Wings Downed By 'Yotes, Trail 2-1

As disappointing as the Red Wings were, you have to admire the determination and hunger of the Phoenix Coyotes. They wanted it more, and as a result got it, as the precocious Coyotes doubled up the Wings 4-2, taking a 2-1 series lead.

So, where did it all go wrong?

To me, it seems pretty simple. Most of the Wings best players were far from it, and it's difficult to win when that happens.

Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen, Tomas Holmstrom, Nick Lidstrom and Jimmy Howard all had games they'd rather forget. In this league, it doesn't matter if you're playing the top or bottom team -- if a list like that is having a bad day, you're probably not gonna win.

As far as positives are concerned, there aren't too many other than the fact that there is a lot that can be improved upon. We know that when this team really wants to win, it does. Perhaps with their backs to the wall, they will summon the hunger that is required to win in the postseason.

Game 4 will be in Detroit on Tuesday night. A loss will see the Wings with a 3-1 deficit and facing elimination for the rest of the series with a tenuous grasp on playoff survival.