Confessions of MissNHL

Total Blog Revamp

2010-09-30T00:07:00.002-04:00

This blog is going under some major revamp! Be prepared to see a lot of changes. Just wanted to give a heads up.

Round 1 Game 3- Preview

2010-04-18T14:30:00.001-04:00

Detroit has put themselves in a good position after Friday night's win. They placed themselves at home for Game 3. It will be an amazing atmosphere in the Joe today. The fans are pumped and that should help pump up the Wings even more. Good vibes about the game today!

(Best-of-seven series tied, 1-1)

COYOTES at RED WINGS

Big Story -- The series now switches to Joe Louis Arena in Detroit for Games 3 and 4 on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. After losing Game 1 at Jobing.com Arena, the Red Wings responded with a 7-4 victory against Phoenix in Game 2. Henrik Zetterberg, a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, had a hat trick for Detroit.

Team Scope:

Coyotes -- Phoenix had a chance to grab a 2-0 series lead on Friday night against the defending Western Conference champs, but came up short. Keith Yandle gave the Coyotes a 1-0 lead in the first period, but the team allowed seven goals over the final 40 minutes and was forced to settle for a split on home ice.

"That's not our game, and we know that and we have to play a simpler game," captain Shane Doan said. "We played into their hands for the most part. Halfway through the second (period), we started thinking that we could trade (goals) with them and we were doing OK. But when we make that many mistakes, they're going to beat us."

Red Wings -- Detroit needed a victory in Game 2 to have a realistic chance at winning this series, and it got it behind a phenomenal performance by Zetterberg. The Swedish star erased a 1-0 deficit with a power-play goal 6:27 into the second, then scored what proved to be the game-winner with 6:06 remaining in regulation. He later added an empty-net goal for his third goal of the game and the playoffs.

"It's only two games in and you've got to keep going and play good for a longer period of time," Zetterberg said. "Nothing is done yet. We stole one game. That's what we wanted to do."

Who's Hot -- Yandle has two goals in as many games for Phoenix, while Wojtek Wolski had a goal and an assist on Friday and has three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in this series. … Besides Zetterberg, the Red Wings have received solid performances from Valtteri Filppula, who had a pair of goals and an assist in Game 2, as well as Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom, who each have a goal and an assist in the series.

Injury Report -- Kurt Sauer (neck) and Scottie Upshall are both out for the Coyotes, while Robert Lang (upper body) is inching closer toward returning. … Red Wings forward Kirk Maltby (shoulder) is likely done for the season.

Stat Pack -- The only other time Phoenix allowed seven goals this season -- a 7-2 loss to Buffalo on Jan. 18 -- it won seven of its next eight games, and allowed two or fewer goals in six of them.

Puck Drop -- "It was a step for our team tonight because it looked like we've not engaged in the playoffs. Until you do that, you'll have a hard time winning." -- Red Wings coach Mike Babcock after Friday's win

Source: http://redwings.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2009030183

2010 Quaterfinals Standings as of Today

2010-04-18T11:27:00.005-04:00

Standings for the Quaterfinals

Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals Vs. Montreal Canadians
Game 1: 3-2 Montreal in OT
Game 2: 5-6 Washington in OT
Series tied 1-1

New Jersey Devils Vs. Philedephia Flyers
Game 1: 2-1 Flyers
Game 2: 3-5 Devils
Series tied 1-1

Buffalo Sabres Vs. Boston Bruins
Game 1: 1-2 Buffalo
Game 2: 5-3: Boston
Series tied 1-1

Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. Ottawa Senators
Game 1: 5-4 Ottawa
Game 2: 2-1 Pittsburgh
Series tied 1-1

Western Conference
San Jose Sharks Vs. Colorado Avalanche
Game 1: 2-1 Coloradio
Game 2: 6-5 San Jose in OT
Series tied 1-1

Chicago Blackhawks Vs. Nashville Predators
Game 1: 1-4 Nashville
Game 2: Today @ 8:30pm
Nashville leads series 1-0 in best of 7

Vancouver Canucks Vs. Los Angeles Kings
Game 1: 3-2 Vancouver in OT
Game 2: 3-2 Los Angeles in OT
Series tied 1-1

Phoenix Coyotes Vs. Detroit Red Wings
Game 1: 2-3 Phoenix
Game 2: 7-4 Detroit
Series tied 1-1

Round 1 Game 2- Recap

2010-04-17T20:53:00.005-04:00

WOW! Now that is what I am talking about. The Wings woke up the sleeping giant and came out in the 2nd period with a bang. Zetterberg with the Hat Trick, amazing! Let's hope the continue this into Sunday's game 3 at the Joe!

FINAL SCORE

7-4

GLENDALE, Ariz. – To say the Red Wings are comfortable in high-scoring games is
an understatement. And in the postseason, scoring a lot of goals usually works
just fine.

Henrik Zetterberg collected his first playoff hat trick, including the game-winner with 6:06 left, and linemate Valtteri Filppula added two goals and an assist as the Red Wings lit up Phoenix goalie Ilya Bryzgalov for six goals and evened their Western Conference quarterfinals series with a 7-4 win over the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday night.

The Red Wings scored all seven of their goals in the final 35 minutes of play and won their 50th consecutive playoff game when scoring at least four times. But even with
Zetterberg, Filppula and linemate Todd Bertuzzi combining for eight points, No. 50 took a while to salt away.

"We know they are good in front of their goalie, they are taking a lot of ice away and it's tough to get pucks on the net," Zetterberg said. "You just have to find ways to do it from different angles and go in for second chances. It was nice to see the puck bounce off (Bryzgalov) a few times."

The Coyotes led 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 in the second period, but Detroit answered each time during a wild flurry that featured five goals in a span of 3:58. But during the flurry, Zetterberg found his stride and the Red Wings took off.

Justin Abdelkader scored early in the third to put Detroit in front for the first time. Phoenix captain Shane Doan tied the game for the fourth time when he scored with 10:36 left in the regulation, but Zetterberg pounded home a rebound off a Todd Bertuzzi shot to put his team ahead for good.

"He probably got tired of the guy across from him (Doan) competing," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said of Zetterberg. "He's a proud guy and he thinks he's a good play, but if the guy across from you plays harder, he's going to have success. But if 'Z' plays, he can play, and he's a world-class guy, he's going to have success. In the second and third period, I thought he took over the game."

Filppula added a power-play goal with 2:06 left before Zetterberg hit the empty net to complete his hat trick.

The Coyotes not only lost the game and home-ice advantage in the series, they lost center Vernon Fiddler to an upper-body injury late in the third period. He's listed as day-to-day and is questionable for Game 3 Sunday afternoon in Detroit (3 p.m. EDT, NBC).

After a solid defensive effort in a 3-2 win in Game 1, Phoenix paid a big price for trying to play run-and-gun with a team as skilled as the Wings.

"We played into their hands for the most part," Doan said. "Halfway through the second period, we started thinking that we could trade (goals) with them. But when we make that many mistakes, they're going to beat us."

