The Battered Core of Chicago Gets a Test in Chi-Town; Wings vs. Hawks

The Blackhawks lost a lot after winning their first Cup in a billion years. Unfortunately for them, tonight that list will include Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, two integral pieces of the incredible "core" everyone kept hearing about.

The good news for the 'Hawks is they get back Fernando Pisani -- a monumental bolstering to the line-up, and possibly the biggest, most intimidating ECHL 4th-liner in history, Ryan Johnson. Babcock should definitely have cause for concern. [/sarcasm]

Seriously, there's no excuse for losing this game. The 'Hawks have a 16-14-3 record. Their roster is not that good anymore. This is a team that just shouldn't be beating the Red Wings. If the Wings stay away from the easy areas and are prepared to put their bodies on the line, they will score a lot of goals and win the game.

Sorry, no more time to make a better preview. I suck right now I know. Go Wings!

A Huge Opening Weekend for the Wings

What's a great way to start the season? Make Blackhawks' fans boo at the final buzzer on the Stanley Cup banner raising night. And just for kicks, throw in a 4-0 shutout win over the Ducks.

It was a perfect way to begin this heavily anticipated season for the Wings, who currently sit atop the Western Conference with Dallas, with 2 wins. Of course, standings don't mean much 3 days into the season, but it's still pleasant to see Chicago sitting on the bottom of the division with just a single point in their 2 games played.

Friday night's affair with the Ducks proved to be a challenging one, for reasons other than the battle on the scoreboard, as Detroit got the win without too much hassle. But true to form, the Ducks continued to be an unignorable physical presence -- one that needed to be matched.

Three fights on opening night?!?

No, just two. But it was almost three. Ruslan Salei's mini-scrap with Andy Sutton was given just a minor for roughing. So Detroit are well on their way to surpassing last season's NHL-low, 19 fighting majors. But that's not the best part. Oh no...

...Pavel Datsyuk!

Yes, that's right. Dats got down and dirty with a much larger, much more experienced (in fights) Corey Perry. Not just that, Pavel held his own as the fight ended with Perry beneath the Russian Roughian™ when the linesmen stepped in. Chuck in a beautiful tip-in goal and a an assist and you've got yourself a Gordie Howe Hat-Trick. I could be wrong, but I believe that would be Detroit's first since Brendan Shanahan. Maybe someone can correct me on that.

A shower, sleep and quick jet west and we're in Chicago to see the 'Hawks unveil and raise their 2009/10 Stanley Cup banner before a rapturous audience at the United Center.

The excitement was quelled, then restored, repeated and finally quelled as the game was neck and neck all night. By the end of the second period the Red Wings twice gained the lead and twice gave it up. It was a see-saw affair played in spurts where each team had their moments of controlling the play. But the Wings improved in the 3rd period.

Filppula scored his second goal of the night, the eventual game-winner as the Red Wings held onto a 3-2 lead to take the two points form the defending Champs and now await the Avs arrival on Tuesday night.

The good news:
Filppula - 2 goals, 1 assist
Bertuzzi - 1 goal, 2 assists
Franzen - 1 goal, 1 assist
Cleary - 1 goal, assist

The secondary scorers have answered the call so far, taking the heat off of Zetterberg and Datsyuk. If this continues and guys like Flip and Mule can get north of 70 points this season, Detroit will certainly prove to make a dangerous competitor for all.

The best news:
Howard - 0 goals against, 21 saves
Osgood - 2 goals against, 26 saves

Solid isn't even fair. Howard didn't need to stand on his head against the Ducks, but he could easily have given up a goal or two if he wasn't so sharp. When challenged, Howard was up to the task and made a statement that last season was no fluke for the sophomore.

Osgood was just as good. With the tougher task of shutting down the Blackhawks, Ozzy was brilliant. The two goals given up were tough to fault him on. A lapse in defense during a 'Hawks powerplay gave Seabrook a lay-up and a fortuitous deflection for Brian Bickell were the only blemishes for Osgood, who was forced to make several outstanding saves to give Detroit the victory.

