On a roll

What a difference a week makes.

Seven days ago, the Wings looked like a team that was going to struggle just to make the playoffs. However with three straight wins, including a shoot-out win over the Sharks, Detroit looks like the team we expected coming into the season.

At least for now, all of the concerns we had in Hockeytown over the first 10 games seem to be righted. The Wings are playing well in the third period, the defense has tightened up, Ozzy is looking like the guy who has 50 shutouts and almost 400 career victories (395, 10th on all-time wins list), and for the first time this season, and the stars are starting to get to the net and scoring.

Along with Zetterberg and Dats making more happen, some of the younger guys have been playing some big minutes. I was really impressed with Darren Helm last night. The kid can fly and he really utilized his speed to get the puck into the offensive zone. He also created a great scoring chance in overtime when he followed his own shot to the net and nearly chipped in the rebound. I have also been pleased with the play of Justin Abdelkader. Yeah, I know I have been singing his praises already this season, but seeing what the kid did at Michigan State and in the playoffs last year, I like what I am seeing.

Another difference has been a direct effect of the Wings solid play. Despite that atroushous start, Detroit is only two points (tied with Chicago) behind Columbus for the top spot in the division.

Look, I know that the Wings have been a different team at home and the Sharks came into The Joe straight off a shoot-out win over the Blue Jackets, but they also came in red hot, sporting a six-game winning streak. It was nice to see Detroit do what they are supposed to with a possible fatigued team. The Wings outplayed San Jose in the third period, in OT and in the shoot out. Bottom line, by the end of the game, the Wings were winning all of the battles that occure on the ice during a hockey game.

On a side note, if anyone is in the Grand Rapids area tonight and are looking to get their hockey fix, or just looking for somthing to do, head to VanAndel Arena and see some of the future Red Wings playing for the GR Griffins take on Chris Chelios, Manny Legace and the Chicago Wolves. I believe that it is also Griffins Night were beer and hot dogs will be on sale for $1 there as well.

I have yet to see the Griffins play, but from what I have seen on the local news and heard on the radio, their goaltending core is solid. Daniel Larrson and Thomas McCollum are each sporting records of 3-2 with a combined goals against average of 2.68 and a combined save percentage of .909.

For more infomration on the Red Wings AHL affiliate visit www.griffinshockey.com

Wingnut5013