The Coyotes, who were 36-3-3 when scoring first during the regular season, got the early goal they were looking for 10:23 into the game when defenseman Keith Yandle scored his second goal in as many games. But that was lost in a White Out blizzard of goals in the second period, with the teams trading tallies and like championship fighters trading punches.

Zetterberg got the Wings even with a power-play goal at 6:27 on Detroit's first shot of the period. Wojtek Wolski answered just 38 seconds later for Phoenix, pouncing on a misplay by Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard at 7:05. The Red Wings needed only 1:10 to strike back, withPavel Datsyuk smacking home a pretty feed from Johan Franzen at 8:20 as the game's throttle opened to full bore.

A mere 49 seconds later, Phoenix regained the lead 3-2 with Doan sending Matthew Lombardi in for a backhander that slipped neatly between Howard's pads. That lead lasted all of 1:16 before Filppula chased down Bertuzzi's floater and beat Bryzgalov to pull the Wings even once more.

"It seemed like every opportunity that was going at the net was going in," Phoenix coach Dave Tippett said.

The teams traded goal one more -- Abdelkader stripped the puck from Wolski just inside the Phoenix blue line, raced in and beat Bryzgalov up high at 2:32 and Doan tucked in a 2-on-1 pass from Fiddler just over eight minutes later -- before Zetterberg and the Red Wings finally pulled away.

"It was a step for our team tonight because it looked like we've not engaged in the playoffs," Babcock said. "Until you do that, you'll have a hard time winning."

Three star selections
1st: HENRIK ZETTERBERG
2nd: VALTTERI FILPPULA
3rd: SHANE DOAN

Source: http://redwings.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2009030182

Round 1 Game 2-Preview

2010-04-16T21:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Red Wings,

Please play a good game. Through your bodies around, win faceoffs and drive the net. The puck will go in eventually if you keep shooting the puck.

Sincerely,
Miss NHL

RED WINGS at COYOTES

(Phoenix leads best-of-seven series, 1-0)

Big story: Playoff hockey returned to the desert in grand fashion on Wednesday as the upstart Coyotes scored three power-play goals and got the early edge over the two-time defending Western Conference champions. Phoenix looks to protect home-ice advantage and put Detroit further behind the eight ball in Game 2 at Jobing.com Arena.

Team scope:

Red Wings: Despite entering the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the No. 5 seed, Detroit is as feared as any team in the Western Conference bracket because of its pedigree and the way the Red Wings played following the Olympic break. They took a pair of one-goal leads Wednesday as Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom lit the lamp, but were ultimately undone by a penalty-killing unit that had allowed just six goals in 59 previous shorthanded situations.

"Our PK kind of let us down tonight," defenseman Brad Stuart said. "(The Coyotes) won some faceoffs and really put the puck on net. They had some good results, and we have to find a way to counteract them."

Coyotes: Winning in much the same way it did during the regular season, Phoenix got a pair of goals from defensemen and another from trade-deadline acquisition Wojtek Wolski to go with solid goaltending from Ilya Bryzgalov (38 saves) in its first playoff game since 2002. Keith Yandle scored in his playoff debut, while the winner came from veteran Derek Morris, in his second tour of duty with the club.

"I'm not a goal scorer, let's be honest," Morris said. "But when the opportunity arises, I can still wind it up."

Who's hot: Lidstrom not only scored his 47th career playoff goal, he tied Mark Messier for second all-time with 236 games played in the postseason. That's still 30 behind former teammate Chris Chelios, who tops the list. … Morris also contributed two assists and Yandle one to give the Coyotes five points from their blueliners in the opener. Matthew Lombardi added a pair of helpers.

Injury report: Phoenix forward Robert Lang, sidelined since March 4 due to a lower-body injury, will be a game-time decision, coach Dave Tippett said. Lang had a stint in Detroit from 2004-07.

Stat pack: Sometimes it's not all about the goals and assists -- sure, they stand front and center when looking at the scoresheet, but there are a lot of little things that go into winning games as well. Coyotes captain Shane Doan didn't register a point in the opener, but he screened Jimmy Howard on Yandle's goal and delivered a team-high nine hits as Phoenix more than doubled up Detroit, 43-20, in that category.

"We recognize if we give them a lot of room and space to make plays, it's going to be difficult," Doan told the Arizona Republic. "But if we can get on them as quickly as we can, we've got to take away their time and space."

Puck drop: In search of a more physical presence, the Red Wings will play Justin Abdelkader in place of Jason Williams on Friday. According to the Detroit Free Press, the rookie forward, who scored goals in the first two games of last season's Stanley Cup Final, skated at practice Thursday with Kris Draper and Drew Miller on his wings. He hasn't played a game with the big club this season since Jan. 27.

"He played well for us earlier in the year," coach Mike Babcock told the newspaper. "We sent him down because of (salary) cap issues. We feel that our bottom six needs to be more physical than we were (in Game 1), and he gives us a chance to do that. I think he's still one of the top finished-checks guys on our team in playing half the games."

Source:
http://redwings.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2009030182&navid=DLDETPlayoffCentral

Williams out, Adblerkader in

2010-04-15T17:42:00.002-04:00

Babcock is actually make a wise choice here by doing this. Heck I would of even put in May. But at least I know Adblerkader will through his body around tomorrow night.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- After watching his team come out on the short end of the physical game in Wednesday's 3-2 Game 1 loss to Phoenix, coach Mike Babcock, as expected, will insert Justin Abdelkader into the lineup for Game 2 Friday at Jobing.com Arena.

Abdelkader will center the fourth line, with Kris Draper and Drew Miller. He replaces Jason Williams in the lineup.

Abdelkader led the team in hits with 152 before being sent down to Grand Rapids (AHL) on Jan. 29 due to roster and salary-cap limitations, when players began returning to the lineup from injuries.

"He played well for us early in the year,'' Babcock said after Thursday's practice at the Alltel Ice Den. "He's just a bigger body. We feel our bottom six (forwards) need to be more physical than they were last night.''

Williams struggled down the stretch, with no goals and four assists in his final 17 regular season games.

Brad Stuart might replace Williams on the point on the second power-play unit. Or Babcock might just use a three man rotation at the point with Nicklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski and Niklas Kronwall.

Source:
http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2010/04/justin_abdelkader_replaces_jas.html

Round 1 Game 1- Recap

2010-04-15T17:29:00.005-04:00

Well, that wasn't a pretty game...at least after the 1st period it wasn't for a Wings fan. Our Playoff slogan totally did not fit our team last night. They let Phoenix through them around and we simply forgot to play hockey. Oh and can we please win a faceoff?? It be a great help!!

Next game tho, the Wings got it!

Final Score

2-3

GLENDALE, ARIZ. -- The Phoenix Coyotes score three power-play goals in a game
almost as rarely as they host a playoff game – but both happened Wednesday and
produced yet another rarity.

