to say about this rematch?  The Red Wings absolutely destroyed the Bruins (...and their fanbase) on Friday night.  Nothing like watching the fair weather B's fans  collectively jump off the bandwagon as quick as they jumped on after the brawl-filled Montreal game last week.  The die-hards are still there though and Friday was just one game.  I fully expect Boston to want some revenge and they'll play much better than they showed last game.  Babcock calling out the Wings means absolutely nothing if the team only shows up for one game and then reverts back their old habits.  Let's hope it's just like February of 2008 when the Wings went on a 1-8-2 stretch from February 7-29.  After that they finished the year 12-3-1 and went on to win Lord Stanley's Cup.

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Johan Franzen - Henrik Zetterberg - Todd Bertuzzi
Jiri Hudler - Pavel Datsyuk - Danny Cleary
Kris Draper - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves
Drew Miller - Justin Abdelkader - Tomas Holmstrom

Nicklas Lidstrom - Niklas Kronwall
Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski
Jakub Kindl - Ruslan Salei

Jimmy Howard (starting)
Joey MacDonald

Injured: Valtteri Filppula (knee), Chris Osgood (groin), Brad Stuart (jaw), Mike Modano (wrist)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Tim Thomas gets the start in net in his home state.  My guess is that it will take the Wings more than two shots to score two goals...or maybe not?
• According to NOHS, we might be seeing some Winter Classic sweater action tonight.  I'm a fan of the Wings' classic sweaters and the B's yellow classic sweaters.  I love the fact that Detroit doesn't have a third jersey, but I welcome this once a season. 
• It's the second game of the H2H2 pledge drive.  I've already pledged $26 thanks to Hudler's first goal of the season and $11 for Friday's game.  Today I'm pledging a $1 for every Red Wings goal, $5 for a win, an additional $5 for a shutout, and $15 if Rig fights Chara. 
• Speaking of H2H2, we're Darren McCarty days from the big event.
• And finally, living in a city full of homer Bawhston fans, it was great to watch them shut up and have absolutely no comeback for anything.  It's always, Pats are the best this, or KG is the man that, or Red Sox will win the World Series, well, it was good to see them humbled after a pure ass kicking in their own building.  My Lions might never win, the Pistons are in ownership turmoil, and the Tigers could be good or flounder again this season, but at the end of the day, the Red Wings are the model organ-i-zation in hockey and all of sports.  That's one thing I've always had over Boston fans...and I'd like to keep it that way. 

BRENDAN SMITH

The Griffins lost 2-1 in a shootout to the Lake Erie Monsters.  Smith had two shots on the night and that was it on the score sheet.  He's got 8 goals, 14 assists, and a +5 rating in 41 games played so far this season.

Let's Go Red Wings.

Win. This. Game.

Photo credit: The Triple Deke via TPL (Check out the ugly jerseys)

THE GAME

Detroit Red Wings (32-16-6) @ Boston Bruins (31-16-7)

This is a big game (to me at least).  It's MY team against the team that owns 20% of the company I work for and we cover on a nightly basis.  This really is a MUST WIN and it is in no way going to be easy.  The Wings have been flat and awful lately.  You might be able to argue that they haven't been THAT bad, but guess what?  It's the Red Wings and I'm a die hard Red Wings fan.  I have very high expectations for this team and losing 3 out of 4 and turning in performances like they did on Wednesday is...well..."unacceptable."  It doesn't help the Bruins are playing well right now either.  They had their mini brawl against the Stars last week, their all out brawl with the Habs two nights ago, and have won 4 of their last 5.  They're saying all the right things about these two upcoming games, saying that no matter how the Wings are playing that they're still an elite team and one of the best.  There is no doubt in my mind this game is a measuring stick to them.  Let's knock them down a couple notches.

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Johan Franzen - Henrik Zetterberg - Todd Bertuzzi
Jiri Hudler - Pavel Datsyuk - Danny Cleary
Kris Draper - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves
Drew Miller - Justin Abdelkader - Tomas Holmstrom

Nicklas Lidstrom - Niklas Kronwall
Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski
Jakub Kindl - Ruslan Salei

Jimmy Howard (starting)
Joey MacDonald

Injured: Chris Osgood (groin), Brad Stuart (jaw), Mike Modano (wrist)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Former Plymouth Whaler and current Boston Bruin Tyler Seguin will once again be a healthy scratch tonight.  Seguin has just flat out not played very well this season.  Also, keep an eye out for Brad Marchand.  He's a real, good young player.  Works hard every night. 
• Still no Filppula tonight, but we get Holmstrom back for a second game.  I would really like to see him do some damage on the power play against Timmy Thomas tonight.  
• You think it was tough scoring against Nashville and Columbus with our lackluster effort? Boston leads to league in goals against.  Crash the net and crash it hard.  Solid puck movement.  Forecheck.  Shoot.  Shoot.  Shoot.  It's got to be all about effort tonight in the offensive zone.  Boston's D is good...but it's not unbeatable. 
• Tonight!  It's the first game of the H2H2 pledge drive.  I've already pledged $26 thanks to Hudler's first goal of the season.  For the next two games against the Bruins, I'm pledging a $1 for every Red Wings goal, $5 for a win, an additional $5 for a shutout, and $15 if Rig fights Chara.
• I don't hate the Bruins, but I hate them tonight and Sunday.  I will be in an EXTREMELY foul mood if the Wings do not show up tonight.  Pre-game meet-up with Red Wings fans in Boston from 4-7 tonight.  I'll be making a brief appearance and then heading into the game with work.  I'm "helping out" with pre/post/intermission production tonight and will have to watch the game from the suite where we broadcast from.  I'm not sure exactly how everything will all work out, but stay tuned.  Could be a fun, interesting post coming late tonight or tomorrow.

