California Trip Success

Three games against three tough teams all vying for contention in their conference. Getting 5 of 6 points from San Jose, Anaheim and L.A. is no mean feat.

It was unfortunate it had to end with a loss, but there are really very few negatives I can derive from the defeat.

Goaltending -- success! In my opinion, Ozzy had a very solid return after a month off. Los Angeles, while a little banged up right now, are a very talented team and Osgood stood up to the challenge well. Both regulation goals scored by the Kings took fortunate deflections a goalie can do very little about. Howard? Well, as usual Jimmeeehhh was the man.

Work ethic -- present! The Wings had an excuse to take a night off last night, but I was pleasantly surprised to see hard work from all four lines and the defense for most of the game. The top lines did some good things, the third and fourth lines were physical, and the powerplay was pretty unlucky. The team didn't click 100% but I didn't expect it to in the second half of back-to-backs, on the other side of the continent against a Kings team battling to get back into form.

The top forwards -- not too shabby. The top two lines were pretty solid throughout the road-trip, with 3 points each for Filppula, Franzen and Cleary, with Zetterberg and Datsyuk picking up 5 points each over the 3-game span.

The Wings now head back home for a short home-stand to face San Jose, Nashville and Montreal before heading to New Jersey for a quick 4 games in 6 days.

With the exception of the Mike Modano, the Wings are a very healthy bunch after Osgood and Draper's return. One thing I have to say though; is Patrick Eaves sat out last night for Drapes, and I couldn't help but wish he hadn't. Draper didn't do too much, not that you'd expect much, but Draper won't earn a permanent spot on this roster unless he shakes off the rust. He'll get his chance, and so he should -- he's earned the opportunity, but he'll need to make the most of it. As Kirk Maltby will attest to, there are some young, fast, hungry guys down there that want to wear the Winged Wheel every night. And God I love it!!