Keith Yandle, Wojtek Wolski and Derek Morris scored in the first, second and third periods respectively while goalie Ilya Bryzgalov made 38 saves and the Coyotes beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in Game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal series before a sold-out, white-clad crowd.

The Coyotes, who finished 28th in the League on the power play this season and ended the season with an 0-for-20 drought, picked the right night to end their slump by scoring three power-play goals for only the third time all season. The win snapped a string of seven straight Game 1 playoff losses for the franchise – including 0-for-5 in Phoenix – dating back to 1992, when the Winnipeg Jets beat Vancouver.

Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom scored for Detroit, which outshot the Coyotes 20-7 in the first period but slowly lost the momentum as the Coyotes regained their composure and, eventually, the lead.

"We have to play better, and we have to play harder for longger," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "The bottom line is you have to score -- it's not about chances. You have to give them credit; I thought they got stronger as the game went on I thought we were better early than them, and I thought they were better late than us."

Morris scored only his second goal since arriving from Boston in a March 3 trade. Matthew Lombardi won a draw in the left circle back to Morris at the center point.No one came out to play him, so Morris walked in to about 35 feet and got all of a slap shot that beat Jimmy Howard 2:19 into the third period. It gave the Coyotes their first lead of the night -- and one they wouldn’t surrender.

"Our special teams have to be better," Babcock said.

The Red Wings dominated from the opening faceoff, putting 18 shots and constant pressure on Bryzgalov in the first period. But an innocent-looking 30-foot wrist shot by Holmstrom from beyond the left circle that Bryzgalov missed with his glove at 12:17 put Detroit in front.

However, the Coyotes needed only nine seconds with the man advantage to pull even. With Shane Doan screening Howard, Keith Yandle’s straightaway 50-foot wrister went through traffic and into the net at 14:13.

The Red Wings
answered 3:14 later with a power-play goal of their own. With Holmstrom shrouding Bryzgalov, Nicklas Lidstrom’s low shot skidded through and Detroit took a 2-1 lead to the dressing room.

But the Coyotes pulled even at 6:15 of the second on another power play when Yandle, playing the left point, skimmed a perfect diagonal pass into the right circle for Wojtek Wolski , who beat Howard cleanly to tie the game."

Shift of the game: The Phoenix power play, a weak point of the team all season, came up huge with three goals in four chances. The Coyotes needed only nine seconds for the first tally by Keith Yandle and just 44 second for Wojtek Wolski's goal in the second period. But the game-winner came suddenly: Matthew Lombardi won a draw in the left circle back to Derek Morris, who found no one coming out to play him. With plenty of time, Morris took a couple of strides before teeing up a slap shot that beat Jimmy Howard cleanly at 2:19 of the third period. The Coyotes were rocky in their most consistent area – 5-on-5 hockey – but won the battle of the special teams against the Wings.

Three star selections
1st: DEREK MORRIS
2nd: KEITH YANDLE
3rd: MATTHEW LOMBARDI

Source:
http://redwings.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2009030181&navid=DLDETPlayoffCentral

Round 1 Game 1- Preview

2010-04-14T21:30:00.003-04:00

RED WINGS (44-24-14) at COYOTES (50-25-7)

Last 10 -- Detroit 8-1-1; Phoenix 5-3-2

Season series -- The teams split their four games this season, with each winning once on the other's home ice. Detroit earned both its victories in regulation, 3-2 at home on Dec. 14 and 4-1 at Phoenix on Jan. 2. The Coyotes won 3-2 in overtime at home on Oct. 22 and 4-3 in OT at Detroit on Jan. 26 -- a game that saw the Coyotes score twice with a sixth-attacker and again in overtime for the win. The Wings have won both playoff series against the Coyotes' franchise in six games, beating the Winnipeg Jets in 1996 (Detroit won the last game ever played at the Winnipeg Arena) and the Coyotes two years later.

Big story -- It's hard to imagine a bigger disparity in playoff experience than this series. The Wings are taking part in their 19th consecutive postseason; the Coyotes are in for the first time since 2002. Detroit's roster includes a core of players who've been part of all four Cup-winners since 1997; the Coyotes' franchise has never gotten past the second round and GM Don Maloney didn't hire Dave Tippett as coach until the final week of the preseason. But don't downplay the Coyotes' resilience -- they were fabulous in one-goal games (29-6-7), avoided major losing streaks all season and don't figure to be cowed by the Wings' aura of success.

Team Scope:

Red Wings -- The Wings rode a post-Olympic hot streak to a playoff berth that seemed unlikely for much of the season, as injuries riddled their roster. Detroit lost more than 300 man-games to injuries and had just three players dress for all 82 games.

"I think you wondered if we were ever going to stop getting injured," coach Mike Babcock said. "Then you wondered if you'd run out of time."

But with the regular season completed and another playoff berth secured, Babcock hopes his players have put their roller-coaster ride behind them.

"Every season's a huge challenge, I think each one presents different ones," Babcock said. "You don't even think about it now, you just think about getting ready for the playoffs."

Coyotes -- As a franchise, the Coyotes can't hold a candle to the Wings in terms of playoff experience. But Phoenix, not Detroit, is the team with a starting goaltender who owns a Stanley Cup ring. Ilya Bryzgalov went 3-1-0 with Anaheim when the Ducks won the Cup three years ago and played some big games in the early rounds while Jean-Sebastien Giguere was out.

So don't expect him to be intimidated by facing the Wings -- after all, he was on the Ducks when they eliminated Detroit on the way to the Cup three years ago.

"I think it's great," he said of facing the Wings. "It's the most-experienced team in the NHL, they have great players on their roster. I think it's a good test for us because if you want to win the Stanley Cup and you want to go far in the playoffs, you've got to face that team sooner or later."

Who's hot -- Jimmy Howard, Detroit's rookie goaltender, won all three of his starts in the final week of the regular season and is 13-0-2 in his last 15 games -- relegating three-time Cup winner Chris Osgood to the bench. …

Injury report -- The Wings, whose season was nearly wrecked by a tidal wave of injuries, are healthy -- the only veteran missing is center Kirk Maltby, who had shoulder surgery in February and isn't likely to play again this season. … Phoenix center Robert Lang hasn't played
since March 4 due to a lower-body injury. But he's skating again and could be ready by the weekend. Forward Scottie Upshall (knee surgery) and defenseman Kurt Sauer (head) are out.

Stat pack -- The Wings extended the longest active playoff streak in North American team sports by qualifying for the 19th consecutive season. However, they are without home-ice advantage in the first round for the first time since 1992. … Phoenix set a franchise record with 29 home wins. The Coyotes were also the NHL's best team in games that were tied after regulation, winning five times in overtime and going 14-6 in shootouts.

Puck drop -- Jobing.com Arena will be a sea of white for the Coyotes' first playoff game since 2002. Perhaps the first time since moving to the desert in 1996, home ice has been a real advantage for the Coyotes -- they went 29-10-2 and have won their last seven home games.

