First of all, sorry about my absence. It was a very busy Halloween weekend at the Wingnut home, so I have a lot of catching up to do.

First, I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised with the last two games the Wings have put together, especially on defense. After allowing only on goal in Calgary, then shutting out the Bruins in their return to The Joe, They have certainly gotten me feeling better about the team. I am not totally ready to crown them Western Conference champs just yet, but I am starting to see the resemblance of a Hockeytown team.

Tonight I can’t say enough about how Chis Osgood, one of the guys who has been the most disappointing for me early on this season, one reason being is that he is one of my favorite players. The guy pretty much saved the game for Detroit early on with some tremendous saves while the rest of the guys tried to shake of the jet lag or something, coming out kinda flat.

Oz looked like a wizard, almost controlling the puck to do his bidding with a few saves that made him look like he was committing grand theft.

Then on the first power play of the game, the play makers got going when Pav found Zetts for a score, then a few minutes later fed Homer for a score, the Pest’s team-leading eighth of the season.

That’s all they needed.

My biggest problems with the Wings over the first eight games were the lack of defense and the inability to put a whole game together. Granted injuries have hurt the Wings this season, but look at how many players are out all over the league. Everybody has a shortage of players. At least for now though, it seems that the Wings are finding ways to overcome key losses like the Mule and Val.

Another positive is the play of Lebda, Abdelkader, and the other younger guys that are filling the role playing slots well. I think that if the Wings continue to play like they have the last two games for most of the time between now and when we start getting guys back, the rest of the Central will be looking over its shoulder as that winged wheel comes racing past them.

St. Louis, Nashville, Columbus, and yes even Jeff and his beloved Blackhawks are now on notice!

Wingnut5013