BRENDAN SMITH

Not to forget the namesake...He's ready to return after missing eight games with an injured shoulder. 

Let's Go Red Wings.

It's going to be a Grand night

Photo by John Kosak

THE GAME

Toronto Marlies (16-12-0-4) @ Grand Rapids Griffins (13-14-1-4)

Yup, you read that correctly.  This isn't a preview of the Red Wings' game.  It's a Griffins' preview.  Why you might ask?  Well, I'll tell you why.  I'm home in Michigan and I'm making the trip to the west side of the state to see the namesake himself (and his teammates of course).  The Griffins find themselves in last place of the North Division.  They take on a Marlies team that is in second place in the division, but only five points ahead.  The Griffs would surely like to make up some ground in the standings before Christmas. 

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP BASED ON LAST GAME'S LINES (thanks to Griffinscentral.com)

Tomas Tatar -- Ilari 'Larry' Filppula -- Jan Mursak

Jamie Tardif -- Jamie Johnson -- Frances Pare
Jordan Owens -- Joakim Andersson -- Chris Minard
Pare/Minard -- Brent Raedeke -- Brandon Straub

Brendan Smith -- Derek Meech
Doug Janik/Greg Amadio -- Jakub Kindl
Sergei Kolosov -- Logan Pyett

Joey McDonald
Thomas McCollum
(Who know's who is starting tonight)

In the press box: Brian Lashoff, Willie Coatzee

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Everything.  I'm jacked up to go to my first Griffins' game.
• Hopefully friend of TP:60 Ilari Filppula and Tomas Tatar can keep up their friendly scoring race against each other.
• I have no idea at the moment which goalie is starting, but I'd personally like to see McCollum in net
• This is schedule to be the last game of Jakub Kindl's conditioning stint in Grand Rapids.  Enjoy it, Jakub.  Sadly, he's probably headed back to the Leino Lounge when he gets to Detroit.
• Francis Pare needs just one more goal to become the 14th player to score 50 during his Griffins career.

BRENDAN SMITH

Of course, I can't forget the namesake.  I'm looking forward to watching him play for the first time in person.  Smith's 19 points (7g, 12a) tie him for 10th among AHL rookies and 11th among defensemen.  His seven goals tie for third among all blueliners (credit: Griffinshockey.com for the stats).  Brendan, if you're reading this or someone you know is reading this, score a goal tonight while I'm in attendance!

MLive.com posted a video recently in their "Getting to know the Griffins" series.  Their latest interview?  Brendan Smith.  Check it out.

Let's Go Griffins.

Game #23: Disney and the Ducks

This picture is for you, Hollis.

THE GAME

Detroit Red Wings (16-4-2) @ Anaheim Ducks (13-11-3)

It's only fitting that after the genuinely awesome and ridiculous conversation on the latest episode of TP:60 that the Wings are facing a team that used to be owned by Disney.  The Ducks have a little streak going. They've won three straight and Bobby Ryan has six goals in his last six games.  However, Detroit has also won three straight, but the Wings are only 3-8-1-1 in their last 13 games in Anaheim.   What does this all mean?  I have no freakin' clue...but I think we can all agree that Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf suck.

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Todd Bertuzzi - Valtteri Filppula - Johan Franzen

Jiri Hudler - Justin Abdelkader - Danny Cleary

Drew Miller - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Ruslan Salei

Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Chris Osgood (charting face-offs)

In the press box: Jakub Kindl (healthy scratch)

Injured: Kris Draper (groin), Mike Modano (wrist)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Randy Carlyle will whine about something.
• Teemu Selanne is a game time decision...I suggest he sits out.  Kronwall will be playing and, last I checked, he's a "dangerous player."
• Fighting.  There will probably be a fight at some point tonight.  Keep your gloves on, Pavel.  I'd like to see Abby rip the mustache off Parros' face though.
• Yesterday, I bought a carton of milk at the grocery store.  Jiri Hudler's picture was on it.
• I hate the Ducks. 

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #20: Blue (Jacket) Friday

THE GAME

Detroit Red Wings (13-4-2) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (14-6-0)

How 'bout them BJs?  They've won five straight games and are tied with the Wings atop the Central Division and the Western Conference.  The Wings have not played their best hockey in the last week or so and the 5-1 thrashing from Atlanta on Wednesday was the culmination of some bad play.  Hopefully the team isn't too full on turkey from Draper's house to play a good game of hockey tonight (especially Hudler). 