"Our fans have been unbelievable," Tippett said after Monday's practice. "There's been some buildings that I've been in that have been pretty loud, but our fans and the enthusiasm the last little while has been fantastic."

But while he's glad to be starting the series at home, Tippett knows there's only so much of an edge that comes with it.

"It's great for our players to play at home," he said, "but we feel like our game is built out of a
game of consistency -- and we should be able to play anywhere."

Source: http://redwings.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2009030181&navid=DLDETPlayoffCentral

Round 1; Phoenix Vs. Detroit- The Skinny

2010-04-14T18:04:00.003-04:00

Here is a great run down of Phoenix and Detroit. Gives a good over view of both teams.

At first blush, this looks like the NHL's brash, new kids on the block looking to mess with a legend in the playoffs. But let's go a bit deeper.

There is no doubt the Coyotes are the NHL's surprise team this season, rising from a murky future in bankruptcy court last summer to becoming a strong and inspiring team. But it is a squad that GM Don Maloney added a fair share of veteran talent to, so the Coyotes aren't pups.

And the legendary Red Wings have been a team taking on a younger look this season, but fair's fair, and a lot of the cogs from Motown's back-to-back Cup finalists remain in place. Still, the Red Wings recovered from a horrendous string of injuries late in the season to become a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.

So, what does this mean for hockey fans? A series that is closer than you might expect and one that has the potential to shock and awe.

The Coyotes won't wow anyone with their offensive arsenal -- their leading goal-scorer Radim Vrbata, had just 24 -- and they had just two players with at least 50 points. What the Coyotes do have is depth across all four lines. Nine forwards had at least 10 goals, and 10 had at least 20 points.

They also have Lee Stempniak, a revelation who scored 14 goals in his first 18 games after arriving at the trade deadline.

"I don't think anyone would have predicted that he'd be as good as he's been," Coyotes captain Shane Doan said. "But we knew how good he was capable of being, and he's been that and more. It's been a lot of fun to watch the ride that he's been on, and we want to keep him going for another two and a half months."

The statistics aren't as gaudy as they were in seasons' past for the Red Wings. Pavel Datsyuk's 27 goals led the club and Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg tied for the points lead at a pedestrian 69. Compare that to 2007-08, the last time the Wings won the Cup. Then, Datsyuk had 31 goals and 97 points and Zetterberg had netted 43 goals and 92 points. In addition, Johan Franzen had 27 goals, Dan Cleary 20, Tomas Holmstrom 20 and Valtteri Filppula 19.

Injuries conspired against the Wings' forward this season, with Franzen playing in just 27 games, Holmstrom 68 (still 25 goals), Filppula 55 and import Jason Williams 44. But the good news in Detroit is the start of the playoffs coincides with a return to health of the Wings' core group. Franzen's return was especially energizing for Datsyuk.

"We really feel the runs we've had over the last few years and our summers being short and our ability to train hasn't been as good," coach Mike Babcock said. "And I thought that affected us early and maybe helped with all the injuries we had. I believe that some of the guys that haven't played much hockey, whether that be Zetterberg … he had a good break. Williams had a good break. Filppula. Lilja. And Kronwall. Who else am I missing? Cleary. Lots of guys have had -- Franzen -- lots of guys have had long, long layoffs, they should be a lot fresher."

Todd Bertuzzi netted 18 in the regular season, Darren Helm had a productive 11, Patrick Eaves scored 12 and waiver pickup Drew Miller had 10 goals and 9 assists. So the numbers are not as startling as in seasons' past, but the hope in Detroit is the healthy forwards will have four rounds to strut their stuff.

Phoenix's top six is easy to overlook due to the outstanding play of goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, but its not goaltending alone that has the Coyotes allowing the fewest goals per game in the Western Conference.

Keith Yandle emerged as an anchor on the blue line, with 12 goals, 41 points and a plus-16 rating. Zbynek Michalek is a shot-blocking machine, and Ed Jovanovski and Adrian Aucoin are experienced veterans. Jovanovski also has 10 goals, and Aucoin has earned the nickname "The Closer" for his shootout prowess.

"You go through the defensemen and the blue lines that are going to be in the playoffs and I would put our blue line against anybody," Doan said.

Reports of Nicklas Lidstrom's demise were greatly exaggerated, although his offensive game dropped a bit to 9 goals and 40 assists. Still Lidstrom was, well, Lidstrom, playing over 25 minutes a game, going plus 21 and just being the giant security blanket he has been for all these years.

Brian Rafalski, 36, also saw a dip in offensive production (8 goals, 33 assists) but, like Lidstrom, his overall game remained strong with 24 minutes per game and a plus-22.

Brad Stuart was a fixture in the lineup all season and played 23 minutes per game. Brett Lebda has 63 games under his belt this season and Jonathan Ericsson had 62 games. Derek Meech was used in 49 games to fill in for injured defensemen like Niklas Kronwall (48 games) and Andreas Lilja (20 games). They spent a lot of the season watching because of injuries, but will nestle in nicely on the blue line come the start of the playoffs.

There's little doubt Bryzgalov is the Coyotes' most important player, and quite possibly will be a Hart Trophy finalist. His 42 wins are a single-season franchise record, he's was second in the League with eight shutouts, and he ranks in the top 10 in the NHL with a 2.20 goals-against average and .920 save percentage.

The goaltending torch has been passed to rookie Jimmy Howard, who used his four years of AHL seasoning to good effect. Howard wrested the job away from veteran Chris Osgood and on many nights was all that stood between the injury-wrecked Wings and defeat. His 37-15-10 record, 2.26 goals-against average and .924 save percentage have him in the Calder Trophy discussion.

All Dave Tippett did was arrive a week before the start of the regular season and guide the Coyotes to the best season in franchise history. He's kept the focus on the ice and closed the dressing room to all the off-ice issues that have surrounded the franchise since the summer. He has to be the favorite for the Jack Adams Trophy as the NHL's top coach this season.

Mike Babcock should also be mentioned in the talk about coach of the year honors this season for the job he did keeping a team that was admittedly in a transition season productive despite the influx of new faces and a long list of injuries. When the regular season was over, the Wings were in the playoffs for the 19th-straight season, reached 102 points, and were a team no one wanted to face in the first round.

Tippett's tactics are all over the improvements here. While the power play is only marginally better than last season -- it's converting at 14.6 percent efficiency, up from 14.5 -- the penalty kill has seen the greatest improvement, going from 76.8 percent (28th in the League) to 84.5 percent (sixth).

The Red Wings connected on a 19.2 percent average, ninth best in the League during the regular season. Considering all the players out with injuries and not having Marian Hossa this season, that's none too shabby. Killing penalties was the bane of Detroit's existence last season, but in 2009-10, the Red Wings were 10th in the NHL with an 83.9 percent success rate.

Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix -- Bryzgalov has proven to be a true No. 1 goaltender since coming over from the Anaheim Ducks in 2007-08, but really has blossomed this season, winning a career high 42 games and posting a 2.29 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. Plus, he inspires great confidence among his teammates.

Johan Franzen, Detroit -- Knee surgery sent him to the long term injury list for 55 games and took a strong intangible out of the Red Wings' lineup. It's no coincidence that the Red Wings' rebirth this season coincided with "The Mule" rounding into form. Just 10 goals and 11 assists in 27 games won't win you the Hart Trophy, but Franzen is out for bigger game in the postseason.

Coyotes will win if... If Bryzgalov is lights out and the Coyotes continue to pay close attention to what got them here in the first place, namely Dave Tippett's system. The Coyotes don't have superstars, but they do win when embracing the team concept.

Red Wings will win if... Like Phoenix, all the Red Wings need to do is continue the strong play that has followed them since the Olympic break. And avoid injuries, oh how Mike Babcock and Company want to avoid injuries at this late date.

Source: http://redwings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=525042&navid=DLDETPlayoffCentral

So sorry

2010-04-14T00:05:00.005-04:00

Wow, I am so sorry. I'm an epic fail at updating my blog. I can't believe I went all season long without updating. This blog literally slipped my mind until recently.

Tomorrow, actually today since it is after midnight, starts the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here is a list of everyone in the playoffs and who is playing who in the first round. Along with my predictions.

Eastern Conference

Washington Capitals (1) Vs. Montreal Canadians (8): Washington seems to be a force to reckon with this season. They won the President's Tropy this year and are good canadiante to win it all. Montreal had a struggling season and managed to squeek into the playoffs. Prediction: Capitals in 5

New Jersey Devils (2) Vs. Philadelphia Flyers (7): New Jersey is one of the 11 teams who have 100 points this season. They are always playoff contenders....but are they Cup contenders? Haven't much to say about the Devils because I didn't see them play often this year. Flyers....ugh they beat the Rangers and I didn't want that. Prediction: New Jersey in 6

Buffalo Sabres (3) Vs. Boston Bruins (6): Ryan Miller has had one heck of a season. He made it to the Gold medal game in the Olympics to having a good season with the Sabres. Boston struggled some this year and was thought to be out of the playoff contention at one point. Prediction: Sabres in 6

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) Vs. Ottawa Senators (5): Can't stand Pittsburgh for obvious reason. Again they are Cup Contenders and boy would the NHL and NBC love to see another Detroit Vs. Pittsburgh finals (it be a complete rubber match). Ottawa....where the heck did you come from? Haha! I had no idea they were having a good season. This is what happens when your team is from the West. Prediction: Pittsburgh in 5

Western Conference

San Jose Sharks (1) Vs. Colorado Avalanche (8): San Jose had another great season and have been playoff contenders since the start. However, are they Cup contenders or will the choke like they have in years past? Colorado had a good start to their season but seem to have fallen off their wagon somewhere in the middle of the season. They will give San Jose a run for their money. Prediction: San Jose in 6

Chicago Blackhawks (2) Vs. Nashville Predators (7): Chicago is a young team with a lot of heart and everyone knew since the end of the season last year that they would be in the playoffs this year. Can the over come the Hossa curse tho? Nashville battled it out with Detroit at the end of the season for what position they would be in. I am sure Nashville wishes they were in Detroit's position instead. Prediction: Chicago in 6

Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. Los Angeles Kings (6): Vancouver has the Sundin Twins working their magic but are questionable with Luongo. Even though Luongo had won the gold medal for Team Canada can he win Vancouver the Stanley Cup? LA has had a wonderful season that I didn't see coming. They are a team I could see upsetting Vancouver in the playoffs. Prediction: Los Angeles in 6

Phoenix Coyotes (4) Vs. Detroit Red Wings (5): Wow! Who would have thought Phoenix would have the season they have had and be in the playoffs this year. No one saw this coming. They are a young team who have a lot of players with none to little playoff experience. Their goaltender has had a great season. The Wings have had a year of struggles; from injuries to team collapaes at times needed most, it amazes some fans they made it into the playoffs. Howard is leading the team in net and this series will be a duel of the goaltenders. Prediction: Wings in 6

Here is the Detroit Red Wings 2010 Playoff Round One schedule:

Game 1: Wednesday at Phoenix, 10 p.m. (FSN, Versus)
Game 2: Friday at Phoenix, 10 p.m. (FSN, Versus)
Game 3: Sunday at Detroit, 3 p.m. (NBC)
Game 4: Tuesday, April 20 at Detroit, 6:30 p.m. (FSN)
x-Game 5: Friday, April 23 at Phoenix, 10 p.m. (FSN, Versus)
x-Game 6: Sunday, April 25 at Detroit, 2 p.m. (NBC)
x-Game 7: Tuesday, April 27 at Phoenix, TBD (FSN)

x-if necessary

The Versus telecasts are subject to a blackout in the FSN Detroit coverage area. Coverage includes "Red Wings Live'' 30 minutes prior to and immediately following all FSN telecasts.

All games are on TSN in Canada.

I will put up a game preview closer to game time. Again I am sorry for forgetting about this blog. I promise I will make this playoff time a good one and the off-season. I vow to keep this blog updated next season as well.

Regular Season Game 2 Preview

2009-10-03T12:25:00.003-04:00

After a disappointing season opener, Detroit looks to split with St. Louis. Here is a game preview:

RED WINGS (0-1-0) vs. BLUES (1-0-0), Stockholm

Season Series:
St. Louis took the opener in the 2009 Compuware NHL Premiere Stockholm, 4-3, thanks to a pair of goals from Paul Kariya, a goal and two assists from Jay McClement and 31saves by Chris Mason. Last season, Detroit won five of six against the Blues.

Big Story:
Will the Red Wings be able to respond and go home with a split? They didn't come all this way with eight Swedes, including icons like Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg, to lose both games to a Central Division rival.

Team Scope:
Blues:
Showing the same fight and resiliency they had in the second half of last season, the Blues got off to exactly the start they wanted to. Kariya, who is coming off multiple hip surgeries, gives this lineup an infusion of skill and speed. We saw that
Friday night. If the Blues' fourth line of McClement, Alex Steen and B.J. Crombeen continue to play the way they did Friday -- they scored two goals and combined for four points -- the Blues' forward depth becomes as good as any team in the League.

Red Wings:
Mike Babcock was non-committal on who he will start in net tonight,Chris Osgood or Jimmy Howard, but it's going to be interesting to see what he does. Osgood is the clear-cut No. 1 goalie, but he was average in stopping only 19 of 23 shots Friday. The Wings, though, can't turn the puck over like they did, and they need to find a way to get more out of Henrik Zetterberg's line. He, Dan Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi were limited in training camp and they looked a step behind Friday.

Who's Hot:
Everyone who drafted McClement in their fantasy hockey leagues, take a bow. You, of course, already knew that the Blues' fourth-line center would pick up a goal, two assists, five shots and a plus-2 rating in the first game of the season. Right?