Up next is Colorado at the Joe Louis Arena at 7:30pm on Tuesday night.

Big Rig Out, Kindl In for 'Hawks Banner Raiser; Gameday Preview vs. Chicago

The Red Wings began the season out of a cannon last night, as they trounced the Ducks 4-0. Better news than the result was the strong performance from Detroit's best with points from Zetterberg, Franzen, Filppula, Modano, Rafalski, Cleary with Datsyuk throwing in a Gordie Howe Hat-Trick for good measure. If that wasn't enough Jimmy Howard stopped all 21 shots for the shutout.

The Wings now face a more uphill battle against the defending Champ Chicago Blackhawks in their home-opener and 2010 Stanley Cup banner raising ceremony.

In the second of back-to-back games, Detroit will be without the services of Abdelkader and Draper again, with Jonathan Ericsson also joining the list of injuries. Big Rig left last night's game in the first period with back spasms. Jakub Kindl will take his place.

Mike Babcock also confirmed Chris Osgood will start in net, as was always the plan with back-to-back games to start the season.

Abdelkader and Draper Out for Weekend; Is Maltby Done?

Just in case someone thought there might be a chance the Red Wings would have an idyllic beginning to the 2010/11 season, grab a brush and wash away those crazy thoughts. Mike Babcock ruled out Justin Abdelkader and Kris Draper's availability to play this weekend.

Abdelkader, who is suffering from a cartilage problem with his ribs was ruled out for the two opening games of the 2010/11 season against Anaheim on Friday night and the Wings' visit to Chicago on Saturday night.

Likewise for Kris Draper, who has been having groin problems since a training camp scrimmage on September 18.

Todd Bertuzzi skated on Thursday and says if he feels the same on Friday, he will be ready for the Ducks. Bertuzzi has seen the return of his back problems of late and was unable to practise for about a week.

While it seems slightly more likely that Bertuzzi will be good to go against the Ducks, his absence coupled with that of Abdelkader and Draper creates an opening in the roster that will require the calling-up of a Griffin. Given the loss of Ritola via waivers to Yzerman's Lightning, Kirk Maltby would be the leading candidate for recall.

Kirk Maltby recently cleared waivers to be sent down to the Grand Rapids Griffins. The veteran is now considering his future; whether to report to the Griffins or to retire. After Friday morning's skate Maltby will know if Bertuzzi will play in the season opener and if he's required to fill in.

The Chicago Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup

Well, the 49-year drought is over -- the 'Hawks are Stanley Cup Champions again. In a well-deserved Cup run for Toews and his mates, the Blackhawks were able to overcome the gutsy Philadelphia Flyers in 6 games to be the third straight team to take the prize in hostile territory.

Amidst a throng of boos from the Philly crowd, League commissioner Gary Bettman presented the Conn Smyth trophy to Blackhawks captain, Jonathan Toews as the playoffs MVP. Then, moments later requested the 22-year-olds presence once more, this time to collect the big prize -- Lord Stanley's Cup.

The Flyers looked set to continue their fairy tale playoffs campaign when with 4 minutes to play, sustained pressure in the Blackhawks' zone culminated in a game-tying goal to make it 3-3. The teams traded chances in the final moments of the game but a dramatic overtime win was set for someone.

The momentum remained with Philly during the extra-time, but the cruel thing about sudden-death is it only matters if you score. 4:06 into OT, Patrick Kane made a drive to the net on an, at first, seemingly unsuccessful play. Subsequently, Kane screamed down the ice in celebration as his teammates, opponents, officials and fans alike all seemed confused with the preceding events. The puck was confirmed to have gotten behind Michael Leighton and hidden in the netting and the real celebrations began.

It was one of the stranger ways I've seen a Stanley Cup won, with only one member of the winning side willing to throw off the gloves and cheer.