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Jiri Hudler - Valtteri Filppula - Johan Franzen

Todd Bertuzzi - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Justin Abdelkader - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Ruslan Salei

Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Drew Miller (healthy scratch), Jakub Kindl (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Hudler is back in the line-up.  Happy needs to show up tonight....
• ...actually the entire team needs to show up tonight.  That Atlanta game was garbage.  Hopefully the Wings got a wake up call and are jacked up and ready to go against red hot team trying to challenge for the division.  Put the BJs where they belong (the bottom of the division).
• Jimmah is 5-0-1 with a 1.31 goals against average in six starts against Columbus.
• The PK has dropped to 16th in the league.  Unacceptable.
• The Blue Jackets will be wearing their brand new third jerseys tonight.  Try not to confuse them with every other team in the league that wears a jersey with the same exact colors and essentially the same circle logo design. 

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #19: Our little half brother

THE GAME

Detroit Red Wings (13-3-2) @ Atlanta Thrashers (9-9-3)

The Wings head to Atlanta for their only game of the season against the Thrashers.  We'll see a few familiar faces down in the ATL.  Thanks to Chicago's cap mismanagement last year they banished many of their players to the Thrashawks.  The Chicago cast-offs have played well.  Andrew Ladd is now the team's captain and Dustin Bufflin Byfuglien is a full time defenseman and is only one point behind Lidstrom in defensemen scoring.  Hopefully the Wings show up earlier in the tonight's game than they did against the Flames.  It's Detroit's first game against the Leastern Conference.  Go out and take care of business. 

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Justin Abdelkader - Valtteri Filppula - Johan Franzen

Todd Bertuzzi - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Drew Miller - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Ruslan Salei

Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Jiri Hudler (healthy scratch), Jakub Kindl (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Danny Cleary will play tonight.  He left last game early with an undisclosed injury, but it turned out to be a precautionary measure.  This is good news.  Cleary finally got healthy this season and his high level of play showed that.  It would be a shame to see him get hurt again.
• Hudler is a healthy scratch.  Happy hasn't been playing so well.  He had a few good games when the pressure was on, but it seems like since he scored that fluke goal from behind the net he has only been decent out there.  As long as his spot in the Leino Lounge doesn't become permanent, I'm okay with this.  He has to be held accountable due to the team's embarrassment of riches in the line-up.  Miller and Eaves deserve the chance.  They've played very well when they've been in.  Look for a very good PK tonight.
• Absolutely love that Abby is playing with Filp and Mule.  The Gator gets a chance to move up and play on a scoring line thanks to Miller and Eaves playing.  When he's been asked to take a more offensive type roll, he's succeeded.  I don't see why that would change.  He'll score a goal tonight.
• Will Hank, Pav, Nick, and Raf all continue their high level of play?  Raf was the NHL's third star of the week and the Euro Twins and TPH seem to keep on rolling.  Lidstrom for Hart 2011.

THANKSGIVING

I've left my tiny apartment in Boston and I am currently in Bethlehem, PA spending Thanksgiving with my girlfriend's family.  The good news?  I'm going to eat very well the rest of this week.  The bad news? No Center Ice and I'll probably be busy doing family stuff and won't get to watch the games (so there probably won't be a game recap tomorrow or Saturday).   I hope all my readers, fellow bloggers, and Wings fans all over the world have a great Thanksgiving (even you Andy). 

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #17: Election season isn't over yet. The Perfect Campaign has just begun

THE GAME

Minnesota Wild (9-6-2) @ Detroit Red Wings (12-3-1)

Four down and two to go on the home stand.  The line juggling will continue tonight.  Babcock shuffled things up in the third period against the Blues and the new lines produced four goals in a span of 3:14. Those lines from the third will stick together to start the game tonight (with the exception of Eaves for Miller).

Yesterday I wrote about how that fact that Lidstrom has never been nominated for the Hart during his career is an absolute joke.  Well apparently some of my fellow Wings' fans agree and the Lidstrom for Hart 2011 campaign is officially underway.  Puck Daddy has taken notice.  Chris from NOHS and The Chief over at A2Y are on board....are you?

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Johan Franzen

Todd Bertuzzi - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary
Justin Abdelkader - Valtteri Filppula - Jiri Hudler

Tomas Holmstrom - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Ruslan Salei

Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Drew Miller (healthy scratch), Jakub Kindl (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Danny Cleary has 8 goals in 6 games.  The man is possessed.
• Pav, Hank, and Mule...that's a video game line right there.  I expect nothing less than three goals from that line tonight.
• The power play must get better.
• Big Rig has play above and beyond my expectations since his return from injury.  Take notice.  He might actually being growing up into a real defenseman before our very own eyes.

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #16: three down...three to go.

THE GAME

St. Louis Blues (9-4-3) @ Detroit Red Wings (11-3-1)

Ahh, the St. Louis Blues.  What a start they had this season.  A 9-1-2 record over their first 12 games.  That's pretty impressive.  Halak was a monster.  Their defense was playing well.  The young offensive talent was showing up on a nightly basis.  And then....well...they ran into the juggernaut that is the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Personally, I blame myself for the Blues recent skid.  A week ago St. Louis was the HD game on Center Ice.  I figured I would finally sit down and watch one of their games and see what all the fuss was about.  Instead of seeing a legit Blues team, they were destroyed 8-1 by Nash & Co.  They followed that masterpiece up with three more losses to Nashville, Phoenix, and Colorado.  They're currently riding a four game losing streak into Detroit.  The Red Wings, meanwhile, have won their last three...six of their last seven...and nine of their last 11.  If this was last year, I'd be much more worried about this game.  It seemed like teams that were struggling always found their cure against Detroit.  Not this season though.  This is a confident team that has yet to truly play down to the competition.  They've gone out an taken care of business when they've needed to.  I expect the same tonight.  The Blues are struggling.  Kick them while they're down now and let's make sure they don't get back up.

