Saturday the Red Wings showed why they will be a scary opening round opponent for any of the Western Conference’s current top teams as the dismantled, derailed and totally dominated the Pacific Division leading Sharks.
The win capped off a four-game west coast swing where, ironically enough, the Wings earned three wins over teams currently in the top eight (Pheonix, LA and San Jose), and fell to the a team that is below them in the standings (Anaheim).
This was seriously a make or break road trip for the guys. Coming away with six points pull them to within one point of the Kings. Although I would have been happy with coming away with four points, and staying within reach of LA, getting the other two made this a more than successful trip.
Three key things have happened for Detroit for them to get back into the position they are in right now.
1. Back to Life: Daniel Cleary has been a man on a mission since coming back last Thursday from his separated shoulder. He scored in each of his first two games back. Along with that, Daren Helm has also turned it on as of late, scoring three total goals (one in each of the Wings’ wins on the road trip) in the last four games. As a team. the Wings outscored their four western foes 10-6 on the road trip. Going back to the New Year’s Eve game against Colorado, Detroit has scored four goals in three of its last five games.
2. Helping Howie: As well as the Wings have played on offense, the defense seems to also be stepping up and making life a little easier on Jimmy Howard. I know the Kings peppered him with 52 shots, but the defense is getting better and I though against San Jose, they did a solid job helping their young net minder.
3. Howie Wowie: Although he said after his 51-save performance Thursday night against LA that he is still Ozzy’s backup, Jimmy Howard is playing with the confidence and swagger of a No. 1 goalie. His performances over the last week has given his teammates a great deal of confidence, allowing them to be more aggressive on both sides of the puck. I know I have said it a million and one times, but even as a huge Osgood fan, I still say that Babcock needs to put Howard in the net until he deserves to be pulled. I know that Ozzy is going to get his chances in net, because the guy has earned the right to go after his 400th career win, but I think Howard should start in every game at least until the Olympic break.
The Wings finish the road trip on the right coast tonight in Long Island against the Islanders. I know it is a long trip, but I am sure the guys are focused on heading back to The Joe with a 4-1 trip, and winners of 5 of their last six games.
Also, I am sorry about not getting this out Sunday. I have been fighting a head cold that decided to step its game up on Saturday night, so I had to watch game highlights and get stats from the game tonight. Got to love these Michigan winters!
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