Credit has to go to the Predators who, as usual, played a tight disciplined game and made life frustratingly difficult for Detroit's forwards. The consistent pressure on the man forced some unfortunate errors from the Wings all 'round and Nashville were good enough to capitalize and strike when they could, getting 2 goals from turnovers. Still, the Wings aren't looking as sharp and dangerous as they have in the past.
Anders Lindback, (boy, that guy can cover some crease) was very good, but the Wings didn't make it difficult enough for him. Too many saves from point shots that he could see, too many pucks on the ice that just aren't going to teleport through those monster pads, monster pads that seems to be flat on the ice most of the night. It was painfully obvious that he got into the butterfly whenever the puck was on its way, but I saw way too many shots hit pads that were already in position several seconds earlier. Perhaps it's just because of a little lack of confidence. Luc Robitaille used to say, when you're in a slump just go 5-hole. That probably worked back in the 90's, but in this butterfly dominated world of superior goaltending, not as much.
To be fair, it's pretty difficult [impossible] to go a season without losing three straight games. There are inevitable peaks and troughs throughout the long campaign, but the most polished and consistent teams are those that find a way to minimize those troughs in length and regularity. Detroit needs to end this trough as soon as they can. That won't be too easy though, as Montreal strolls into Hockeytown in two nights time with their new Patrick Roy (yes, one day they will run him out of town too) Carey Price. The kid is playing some beautiful hockey, it's not just hype, so Detroit's forwards will need to get their act together to find some net.
In closing I just want to say one thing: I hate the Habs. Please, PLEASE don't make it four losses in a row. I have too many friends in Quebec.