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Jiri Hudler

Todd Bertuzzi - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Justin Abdelkader - Darren Helm - Drew Miller

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Ruslan Salei

Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Patrick Eaves (healthy scratch), Jakub Kindl (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• The Wings are halfway done with sweeping their six-game home stand.  I foolishly (or brilliantly?) predicted on TP:60 - Episode #5 (Now available on iTunes!) that the Red Wings will win all six home games.  Don't let me down, boys.
• Uncle Mike wants to see an improvement on the power play.  So do I.  14th is unacceptable.  Call me a cocky, egotistical, homer of a fan, but you're the Detroit Red Wings, dammit.  All I ever remember growing up as a fan is that a power play meant an automatic goal.  The Wings used to be lethal.  Shanny or Hull in the slot for the one timer.  Everyone and their mother knew it was coming, but they could never stop it.  I wouldn't mind seeing Mule/Hank/Pav together on the first unit and Homer/Filp/Hudler on the 2nd.  If that doesn't work, throw in a little Bert or Cleary.
• Jimmah is a top ten goalie in this league and he's going to continue to prove it every single game.

• Jiri Hudler...you crazy S.O.B.  You've finally gone and scored your first goal of the season.  I'm absolutely thrilled (and somewhat annoyed because now I need to come up with a new bullet point every game preview).  Now let's back that goal up with some more.  I want some curly fries. 

BRENDAN SMITH

The Griffins split a weekend series in Hamilton against the Bulldogs.  On Saturday, Grand Rapids fell 2-1 and on Sunday, the Griffins won by the same score, 2-1.  Smith was held off the score sheet on Saturday, but was a +2 and had an assist on the game winning goal.  Grand Rapids is currently tied for third in the North Division with 19 points.  They're five points out of first place and have four games in hand on the division leading Abbotsford Heat.  The Griffins are in Cleveland to take on the Lake Erie Monsters tonight at 7PM.  Also, I'm going to attend my first Griffins' game on either 12/22 against Toronto or 12/26 against Lake Erie.  Brendan, if you're reading this, I'm expecting a goal on the night I attend.

Here are the highlights from the Griffs' 2-1 win on Sunday.  Smith's assist comes at the 1:47.

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #15: Seth, I don't know why we're friends

THE GAME

Colorado Avalanche (7-6-1) @ Detroit Red Wings (8-3-1)

Detroit takes on the Boston University Terriers Colorado Avalanche.  The Avs are playing their second game in two nights.  Last time these two teams played the Avs were also playing their second game in two nights...and they came in and won in Detroit 5-4 via the shootout.  This time around I expect a different outcome.

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Jiri Hudler

Todd Bertuzzi - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Justin Abdelkader - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Ruslan Salei

Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Drew Miller (healthy scratch), Jakub Kindl (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• The lines remain the same with the exception of Eaves for Miller.  I expect to see some new line combinations if the Wings get off to a slow start.
• I hate the Avs.  I hope the Wings crush them to a bloody pulp.

• Jiri Hudler.  Scuttles is never going to score a goal.  I'm losing faith.  Prove me wrong.  Do it, Happy.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it.

THOUGHTS FROM THE ENEMY

My good friend Seth was born and raised in Michigan...but he's an Avs fan.  I know it makes no sense.  I've given him crap for it since the day I met him.  Nowadays, he goes to med school in Chicago and, even though a die-hard Dive fan, he enjoys the Blackhawks and likes them to.  Someone remind me why him and I are friends?

Nonetheless, here are his thoughts: "Budaj was able to best the Wings the first time, but I feel like the Wings are too hot right now.  The Avs are too injury depleted for a repeat.  Wings 4-2."


EMERSON CROSS COUNTRY

Today was the NCAA DIII New England Regional meet.  It's was last cross country race ever.  Of course, I'll run more 5k races and marathons over the course of my life, but this is my last race as part of a team.  I personally didn't run well, but the team did overall.  We finished 33rd out of 49 teams.  We knew going into the race we would be between 30-40th place.  It was a good day.  We beat our arch rival Norwich by 42 points (they placed 35th).  It's been a good 11 years of cross-country running.