So there it is -- they did it. Now the Blackhawks' fans have the Cup and something to hold over the Red Wings. Congratulations to the 10,000 fans that had heard of them 3 years ago. Oh, and congrats to the 'Hawks fanbase that went two whole months without making chants about Detroit. It seems your feelings for your own team finally outweigh those for the Red Wings. Oh.... wait. I guess not.

Hawks and Flyers to Meet for Lord Stanley

Much like the 2009 Conference Finals, it was all over pretty quickly -- Philadelphia getting by the Canadiens in 5 games, while Chicago overcame the Sharks in a sweep.

While the series wasn't quite as dominant as the sweep would suggest, the hapless San Jose Sharks were a soundly beaten bunch. Probably the best player for San Jose, Patrick Marleau scored 5 of his team's 7 goals. While looking a little lazy and quiet at times, he was usually in the right spots when on offense, and put the puck away enough. Sadly for San Jose, aside from Joe Thornton he got no help at all. Jason Demers and Logan Couture were the only other players who were able to find the back of the net, which in the end lead to the Sharks demise. You need a lot more than three scorers to beat the Blackhawks.

Probably the strongest contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy, Chicago's captain Jonathan Toews was without a doubt their leader throughout the series and throughout the entire playoffs. Toews has always been a winner, getting gold in the World Junior Championships, World U-17's, World Championships and the Olympics -- and now the 22-year-old hopes to add a Stanley Cup to his resume. Toews scored one goal and added 5 assists against the Sharks to bring his playoffs totals to 7 goals and a league-leading 26 points.

Last night was the end of one of two Cinderella stories in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately for the fans in Montreal -- it was theirs. Philly overpowered their opponents almost incessantly, and combined their tough style of game with a potent attack and an oppressively stingy defense. Montreal was held scoreless in 10 of 15 periods in the series -- three of their four losses coming via shutout -- shutouts delivered, amazingly enough, by the replacement, Michael Leighton.

Leighton, the latest Cinderella story of the playoffs, had never seen NHL playoff action before he stepped in for the injured Brian Boucher in Game 5 against Boston, and only had 4 career regular season shutouts. Since that point he's gone 6-1 with a 1.45 GAA, an incredible .948 SV% and 3 shutouts. It's been a remarkable turnaround from the guy who was put on waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes earlier in the season to this. Having said that, stymieing the Bruins and Habs is one thing, but the overcoming the Chicago Blackhawks is another.

To me, it really seems like this Finals series will just be a demonstration of the Western Conference's superiority over the Eastern Conference. Chicago is a genuine, bona-fide powerhouse team with arguably the most balanced lineup in the League. Shutting down the likes of Cammalleri, Gionta, Lapierre and the already quiet Plekanec, Gomez and Kostitsyn is nothing like shutting down Chicago's best.

Along with Toews, the Flyers and Leighton have to contend with Patrick Kane, Dustin Byfuglien, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa and Kris Versteeg as just a few of the forwards that can light the lamp at any given opportunity. Furthermore, the offensive output from the blueline, lead by Brian Campbell, Niklas Hjalmarsson and the Norris-favourite Duncan Keith, is also one of the scariest bluelines to have to contend with.

While Michael Leighton and the entire Flyers team has been admirable in their campaigns, I truly see no way they can contend with the Blackhawks in this one. Stranger things have happened but I severely doubt this Cinderella-story will go all the way. Chicago will end their 49-year Stanley Cup drought, the Flyers will continue their 35-year drought and the Marian Hossa curse will be lifted. I hate to say it, but 'Hawks in 5.

They Actually Did It!!

I can't believe what I just saw. Philly actually came back from a 3-0 series deficit to win. Not only that, but they also overcame a 3-0 deficit in the deciding game, to win that 4-3. WTF?? If that was the script of a hockey movie it'd be trashed for being unrealistic.

I think I saw Bruins fans throwing their shirts on the ice in disgust. It would definitely be a tough pill to swallow.

I'm not going to post much about the game because there'll be roughly 340,000 blog/articles about this historic game, but I just had to mention it.

