Opening with the NHL Premiere in Europe seems to be conducive to bad starts to the season. Of six teams to do so this season, only two have really been able to move forward with some success once returning to North America. Columbus' 5-3 start and Boston's 4-2 start are the best of the bunch, with the Sharks (4-3-1), Wild (3-3-2), Hurricanes (4-4) and Phoenix (2-3-3) all having a tougher go at it. Columbus is the only team of the six, sitting in the top 8 of their conference.
Despite the bad start, the facts remains that Phoenix is a good hockey club and the European hangover can't last forever. Ray Whitney has been inserted back into the Coyotes' line-up since their last meeting with Detroit at Jobing.com Arena two weeks ago. Not to be overlooked however, is Detroit's major inclusion of Johan Franzen -- whose single missed game happened to be against the Coyotes.
Johan Franzen
Scoring goals is not difficult for this man to do. Ignoring October 14 vs. Dallas when he was injured in the first period and didn't return, Franzen has scored 5 goals in 5 games played. The thing that impresses me most about the Mule, is the way he can find the back of the net in situations most could not. So many times Franzen will score a goal many would dismiss as a lucky bounce. But how frequently does one have to do it until you can no longer attribute success to good fortune? For me, Franzen exceeded that a long time ago. In my mind, Franzen is one of the best goal-scorers in the League and with good health will almost certainly become Detroit's next 50-goal scorer.
Henrik Zetterberg
It was a slow start for Hank, who only managed 2 assists in his first four games. But an offensive outburst for 3 goals and 5 assists in his past three actually has the 2008 Conn Smythe winner at #5 in the League for points/game and leading the Red Wings.
Third-Line Woes
Mike Babcock has stated that although the line-up will remain unchanged for this game against Phoenix, if the third line continues to under-achieve a change will be made with a healthy Justin Abdelkader waiting for his chance. Jiri Hudler (2 pts, -6), Dan Cleary (2 pts, -4) and Mike Modano (1 pt, -6) will need to find the back of the net quick. Not only that, but as clearly displayed in the +/- stats, the trio need to shut-down their opponents.
Update on goalies
Add Jimmy Howard to the injured list with back spasms. Apparently, more precautionary than serious, but Joey MacDonald has been recalled from Grand Rapids to back-up Chris Osgood. Another chance for Ozzy to prove he's not a has-been.
The graphics on your site are stunning.... Well written article as well! I have been freaking dying for this game to finally get here.. LGRW!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much. Glad you like it. I try!
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