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #14: Let's throw some line combinations at the wall and see what sticks i.e. Oilers vs. Red Wings

THE GAME

Edmonton Oilers (4-7-2) @ Detroit Red Wings (8-3-1)

These guys again?  As TP:60 - Episode Amazon pointed out, it seems like we only play the Oilers, Coyotes, and Flames these days.  Can't really complain though -- and karma will probably slap me in the face for this -- but the Wings need to get as many points as we can early on and playing Edmonton is a pretty easy way of getting those points.  On Tuesday, the mighty Oil Kids from Edmonton were lambasted 7-1 by the Carolina Hurricanes.  Taylor Hall was benched in the third period.  If I had any money, I'd bet that Hall will have a fire tonight to avenge his benching.  Too bad he'll probably be playing against the greatest defenseman of all-time, Nick Lidstrom.  And while I'm probably already on the bad side of karma -- in for a penny, in for a pound, right? -- I might as well say that I'm expecting the Wings to give Edmonton a good, old fashioned ass-kicking tonight.  Somewhere along the lines of 8-2 works for me.  It just seems right considering the line-juggling, the few days rest, and a successful road trip last week.  Plus, maybe some of the Oilers' players won't even make it to the rink tonight, eh?  I hear the forecast in Detroit is muggy with a chance of murder (NOTE: if you read the article in the previous link...also read this too.  Hollis is right.).

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Jiri Hudler

Todd Bertuzzi - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Justin Abdelkader - Darren Helm - Drew Miller

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Ruslan Salei

Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Patrick Eaves (healthy scratch), Jakub Kindl (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• I really hope that Babcock gets 12 pieces of paper, writes down each of the forwards' names, and puts them all in Ozzie's helmet (not like he needs it tonight anyway).  Seriously, I love this line juggling fetish he's got going on right now.  Give me Abby/Hank/Pavel.  I want Franzen/Modano/Filppula.  Maybe a little Hank/Hudler/Homer.  Triple H style.  They could The Cerebral Assassin Line and pedigree Khabibulin into next week.
• Mikael Samuelsson sucks.  Everyone who said they would trade Hudler for him...FRIENDSHIP OVER!  Just kidding...but seriously.  I despise Mikael Samuelsson

• Jiri Hudler.  People want to trade you.  You really need to find the back of the net.  Tonight is the night!  I can feel it.  It's going to happen.  Do it, Happy.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it.

BRENDAN SMITH

Grand Rapids had a matinee game yesterday.  Thomas McCollum registered his first career shutout, but the Griffins lost 1-0 in a shootout.  In the shootout, the Griffs were down 2-1 and Smith was their last shooter.  Unfortunately, he clanked his shot off the left post to end the game.  A disappointing result, no doubt, but the fact that Smith -- a defenseman -- is out there in the shootout speaks volumes of his ability and how much the coaching staff trusts and believes in him.

AROUND THE LEAGUE

I took some time last night to watch some non-Red Wings hockey.  Center Ice was showing the Blues/Blue Jackets game in HD and, since I live in Boston, I had the Bruins/Pens game in HD on NESN as well.  I wanted to see what this St. Louis team was all about.  Turns out I picked a dud of a game to watch.  It was already 2-0 when I turned the game on and I tuned in just as Halak made a ridiculous save on a two-on-one.  Sadly for the Blues, their defense imploded after the save and Rick Nash was left wide open in the slot for an easy one-timer goal.  Long story short: Welcome back to Earth, St. Louis.  The Blues will probably be solid the rest of the year, but I'm not expecting them to go 9-1-2 every 12 games.  Halak is only seeing 26 shots a game and Oshie is now out with a broke ankle.  As far as the Bs/Pens game?  In the words of Nelson Muntz: HAHA!  Pittsbrugh was up 4-2 after two periods of play and the Bruins just took it to them in the third and won 7-4.  I like this Bs team.  They're fun to watch (...on mute without hearing Jack Edwards' voice).  Horton has been a great addition to this team and Lucic has been playing extremely well to start the year.  Krejci is the glue of this team though.  He needs to come back soon from his concussion.  Long term he is a big piece of their puzzle.  I wouldn't mind a Boston vs. Detroit match-up sometime in June (yeah...I said it).

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #13: He's baaaaaaaaaaaaack

THE GAME

Phoenix Coyotes (4-5-4) @ Detroit Red Wings (8-3-1)

The Wings return home after a solid west coast road trip.  Four out of six points isn't bad, but it's one day off to travel and a quick turn around with a home game on national TV against those pesky Coyotes.  The Wings lost 4-2 last time these two met (Osgood was in net).  The big news of the day though is the return of Brian Rafalski.  Raf has been out for the last four weeks.  It will be good to have another puck moving veteran defenseman in the line-up.

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Todd Bertuzzi

Justin Abdelkader - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Jiri Hudler - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Ruslan Salei

Johnathon Ericsson - Brian Rafalski

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Drew Miller (healthy scratch), Jakub Kindl (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Rafalski is back and the defensive pairings have been shuffled.  I'll be honest, a returning Rafalski with Big Rig is not what I had in mind.  I like the way Ericsson has been playing along side Lidstrom and I expected to see Raf pairing with Salei or Stuart.  Of course, In Babcock We Trust.  I'm sure the pairings will be shuffled during the game if the combinations aren't working.
• Can the third line (Abby/Modano/Cleary) keep up their great play?
• Where is the Lumberjack Line?  I wish we could have all four lines clicking at once.  As soon as the third line clicked and started rolling, the second line stopped producing.  Mule and Bert need to get back on track.

• Jimmy's streak of consecutive starts without a regulation loss as ended.  It's time to start a new streak.