Injury Report:
Wings defenseman Jonathan Ericsson is questionable with an ankle injury. He took a shot off the area of his ankle just above the boot in the first period and couldn't play more than 1:03 in the second. If he can't go, Derek Meech will be inserted into the lineup, but the Wings lose a key player in the hulking Swede. The Blues have D.J.King(thumb) on IR. Darren Helm(shoulder)and Andreas Lilja (post-concussion symptoms) are on IR for the Wings.

Stat Pack:
In his first NHL game in 544 days, Blues defenseman Erik Johnson logged 16:01 of ice time, including 3:42 on the power play, and came away with a plus-2 rating. … Pavel Datsyuk led all players with a 69-percent success rate on faceoffs Friday night. He was 11-5. …Babcock wanted to keep all of his defensemen around 20 minutes of ice time, but Ericsson's injury forced Brad Stuart(25:46), Brian Rafalski(25:30),Nicklas Lidstrom(23:50) and Niklas Kronwall(24:35) to play way more than the coach wanted them to. Ericsson played only 4:06.

Puck Drop:
"Of course it was an awesome feeling(playing in Stockholm)," Kronwall, who is from Stockholm, told NHL.com following Friday's game. "It's always a great feeling to play here in the Globe. The fans are great and hopefully (Saturday) will be a better outcome for us."

-- Dan Rosen, NHL.com

Source

Regular Season Game 1 Recap

2009-10-03T12:15:00.003-04:00

Well, it looks like Detroit has some issues they need to address already with the loss against St. Louis on Friday. Henrik Zetterberg has been quoted saying he knows he needs to play better. I am glad players can awknowledge this because some don't and just continue to not play good instead of improving. Zetterberg will improve as the season goes on. Here is the game recap:

STOCKHOLM -- It was considered a Detroit home game here at the Ericsson Globe and the Swede-heavy Red Wings had the sellout crowd on its side throughout the late-starting first game of the 2009 Compuware NHL Premiere-Stockholm.

Too bad the St. Louis Blues spoiled the party.

Paul Kariya scored twice and B.J. Crombeen had the other as the Blues showed the same fight and resiliency they had in the second half of last season when they shocked the NHL by making the playoffs as the sixth seed in the West after being dead last on Feb. 12.

"There is no give up in this team, that's for sure," said Kariya, who watched from the sidelines last season as the Blues went 19-7-3 over the final two months of the season. "We got off to a horrible start (Friday) because I think we were a little hesitant in the first period, but we calmed down toward the middle of the second and started to play our game."

The Blues scored first on a goal by Jay McClement 7:54 into the game, but Jonathan Ericsson, Kirk Maltby and Ville Leino gave the Wings a 3-1 lead 7:17 into the second period.

"They were schooling us is what it's called," Blues coach Andy Murray said.

"We had them bent real good," added Wings coach Mike Babcock.

"Then we started to play like we know we can, the way we did in the preseason and the way we finished last year," McClement told NHL.com. "We just have to keep that up for all three periods."

One and a-half was enough on Friday as the Wings struggled with turnovers and a disjointed power play. They were 1-for-5, but failed to score 1:36 of a 5-on-3 advantage late in the first period and only capitalized in the final 10 seconds of Alex Steen's double-minor for high sticking early in the second.

Leino scored off the rush with a snap shot from the left circle that Blues' goalie Chris Mason told NHL.com he had no chance at stopping.

"Did we score on the power play?" Babcock asked rhetorically in his post-game press conference. "Yeah, we got one, and it was on a line rush. They made a couple of decent saves and blocked shots, but we could have won the game on the power play. I thought our penalty kill was real good tonight, but the bottom line is you have to score on that 5-on-3 and I didn't think we got much done in the first half of that 5-on-3."

The Blues started their five-minute and five-second barrage with their only power-play goal in four chances. Kariya's low wrist shot beat Wings goalie Chris Osgood on the stick side 12:31 into the second period.

Just 2:08 later, McClement, the center on the Blues' fourth line, drove the net and put the puck on Osgood, who left a juicy rebound in front -- and since nobody checked out B.J. Crombeen, the sturdy winger was able to jam it in to make it 3-3.

"I just tried to get it on net and obviously B.J. did a good job," McClement said. "Those are the goals our line has to score this year. We're not going to score a lot of pretty ones, so we have to get it on net and hopefully get second opportunities."

Kariya, making the most of his second opportunity after multiple hip surgeries last season, broke the tie just 2:57 later when he got in alone on Osgood and beat him with a deke to his forehand and a shot low to the stick side.

Todd Bertuzzi turned the puck over in Blues' defensive zone and Darryl Sydor was able to slap it all the way up ice toward Kariya and T.J. Oshie, who had just come on the ice. Kariya broke past Henrik Zetterberg as Oshie tapped the puck up to him. He came in alone on Osgood with Zetterberg and Brian Rafalski trailing the play.

"If you go through the scoring chances like I just did, they didn't have that many -- but we gave up some beauties," Babcock said. "That Kariya breakaway goal in the second period; when you're trying to put your D on and off the ice, you just can't do that. It comes back to haunt you. We did it a few times and the puck ended up in our net. You can't play defense on a turnover. It doesn't work like that."

Roughly 5:30 into the third period, Detroit had a fantastic chance to tie the game but Mason came up with the save of the night, stoning Johan Franzen by sprawling across the crease and getting enough of his catching glove on his shot to direct it away from the net.

Pavel Datsyuk slotted the puck across to Franzen after making an absolutely stunning move to get around Blues defenseman Erik Johnson, who admittedly was taken aback by the inside-outside razzle-dazzle from the Wings' Russian center. Franzen whacked a one-timer toward the net, but Mason would have none of it.

Franzen skated away, down the left wing wall, cursing at himself for the missed chance.

"It's not an ideal situation when you have Datsyuk with the puck," Mason said. "He made a great play and I think it just actually nicked my glove and went off the side of the post. It's a little bit of fortune, but I'll take it."

Source

Three Stars of the Game:
Paul Kariya

Chris Mason

Kirk Maltby

Wings Regular Season Opener- Game 1 Preview

2009-10-02T00:44:00.006-04:00

Fri: 10/02/2009

LIVE ON TSN(HD), VERSUS(HD) Radio: 97.1 FM

STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- More than a few players will feel right at home when the Red Wings and St. Louis Blues open their NHL seasons with a home-and-home series Friday and Saturday in the Swedish capital.

Eight players who will lace up their skates are originally from Sweden.

"I would say the Red Wings could be the second national team back home," Detroit center Henrik Zetterberg said. "People are really fired up for this. We have a lot of fans in Sweden."

Zetterberg missed all eight of the team's preseason matches in North America because of a sore groin, but he scored a goal in his comeback as the Red Wings routed Swedish Elite League club Farjestad, 6-2 on Wednesday, in their preseason finale on the larger European ice surface.