So that does it for Round 2. After all is said and done, we now have Montreal and Philadelphia -- the teams of destiny -- squaring off in the East and Chicago returns to the Western Finals, this time against the San Jose Sharks. I'm shocked at how entertained I was by a playoff round that saw the Wings ousted in 5.

It feels like a bit of a role reversal as the Western Semi's were kinda boring while all the tight, nail-biting stuff was in the East.

The schedule has been released, if you wanna see it... LOOK UP!! I'll be covering the rest of the playoffs from here also. Just coz our beloved Wings are done, doesn't mean hockey is! I'm a hockey man at heart.

Crazy Playoff Parity

For the first time in the NHL's history, every road team has seized home-ice advantage from their higher seeded opponents after the first two game of the series. Since 1980, round 1 of the NHL playoffs began with the first two games of the five- or seven-game series beginning in the barn of the higher seeded team. For 29 years, at least one home team has been able to "hold serve" and retain their home-ice advantage after the first two games, but that streak ended last night.

The Kings overtime victory over the Canucks last night made them the 8th of eight teams to win one of their first two road games of the series. Seven of the eight series' have had two games in the books with Nashville & Chicago playing game two tonight. If Chicago can bounce back and tie that series, it will also mean all 8 series' were tied after 2 games. Another first in the NHL.

I think Bettman got that parity he was after.

All statistics and Bettman-hatred aside, it has been a very entertaining playoffs thusfar. There have been big saves, beautiful goals, huge hits, high scores with late-game goals and five of the 15 games have seen overtime action.

Another amazing statistic of these playoffs so far -- when taking away empty-net goals, every game except Detroit's 7-4 win in Game Two, has been a one-goal game.

The NHL has never seen parity like this.

Red Wings Finish 5th with Gutsy Win over 'Hawks

A solid OT road win over possibly the league's best all-round team is a great way to sum up the Red Wings finish to the 2009/2010 regular season.

After trailing 1-0 after the first from an ugly, very playoff-like powerplay goal from the Blackhawks Dave Bolland, Detroit kept their sticks on the ice as they defended against the formidable Chicago attack whilst countering with some offense of their own.

Patrick Eaves tied the game up in the second and a Tomas Holmstrom tip on Brian Rafalski's blueline drive in the third gave the Red Wings a 2-1 lead as the "De-troit sucks!" chants had a rare silencing at the United Center.

The playoff-like defense continued as the Wings defended their modest lead with success but the skate of the red-hot Colin Fraser was too much to stop, tying it up only 3 minutes later.

The Wings were forced to kill off one more penalty with 2:32 left on the clock to earn the point keep them above the Predators, but the Kings overtime win in Denver moments earlier meant Detroit needed a second point to take 5th-place and a first-round match-up against the Coyotes.

The free-flowing OT period lasted only 3:11 as Brad Stuart ended the regular seasons for both teams with just his 4th goal of the season, capping off the Wings amazing finish to the season with a 3-2 overtime win, and a 15-2-2 run.

Additional bonus: No Conference title for Chicago. Unlucky!!

Special Teams

Today's game was a rare one, where Detroit took more penalties than their opponents. Detroit went 0/2 on their opportunities while keeping the 'Hawks to 1/4 after giving up a PP goal only 11 seconds into the first man-advantage of the game.

In Net

- Jimmy Howard had another great performance, capping off a 15-1-2 end to his regular season. Howard made 27 saves for the Wings including 16 in the middle frame, keeping the Wings in the game.

- Antti Niemi stopped 18 of 21 Detroit shots on goal, finishing his magnificent rookie season with a 26-7-4 record.

Up Next...

The Phoenix Coyotes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs!!!

The Playoff Picture in the West

Not too bad, Wings -- seven in a row. It wasn't too long ago the Wings weren't able to find a way to win three in a row, and now we await a visit from Nashville tomorrow, with a shot at our 8th consecutive win.