• Jiri Hudler.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it. (This is staying here too until Scuttles scores a goal)
• Shane Doan is out tonight.  Sadly, no Doan Face. 

BRENDAN SMITH

It was a quiet weekend for Smith, but a decent weekend for the Griffins.  On Saturday, Grand Rapids defeated the Chicago Wolves 4-2.  Smith was held off the score sheet and finished the night minus-1.  He also stayed out of the penalty box.  On Sunday, the Griffs travels to Cleveland to take on the Lake Erie Monsters.  Grand Rapids won 4-3 in a shootout.  Smith was a minus-2 on the night with two shots and not penalty minutes.  He also did not score in his shootout attempt.  In the three games this weekend, Smith had a goal, assist, no penalty minutes, and was a minus-3.  Not too bad of a weekend.  The Griffins are now 7-3-0-2 and second in the North Division.  They host the Milwaukee Admirals on Wednesday.

EMERSON HOCKEY

Well, the Boylston Cup was ugly...but fun.  We lost 12-2.  Considering that last time we played Berklee we lost 13-0, I would say that's an improvement.  I started the game on defense, but by the end of the game I was playing wing on the top line.  The third period was where the game got fun.  We were down like 9-0 and on my first shift on the top line we scored our team's first goal of the season.  I had an assist on the play.  My next shift, some clown wearing 93 was hit by our defensemen.  He landed on top of our D man and started punching him.  So naturally, I jumped in and took out 93.  He got two solid punches to my head and I got a nice punch and elbow to his gut.  We were both tossed from the game.  At the end of the day, we lost, but hey, I was a goal away from a Gordie Howe hat trick.  I'm going to be staying at forward and I'm the lead story in sports for the school paper next week.  We take on Suffolk next Saturday.  From what I've been told, they're beatable.

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #12

THE GAME

Detroit Red Wings (8-2-1) @ Vancouver Canucks (7-3-2)

I hate Mikael Samuelsson. 

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Todd Bertuzzi

Justin Abdelkader - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Jiri Hudler/Drew Miller - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Johnathon Ericsson

Niklas Kronwall - Brad Stuart

Jakub Kindl - Ruslan Salei

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Drew Miller/Jiri Hudler (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On STIR: Brian Rafalski (knee)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Mikael Samuelsson will miss the net high and wide multiple times.
• Can the third line (Abby/Modano/Cleary) keep up their great play?
• According to the Freep, it might be Miller Time tonight.  Babs might put Miller back on the fourth line.  Which would mean Hudler would be healthy scratch again....or will Uncle Mike go another direction?

• Back-to-back starts for Jimmy Howard tonight.  First time this season for him.  He is going for his 23nd consecutive regular season game without a regulation loss.  Jimmah!

• Jiri Hudler.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it. (This is staying here too until Scuttles scores a goal)

BRENDAN SMITH

The Griffins lost to the Moose last night 6-5.  The game winning goal came when Thomas McCollum stopped a Manitoba shot and the rebound deflected of Brenda Smith and into the back of the net.  Tough break for the team.  Overall though, Smith played a solid game.  He finished the night even with a goal and an assist.   His goal came in the 3rd period and tied the game 5-5.  It was his third straight game with a goal.  Smith is now second in team scoring (5G, 6A) with 11 points in 10 games.  The Griffins host the Chicago Wolves tonight at 7PM.

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #11

THE GAME

Detroit Red Wings (7-2-1) @ Edmonton Oilers (3-5-2)

I'm excited for this game.  The Wings played arguably their best game of the season on Wednesday against Calgary and now they head to Edmonton to play a young Oiler team.  I'm looking forward to watching the likes of Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle.   Mike Babcock has come out and said that Jiri Hudler WILL play tonight.  Johan Franzen who missed practice this week due to a hip flexor WILL also play.   So who sits?  I agree with the idea that Mike Modano should take the night off.  First night of a back-to-back.  Give the old man some rest and have him fresh for a tough Canucks team on Saturday.  If Modano plays, we could see someone from the fourth line -- Drew Miller or Patrick Eaves -- take a seat.

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Todd Bertuzzi (Hudler worked in)

Justin Abdelkader - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Drew Miller - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Johnathon Ericsson

Niklas Kronwall - Brad Stuart

Jakub Kindl - Ruslan Salei

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: ____?____ (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On STIR: Brian Rafalski (knee)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• I didn't notice Jonathon Ericsson last game...and that's a good thing.  His pairing with Nick Lidstrom worked in Calgary and the two will be paired up again tonight. 

• Jimmy Howard is going for his 22nd consecutive regular season game without a regulation loss.  Jimmah!
• Danny Cleary was the best player on the ice last game.  Abby was a monster too.  Their line with Modano led the charge.  If Mo doesn't sit, their line is key to the overall success of this team.  Being able to roll four lines that are clicking on all cylinders will go a long way during the course of the season.
• I love me a good PK.  The Wings (90.2) are 3rd in the league in PK percentage behind only Boston (91.4) and Tampa Bay (90.4).  With that said, as good as the penalty kill is, the power play needs to step it up.  Detroit is 15th in the NHL in PP percentage.  8 for 50 (16%) is not going to cut it. 

• Jiri Hudler.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it. (This is staying here too until Scuttles scores a goal).