Zetterberg, one of Detroit's top players, should be joined by fellow Swedes Nicklas Lidstrom, Johan Franzen, Niklas Kronwall, Thomas Holmstrom and Jonathan Ericsson at the Ericsson Globe arena. Andreas Lilja, another Swede, is injured, while Swedish rookie Daniel Larsson is Detroit's third goalie.

The St. Louis team includes Swedes Patrik Berglund and Alexander Steen.

Detroit has been the NHL's leading club for developing top Swedish players, starting in 1972 with Thommie Bergman, who played 246 games in six NHL seasons.

Lidstrom's long career with the Red Wings started in 1991, and Friday's opener will be the 39-year-old Detroit captain's 1,331st regular-season game.

A six-time winner of the Norris Trophy awarded to the NHL's best defenseman, Lidstrom hails from a city close to Stockholm and will have plenty of family members and friends at the games this weekend.

"It's like a dream for me, to get the chance and return to Sweden during fall," Lidstrom said after Thursday's practice. "I can't remember the last time I was home at this time of the year. And then having the Red Wings here and play for a team that I have represented for 18 years, that is really big."

After falling one win short of repeating as Stanley Cup champions in June, the Red Wings lost forwards Marian Hossa, Jiri Hudler, Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Kopecky, who all signed with other teams.

"We lost almost 90 goals," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "Even though a lot of teams have gotten better, I still think we're a Stanley Cup contender because our defense is as good as anyone's defense and I like the rest of our team."

St. Louis thrashed Linkoping of the Swedish league 6-0 in its final preseason game Tuesday. That game was also played on the larger European ice surface, but the season openers will be held on an NHL-sized rink.

"Our last three games we played pretty good as a team," said Blues forward David Perron. "We got better every game we played, which is good. We're ready for the season now."

The game Friday will mark only the second time in league history that NHL teams will begin their regular season in Sweden, one of Europe's top hockey nations and the winner of Olympic gold at the Turin Games. Last year, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators split their opening weekend series in the same 14,000-capacity arena.

Fan interest is huge for the doubleheader with the games selling out in a few hours.

Source

I unfortantly won't be able to see the game :[ I will be at work BUT I do get updates regularly so I will know the score to the game :] But even if I was home to watch the game, I wouldn't be able to watch because I don't get Versus thanks to Comcast trying to make Direct TV pay an arm and a leg for them to keep Versus. Oh well. GO WINGS!!!

2009-2010 NHL Regular Season Begins Tonight

2009-10-01T11:05:00.002-04:00

It is every hockey fan's favorite day of the year...well one of them. The NHL season opens up tonight with Toronto, Boston, Calgary and Colorado all having home openers. Too bad I have to work tonight or I would be watching one of those games if not all at one point (Center Ice = amazing).

Tomorrow the Detroit Red Wings open the season in Sweden against St. Louis. From the Wings last pre-season game in Sweden, they look strong and ready for the season to begin. Wings fans hope the team have improved with their defense and PK. And Osgood has to rebound from last years horrible regular season run; which I have complete faith that he will. Our offense can't save the defense this season like they did last year. We need our defense to step up, we need the players on the PK to step up and Osgood, well he proved himself in the playoffs and I expect he will be just fine this regular season. Howard has a lot to prove in order for fans to be sold on him and he will prove that this season (I hope).

It's a clean slate for all the teams and I wish every single team the best of luck this season. Fans of all teams, enjoy the hockey season, I know I will! :]

Detroit Red Wings Premiere Week

2009-09-23T14:41:00.003-04:00

FOX Sports Detroit goes on the power play to start the 2009-10 hockey season with Detroit Red Wings Premiere Week totaling more than 40 hours of Red Wings programming from Oct. 1-10, including: a season preview special, an encore of the Steve Yzeman banner raising ceremony, three regular-season telecasts, as well as pre and post-game programming on Red Wings Live from FOX Sports Detroit's new high-definition studio.

Red Wings Premiere Week also includes the debut of WINGSPAN (replacing the long-running Red Wings Weekly). WINGSPAN will encompass all things Red Wings related from player profiles to behind the scenes access, to community and grass roots hockey involvement, Red Wings history and tradition, and still include the popular 'Lessons with Larry' segments with Hall of Famer Larry Murphy and the Emmy award winning "Trev Takes On" segments with Trev Thompson squaring off against Red Wings players in various skills situations.

Here's the lineup for Red Wings Premiere Week on FOX Sports Detroit:

Thursday, Oct. 1
7:30 & 11:00 pm - Red Wings Season Preview

Friday, Oct. 2
6:30 pm - Red Wings Season Preview

Saturday, Oct. 3
2:00 pm - Red Wings Season Preview
2:30 pm - Red Wings Live pregame (HD)
3:00 pm - Red Wings vs. St. Louis Blues, in Stockholm, Sweden (HD)
5:30 pm - Red Wings Live postgame (HD)

11:00 pm - Red Wings Season Preview
12:00 am - Red Wings vs. St. Louis Blues (replay, HD)
2:30 am - Red Wings Live postgame (replay, HD)

Sunday, Oct. 4
5:00-6:30 pm -- Red Wings "Spotlight" episodes
6:30 pm - Red Wings Season Preview
7:00 pm - Red Wings Live pregame edition (replay from Saturday, HD)
7:30 pm - Red Wings vs. St. Louis Blues (replay from Saturday, HD)
10:00 pm - Red Wings Live postgame (replay from Saturday, HD)

Monday, Oct. 5
6:30 pm - Red Wings Season Preview

Tuesday, Oct. 6
7:00 pm - Red Wings Season Preview
7:30 pm - Red Wings vs. St. Louis Blues (replay from Saturday, HD)
10:00 pm - Under the Lights: Red Wings Prospect Camp

Wednesday, Oct. 7
2:00 pm - Red Wings Season Preview
8:00 pm - Red Wings Season Preview
8:30 pm - Steve Yzerman Banner Raising Ceremony (from Jan. 2, 2007)
10:00 pm - Spotlight: Steve Yzerman

Thursday, Oct. 8
6:30 pm - Wingspan (premiere)
7:00 pm - Red Wings Live pregame (HD)
7:30 pm - Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks (HD)
10:00 pm - Red Wings Live postgame (HD)
11:00 pm - Red Wings Season Preview
12:00 am - Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks (replay, HD)
2:30 am - Red Wings Live postgame (replay, HD)

Friday, Oct. 9
11:30 am - Red Wings Live postgame (replay from Thursday, HD)
12:00 pm - Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks (replay, HD)
2:30 pm - Wingspan
7:30 pm - Wingspan

Saturday, Oct. 10
11:00 am - Wingspan
6:00 pm - Wingspan
6:30 pm - Red Wings Live pregame (HD)
7:00 pm - Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals (HD)
9:30 pm - Red Wings Live postgame (HD)
11:00 pm - Wingspan
12:00 am - Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals (replay, HD)
2:30 am - Red Wings Live postgame (replay, HD)

http://msn.foxsports.com/id/10091300

Only 8 more days!!!