The Wings have received no help from the Predators of late, so don't expect any on Saturday. Despite having a scoring drought that lasted almost 200 minutes, Nashville still has not given up many points, with a stingy defense of their own. Unfortunately for them, Detroit refuses to give up any points and now sit in a commanding position to take and hold 5th spot in the West. Detroit sits one point behind the Preds with 2 games in hand.

The playoff race looks something like this:

		Pts	Games still to play
1	San Jose	104	5	@ MIN	@ COL	@ CGY	vs VAN	vs PHX
2	Chicago	101	6	@ NJD	vs CGY	@ DAL	vs STL	@ COL	vs DET
3	Vancouver	96	5	@ ANA	vs MIN	vs COL	@ SJS	vs CGY
4	Phoenix	100	4	vs EDM	vs NSH	@ LAK	@ SJS
5	Nashville	96	3	@ DET	@ PHX	vs STL
6	Detroit	95	5	vs NSH	@ PHI	vs CBJ	@ CBJ	@ CHI
7	Los Angeles	94	5	vs ANA	@ ANA	vs PHX	vs EDM	@ COL
8	Colorado	89	6	vs CGY	vs SJS	@ VAN	@ EDM	vs CHI	vs LAK
9	Calgary	87	5	@ COL	@ CHI	vs SJS	vs MIN	@ VAN

Looking back in the standings, it's beginning to look more and more like a worst-case scenario for Detroit is 7th. The Kings are hot on the trail with a big 8-3 victory over the Canucks last night, one point back with the same games played, but Colorado, who has one game in hand, trails by 6 points and Calgary trails by 8.

Shockingly, Detroit is still mathematically able to win the Central Division Championship, though the chances are very, very slim.

Also unlikely, but with improved odds, is the chance at seizing home-ice for the first round of the playoffs. Phoenix, who has played one more game than the Wings, has a 5 point advantage for fourth. Right now, these two teams seem destined to meet in the first round with Phoenix being the first team to hold home-ice over the Red Wings since Colorado in 2000. Wow, that's a crazy stat!

A big game tonight, albeit with limited effects on the Red Wings outlook, is the match between the Avs and Calgary. Right now Colorado has command over the 8th and final playoff spot in the West, but a win from the Flames would suddenly put huge pressure on Joe Sacco's team in Denver. The Avalanche would still remain 8th on wins and hold a game in hand, but every game from then on would be a danger game.

So, that's what I'll be watching tonight. While unofficial, the playoffs really have begun for many teams and the Flames seem to be facing the equivalent of a 3-0 series deficit if they lose to the Avs.

The only other game of real note for me, is the Blackhawks visit to New Jersey. A 'Hawks loss would increase that slim hope of grabbing the Division title at the 11th hour. Plus, it's nice to watch Chicago lose.

Spirit in the Second City: Wings 5, Hawks 4

These days, any time you enter the Blackhawks' home arena and get a win, you've done well. Detroit showed great character when defying the league's best defense with five 2nd period goals to set up the important victory.

The Chicago Blackhawks exited the ice after one period to a roaring ovation from their fans as they controlled the game for the majority of the period taking a 2-0 lead. The classy fans of Chi-town were extra boisterous with their "De-troit sucks!" chants at that point. As time went on, that roar was not so slowly muted.

The sold-out crowd went from delirious to hushed as they saw their team facing a 4-2 deficit by the 10:27 mark of the second. Two pairs of goals less than a minute apart seemed to 180 the complexion of the game, almost instantaneously.

Sparked by a 4 on 3 powerplay goal from Brian Rafalski, Detroit was on the board and quickly took control of the game. 28 seconds later, Nick Lidstrom got his 8th of the season. The second onslaught came five minutes later when Jason Williams put in a beautiful feed from Henrik Zetterberg followed by a tally from Valtteri Filppula 42 seconds later, prompting Joel Quenneville to remove Cristobal Huet from the net in favour of Antti Niemi. The game-winning came with 2.7 seconds left in the 2nd on a breakaway from Pavel Datsyuk who continue his hot-streak.