BRENDAN SMITH

The Griffins take on the Manitoba Moose tonight in Grand Rapids.  The puck drops at 7PM.  

EMERSON HOCKEY

You know?  I've always hated music.  My team, the Emerson College Lions, takes on our arch rival, the Berklee College of Music Cats, tomorrow night.  The Boylston Cup is on the line.  It's our biggest game of the year.  I may be playing defense...or I'll be at forward...but most likely defense?  I'm like the better division III college club hockey version of Derek Meech.  I'll either be on the third defensive pair, the third line center, or a first or second line winger.  There will be a radio play-by-play of the game broadcast over the internet.  I'll post a link for everyone in case you have nothing to do on on a Saturday night but listen to a college club hockey on the internet.

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #10

THE GAME

Detroit Red Wings (6-2-1) @ Calgary Flames (6-5-0)

BAM! There's a hockey game on tonight and I get to watch it.  It's game one of a three game western road trip for Detroit.  Two weeks ago the Wings defeated the Flames 4-2 at The Joe.  Tonight they battle in the Saddledome.  Jimmah and E are back.  Abby is still in.  A win would give Detroit two straight and put them on top of the ridiculously competitive Central Division (depending on how Nashville and Chicago do tonight).

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Todd Bertuzzi

Justin Abdelkader - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Drew Miller - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Johnathon Ericsson

Niklas Kronwall - Brad Stuart

Jakub Kindl - Ruslan Salei

Jimmy Howard (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Jiri Hudler (healthy scratch) and Chris Osgood (groin)

On STIR: Brian Rafalski (knee)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Big Rig is back...and I'm not worried about his play.  He's paired with TPH and I'm confident he'll play well tonight.

• I wasn't able to watch the last game, but from what I've been told Abby was a beast out there.  Can he bring the fire again in his second game? 
• Will Johan Franzen register a point in his 21st consecutive game (going back to last season and including the playoffs)?

• Jiri Hudler.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it. (This is staying here too until Scuttles scores a goal)

BRENDAN SMITH

'Big Game' Brendan had a big weekend and people are starting to take notice.

H2H2 Pledges

It's that time of year again...time to support the children.  Make sure to head over to The Production Line and check out the pledge section.  Once again, Wings fans will be doing their part to raise money for Children's Hospital.   Don't forget to check out some of the pledges that have already been submitted.

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #9

THE GAME

Nashville Predators (5-1-3) @ Detroit Red Wings (5-2-1)

I didn't get to watch all of the last Wings' game.  The only part I really saw was when Pavel Datsyuk undressed a Coyote defenseman and Twitter was full of comments such as this, this, and this too.  I'm just going to pretend that that was the only shift of the game.  Detroit is currently 5-2-1 and in LAST place in the Central Division.  However, a win against the Preds and the Wings are tied for first.  So there is no need to panic, but man, the Central is stacked.

I won't be watching this game live.  I have my conference championship meet for cross-country (we're expected to place third), then a post season Halloween costume party at my Canadian friend's apartment.  He doesn't have Centre Ice, so I'll watch the game Sunday morning (And for anyone who does have Center Ice, I pray to the Hockey Gods that we get the Detroit feed.  I can't stand the constant SMASHVILLE! references).

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Todd Bertuzzi

Jiri Hudler - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary - Justin Abdelkader (someone on this line won't play)

Drew Miller - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Doug Janik

Jakub Kindl - Ruslan Salei

Chris Osgood (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Jonathon Ericsson (back spasms) and Jimmy Howard (back spams)

On STIR: Brian Rafalski (knee)

On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Mike Babcock expects Jimmah to play on Wednesday.  Until then, we must watch and hope that Ozzie can stop a shot in the first period. 

• Since Abby is playing, someone has to sit.  Someone from the 4th line could be a scratch, but Abby was working with the 3rd line in practice.  I would expect Modano or Hudler to sit.  Jiri could find a comfy seat in the Leino Lounge.
• Will Johan Franzen register a point in his 20th consecutive game (going back to last season and including the playoffs)?

• Jiri Hudler.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it. (This is staying here too until Scuttles scores a goal).  This may or may not apply.  

BRENDAN SMITH

I know that when I spoke with Smith he said his nickname was Smitty, but I think he's making a push to be called "Big Game" Brendan.  I know the box score will show a Griffins shoot out loss, but Smith did his part in the team's effort to get the win.  The Griffins found themselves down 4-3 and with 1:07 remaining in the game, Smith found the back of the net.  No one scored in overtime and the teams went to a shootout.  Grand Rapids was down 2-1 in the shootout when Smith scored on his attempt to make it 2-2.  The Griffs, however, would end up losing the shoot out 3-2.  On top of Smith's game tying goal, he added an assist in the 2nd period on an Ilari Filppula goal and finished the night as a plus+1.  He had one shot and one penalty (two minutes for holding in the 2nd period).  Smith is still tied for second in team scoring with 8 points (3G, 5A).

UNCLE LEON'S THOUGHTS

Uncle Leon still has no thoughts because he left the other day to go hunting with my cousin (and his son) Robbie.  They're probably sitting in the woods somewhere near my Oma's little house up north.  If he did have thoughts on the game, I imagine it would got something like this: "What an awful last game.  Ozzie was bad.  He is key to a victory.  Expect a close game with Nashville.  Franzen and Lidstrom score and the Wings win 2-1." 