Training Camp and other things

2009-09-14T22:53:00.003-04:00

The Detroit Red Wings training camp began on Sunday. It's about time! It's been a long summer with out hockey and I'm beginning to to go through withdrawls. From what I have read about camp, things seem to be going great minus some injuries.

Injuries:

~Andreas Lilja placed on LTIR officially. He received a concussion last season (Febuary) during a fight with Shea Weber.

~Henrik Zetterberg has a slight groin pull but has been cleared for practice.

~ Darren Helm is out 2-4 weeks with an AC sprain of the right shoulder.

I look forward to the start of the season. I can't wait to attend the home opener on October 8th. It will be my 3rd home opener. I have made it a tradition of mine to go to it every year from now on. This journal will be active during the season. Expect to see new things going on with this blog. I plan on promoting other hockey sites and having guest bloggers (and they may not neccessarily be Wings fans btw). I look forward to having a great hockey season blogging. Look for another blog update soon.

Thank You

2009-09-14T22:46:00.002-04:00

I would like to say a big thank you to Teeman from the Hockeytown Forum for creating my new blog banner. I greatly apperciate it. He does amazing work. Thanks buddy!

Hockeyfest 2009

2009-09-03T13:10:00.003-04:00

My experience at Hockeyfest 2009 will be done in photo's (and two videos). I hope you all enjoy!

This is what I saw when I entered the arena from the concourse level:

Interviews with Kris Draper and Jason Williams (welcome back Williams!):

Jason Williams

I love the smile :) He's happy to be back in Detroit!

Kris Draper, Ken Daniels and Jason Williams

Jason Williams talking about what it is like to be back in Detroit:

Kris Draper answering a question:

Now onto the locker room :)

This is the main hallway that leads to the one hallway to the locker room:

Entering the locker room:

Some of the player's lockers:

You NEVER step on the Wings emblem:

This is the view from the Wings bench:

Hope you all enjoyed the pictures and the video :)

Off-season review

2009-09-02T22:43:00.005-04:00

I hope everyone had a good summer. Mine was okay and let me just say, I am in need of some hockey! This summer has been rather quiet for the Red Wings; they didn't really sign any big names like last year. So let's review what happened this summer.

Those not returning to the Wings: Chelios, Conklin, McCarty, Downey, Hossa, Kopecky, Samuelsson and Hudler.

I could go on and on about what happened to these players but I am sure you all know what happened so why beat a dead horse? In my honest opinion, it's time for us to move on and look forward to this season.

Those returning to the Detroit Red Wings are Jason Williams and Todd Bertuzzi. I'd like to give them two a nice warm welcome back. I look forward to seeing what these two can bring to the ice.

Edit: I totally forgot about the signing of Patrick Eaves. I am sorry about that. I would likes to Welcome Eaves to Detroit! I look forward to seeing him play as well.

Single Game Tickets

2009-08-26T10:24:00.003-04:00

Detroit, MI…The hottest ticket in town goes on sale this Friday, Aug. 28 as the defending Western Conference Champion Detroit Red Wings begin selling single-game tickets for the entire 2009-10 season. In addition to the entire season of single-game seats, the Red Wings will begin selling the highly successful $9 ticket for select games in September, October and November. The $9 ticket will only be available for purchase at the Joe Louis Arena Box Office with a limit of two tickets per person.

Reserved seats are priced at $25, $38, $48, $58 and $80 for most games while select contests, including the North American home-opener vs. Chicago that includes a Wings magnet schedule giveaway, are variably priced. Additionally, season ticket packages for both the Gordie Howe 9-Game Plan and the Steve Yzerman 19-Game Plan are available. Special group packages of 20-or-more tickets are also available through the Red Wings Group Sales Department at 313-396-7575.

For more Ticket Info: http://redwings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=51868&navid=det-home-dl

Hockeyfest

2009-08-25T13:30:00.001-04:00

August 28-29
Joe Louis Arena

The Red Wings have teamed up with Hat Trick Productions to jumpstart the 2009-10 season with HockeyFest 2009.

The event will have numerous interactive hockey experiences, Red Wings player appearances, alumni autograph sessions, hockey memorabilia exhibits, photo opportunities with the Zamboni and Al the Octopus, a Red Wings locker room tour and a Q& A session with players and management. On Saturday there will be a Hockeytown concert featuring the band Bazooka Charlie that will start at 8 p.m.

For more info on the event and ticket info go here: http://redwings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=45049&navid=det-home-dl

To my readers

2009-08-25T13:22:00.002-04:00

To my readers,

I am sorry I did not keep updates throughout the summer. Being off-season and the summer I got busy and went through some personal things. I will be around and posting updates more now that hockey season is approaching. I will be writing up a off-season review and a preview for next season.

I hope everyone had a great summer and are as pumped about next season just as much as I am.

Hockey Love,
Jenny aka MissNHL

Is it Hockey Season yet??

2009-08-19T14:09:00.000-04:00

Holland named GM of the Year

2009-06-23T21:46:00.002-04:00

What a day full of congratulations.

Red Wings General Manager, Ken Holland, was named GM of the Year by The Hockey News.
Congratulations to Ken Holland on this award. He truly is a great GM and has made this team successful and continues to do so for the future.

The architect of the Red Wings, Ken Holland was named the NHL general manager of the year, for his work in very nearly leading Detroit to back-to-back championships, as awarded by The Hockey News.

Holland continued to show incredible acumen in his position, signing franchise cornerstone Henrik Zetterberg and power forward Johan Franzen to long-term, salary cap-friendly deals and refusing to panic over the play of Chris Osgood when the veteran goalie stumbled during the regular-season.

Also in the running for top GM honors were Pittsburgh's Ray Shero and Jim Rutherford for his work in patching together a Carolina roster that advanced to the Eastern Conference finals. Rutherford played for the Red Wings, winning 97 games in 314 starts in 10 seasons.

The Hockey News’ annual GM accolade takes into account both regular-season and playoff performance.

http://redwings.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=431507&page=NewsPage&service=page

HHOF Inductees

2009-06-23T15:55:00.004-04:00

Today a few retired players waited for a phone call from the Hockey Hall of Fame. Those who received a phone call where Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille and Brian Leetch. Congratulations to these 4 amazing hockey players. They truly deserve this honor.

When three of the Top 10 goal scorers of all time and a two-time Norris Trophy winner are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame, it is not a tough call for the selection committee.
Forwards Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille and defenceman Brian Leetch were announced on Tuesday as this year's inductees in the players category.

New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello was elected in the Builder Category.

Representing all three forward positions, Yzerman, Hull and Robitaille accounted for an eye-popping 2,101 goals over the course of their careers and won a Stanley Cup together with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. And Leetch helped the New York Rangers end their 54-year Stanley Cup drought in 1994.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282645