Chicago refused to die in the third as they clawed back to make the game interesting with two goals from Andrew Ladd. Jimmy Howard hung on for dear life and managed to resist the torrents of offense from the Hawks in the dying moments to get the win, 5-4.

The win moves Detroit 2 points closer to 7th place after a home loss to the Canucks for Nashville. The win was made doubly valuable as Calgary's win in Minnesota would've leap-frogged them over Detroit for 8th.

Duncan Keith was the other scorer for Chicago, while Andrew recorded his first career hat-trick.

The win was a great display of character from a team that just might have gained something form the adversities of the season. Facing a 2-0 deficit and almost going down a third had it not been for the benefit of a goalie-interference call, Detroit surged in the second period, looking like a team that wants to see playoff action this year.

The only significant negative for the day was Todd Bertuzzi's apparent knee injury sustained late in he 2nd period. No word yet on his status.

Detroit will now go for their third-straight victory -- something they are still yet to accomplish this year -- at home against Calgary, in another contest of monumental importance.

Challenge ahead as Chicago awaits

Detroit will be faced with a tough test as they take to the ice with the division-leading Chicago Blackhawks today.

Both teams are coming off Friday night victories with Chicago beating Vancouver 6-3.

This games marks the first game of the season between the two rivals, where both teams will contest with a full line-up. Adam Burish could make his return after pre-season knee surgery, but otherwise all Blackhawks are ready for action. In the other locker-room, the only absentee is Kirk Maltby, as will be the case for the rest of the season.

The Red Wings will make no changes to the lineup that handled the Predators on Friday night, as Jimmy Howard will get the nod in goal again. Cristobal Huet is expected to mind the net for Chicago.

Nick Lidstrom and Detroit's defense will have a tough time stifling the talented offense Chicago will unleash today, one that includes former-Wing, Marian Hossa, who has 4 point in the 'Hawks last two winning contests. Fellow Olympians, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will also need to be contained. Kane has 12 points in his last 7 skates, while Blackhawks' captain Toews, has 8 points in his last 4.

For Detroit, Pavel Datsyuk has been heating up of late, a very welcome development for Red Wings' fans. He has 7 points in his last 4.

A win in this game is vital for Detroit. Firstly, the obvious need to remain in the playoff race is of utmost importance, but further to that, the Wings need to show themselves they can still contend with the best. Chicago seems to have all but locked up the Central, with a 16 point lead over 2nd-placed Nashville and are amid a dogfight with San Jose for top spot in the West.

Other Previews:

Winging It In Motown

On the Wings

Abel to Yzerman

NHL.com

Wings 5, Preds 2

Detroit got one of, if not the, most important win of the season so far, edging two points closer to the 7th-placed Nashville Predators, who now have a 3-point lead over Detroit with equal games played.

The Red Wings had a great start to the game, something lacking for most of the season, taking a 2-0 advantage into the locker-room after 1, and doubling it by the mid-point of the game on the back of a short-handed goal from Darren Helm, his second of the game.

Less than two minutes later, Nashville managed to beat Jimmy Howard to get on the board, after very little offense from Trotz's chargers prior to that.

A nervousness fell over the Red Wing-faithful at the Joe, as Nashville edged within 2 after Joel Ward put a well-placed one-timer by Howard. Detroit's general inconsistency and inability to hold onto good leads this season, began to creep into the forefront of everyone's mind at that point, but once again, Detroit steadied the ship and kept the Preds off the board from that point on, with some good goaltending and strong penalty killing.

Scorers for Detroit were Pavel Datsyuk, Tomas Holmstrom and Henrik Zetterberg with the empty-netter while Nashville got goals from J.P. Dumont and Joel Ward.

Jimmy Howard had to make 20 saves for the win including a few stymied breakaway bids from Nashville.

Detroit will now need to be prepared for a rare afternoon game against divison-rival, Chicago, at the United Center on Sunday.