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #8

THE GAME

Phoenix Coyotes (2-3-3) @ Detroit Red Wings (5-1-1)

Phoenix again?  I'm so over Phoenix.  I looked up their record for this post and was surprised they only have two wins.  Can we get a regulation win tonight?  No shootouts, please.  I have have hockey practice at 11pm, so I'll be DVRing the game tonight and avoiding all contact with the world.  No Twitter.  No Facebook.  No texts from hockey friends.  Don't spoil the game from me.  When I come home a sweaty and smelly mess on the last Green Line T train of the night at around 1:30am...I will finally sit down for the first time today and watch the Wings.  It's been too long.  Enough of this Sat/Thu nonsense.  Let's play some hockey.

THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom

Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Todd Bertuzzi

Jiri Hudler - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary

Drew Miller - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart

Niklas Kronwall - Doug Janik

Jakub Kindl - Ruslan Salei

Chris Osgood (starting)

Joey MacDonald 

In the press box: Justin Abdelkader (healthy scratch), Jonathon Ericsson (back spasms), and Jimmy Howard (back spams...damnit Rig.  I blame you and your contagious injury.  All in favor of keeping Kindl in the 6th spot forever raise your hand and say 'Aye'...unless they want to call up Smith, of course)

On STIR: Brian Rafalski (knee)
On LTIR: Kris Draper (groin)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Jimmah is going for his 21st consecutive regular season home game start without a regulation loss (Say that 10 times fast.  I dare you.)  Just kidding...umm....Ozzie is starting now.  Here's to a solid effort from Chris tonight in net (raises glass).

• Kronwall's dangerous play.  Watch out.
• Will Johan Franzen register a point in his 19th consecutive game (going back to last season and including the playoffs)?

• Jiri Hudler.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it. (This is staying here too until Scuttles scores a goal). I'm not kidding either.  If you don't score your line will probably be broken up.  If your line is broken up then the 2nd line will possibly be broken up.  If anything happens to the Lumberjack Line, I will not be happy.  Don't screw this up, Scuttles.

BRENDAN SMITH

He's doing well.  I know this for a fact.  Why you say?  Because I talked to him...literally.  Check it out .

UNCLE LEON'S THOUGHTS

Uncle Leon has no thoughts because he left this morning to go hunting with my cousin Robbie.  They're probably sitting in the woods somewhere near my Oma's little house up north.  If he did have thoughts on the game, I imagine it would got something like this: "Grinding and winding is what it will be this Thirsday when our beloved Wings take on the 'Yotes.  Modano will be fired up.  His line will contribute two goals.  Add that to one each from the top two lines and you have a 4-1 victory for the good guys.  Franzen and Holmstrom are the other goal getters." 

Let's Go Red Wings.

Game #7

THE GAME

Anaheim Ducks (3-4-1) @ Detroit Red Wings (4-1-1)

The Red Wings are coming off a nice 4-2 win against the Calgary Flames.  The last time Detroit played the Ducks was on opening night.  It was arguably the Wings best performance of the season.  Anaheim went into Philly on Thursday and beat Leino and the Flyers 4-3.    


THE EXPECTED LINE-UP

Pavel Datsyuk - Henrik Zetterberg - Tomas Holmstrom
Johan Franzen - Valtteri Filppula - Todd Bertuzzi
Jiri Hudler - Mike Modano - Danny Cleary
Drew Miller - Darren Helm - Patrick Eaves

Nicklas Lidstrom - Brad Stuart
Niklas Kronwall - Doug Janik
Jakub Kindl - Ruslan Salei

Jimmy Howard (starting)
Chris Osgood 

In the press box: Brian Rafalski (knee), Justin Abdelkader (ribs), and Jonathon Ericsson (back spasms)

On IR: Kris Draper (groin)


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Todd Bertuzzi hurt his foot during the last game.  He'll take warm-ups and is a game time decision.  If he can't play, Justin Abdelkader will see his first action of the season.

• Watch continuing evolution of Jimmy Howard tonight.  If he was going to have a sophomore slump this season...well...it hasn't happened yet.  He look like a true #1 NHL goaltender out there. 
• Pavel Datsyuk vs. Corey Perry II?
• Will Johan Franzen register a point in his 18th consecutive game (going back to last season and including the playoffs)?

• Jiri Hudler.  Score a goal.  Seriously...Do it...Do it........................Do it. (This is staying here too until Scuttles scores a goal)

BRENDAN SMITH

Tough night for Smith last night.  The Griffins fell to the Milwaukee Admirals 3-2.  Smith had two penalties in the game.  The first game early in the 3rd when he got two minutes for high-sticking.  The second penalty, two minutes for interference, came with 17:09 left in the game.  It was a horrible time to take a penalty as the Griffins were down 1 and trying to tie the score late in the game.  He ended the night with no points, three shots on goal, and was a minus-1.


UNCLE LEON'S THOUGHTS

"Wings take a close one 3-2.  Franzen and Z are goal getters...along with Hudler."


Let's Go Red Wings.