Winging It In Motown

Quick Hits: 12/15

2009-12-15T23:00:22Z

Bye Bye Axelsson

Ericsson Sufferes Bone Bruise/Calf Strain

W.I.N.G.S.

TPL's Needing More Cowbell...and Norris

TSO's Wings Poach Coyotes 3-2 (explicit content)

Numbers and Awards: The Ericsson and Bertuzzi Special

2009-12-15T19:44:07Z

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

SON OF A BITCH. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

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Well things are going a little bit better and a little bit worse at the same time. The Red Wings have won three in a row, but they lost Jonathan Ericsson doing it. Darren Helm is potentially back no Thursdsay, but if he isn't, it'll be EIGHT regulars not dressed for the game. Some disturbing injury numbers:
--Only FIVE players have played in all 33 games: Todd Bertuzzi, Tomas Holmstrom, Brad Stuart, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Henrik Zetterberg.
--Andreas Lilja has missed 75 straight games (including playoffs).
--By my count, the Wings have lost 139 man-games to injury. Last year, they lost 193 all season.
--At this pace, the Wings will have lost 328 man-games by the end of the season. Let's hope the trend stops. Soon.
--Patrick Eaves, Brian Rafalski, and Darren Helm have each missed two different stretches of games this season.

I caught a lot of flak regarding Todd Bertuzzi's recent offensive explosion (which I welcome with open arms), but allow me to present some interesting numbers regarding our #44:
--Prior to Friday's two-goal game, Bertuzzi was on pace for 11 goals. He's now on pace for 19.
--The only players with worse +/- than Todd (-6) are Jonathan Ericsson (-7), Dan Cleary (-8), and Ville Leino (-8)
--Of the players that have played 20 or more games, Bertuzzi ranks sixth in penalty minutes-to-points ratio (1.41:1). The rest of the list looks like this:
1. Brad May (38:1)
2. Kirk Maltby (3.6:1)
3. Justin Abdelkader (3.5:1)
4. Brett Lebda (3:1)
5. Jonathan Ericsson (2:1)
For the record, the low-man on this list is Pavel Datsyuk (0.08:1, two penalty minutes and 24 points).

We've already discussed Justin Abdelkader's woes at the dot - so where does he rank now that he's had a few games on the second line? Well, still the bottom:
FACEOFF PERCENTAGE (more than 50 draws taken)
1. Pavel Datsyuk (58.8)
2. Valtteri Filppula (54.5)
3. Darren Helm (53.9)
4. Kris Draper (53.7)
5. Henrik Zetterberg (51.0)
6. Dan Cleary (48.8)
7. Justin Abdelkader (41.6)

CHRIS CHELIOS AWARD Update
*Given at the year's end to the Red Wings defensemen with the fewest goals scored in the most games played. The player must have played in at least 3/4 of the team's games. The award is named for Chris Chelios, who scored 23 goals in his final EXACTLY 600 games as a Red Wing (regular season and playoffs).*
1. Nicklas Lidstrom (1 goal in 33 games)
2. Brett Lebda (1 goal in 30 games)
3. Brad Stuart (2 goals in 33 games)
4. Brian Rafalski (2 goals in 30 games)
5. Jonathan Ericsson (3 goals in 31 games)

DANNY CLEARY "SACRAFICE YOUR FACE" AWARD Update
*Given at the year's end to the Red Wings forward with the most blocked shots. Award is named for Dan Cleary, who is used to becoming synonymous with "black eye" and/or "broken jaw."*
1. Darren Helm (22)
2. Dan Cleary (16)
T3. Pavel Datsyuk (15)
T3. Henrik Zetterberg (15)
5. Justin Abdelkader (12)

DEREK MEECH AWARD Update
*Given at the year's end to the Red Wing with the most games spent in the press box. Award is named for Derek Meech, who was a healthy scratch 35 times last season.*
1. Derek Meech (15)
2. Brad May (8)
3. Patrick Eaves (7)
4. Kirk Maltby (5)
T5. Brett Lebda (3)
T5. Ville Leino (3)

GREG STEFAN AWARD Update
*Given at the year's end to the Red Wings goaltender that makes you question how they're in the NHL and you aren't. Award is named for Greg Stefan, who played nine seasons for the Red Wings, but only three that had a goals against average under 4.*
1. Jimmy Howard (10-6-1, 2.40, .915)
2. Chris Osgood (7-5-4, 2.70, .900)

MIKAEL SAMUELSSON AWARD Update
*Given at the year's end to the Red Wings forward with the most shots to miss the net. Award is named for Mikael Samuelsson, who literally must have been aiming for the 11th row.*
1. Henrik Zetterberg (59)
2. Todd Bertuzzi (33)
3. Ville Leino (31)
4. Tomas Holmstrom (29)
5. Pavel Datsyuk (27)

PAST AWARD WINNERS:
The GoodFellas Award :: Patrick Eaves
Aaron Downey Award :: Derek Meech

Red Wings defeat Phoenix 3-2; Lose Ericsson

2009-12-15T03:32:19Z

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

Patrick Eaves celebrates his goal Monday night.

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While the Detroit Red Wings were happy to match their longest winning streak of the season at three games with a 3-2 win against the Phoenix Coyotes, it became a pyrrhic victory in the middle of the second period when defensemen Jonathan Ericsson collided with Shane Doan.

Ericsson had to be helped off the ice and did not play the rest of the game. Coach Mike Babcock did not know the extent of the injury at the end of the game tonight.

If Ericsson misses tomorrow's game, it will be the eighth Red Wings player out with an injury right now.

For Kris Newbury, who was called up from Grand Rapids earlier today to fill Darren Helm's roster spot, he jumped into the action early.

Just 23 seconds after leaving the penalty box on a goaltender interference call, Kris Draper came flying up the boards to the left of Ilya Bryzgalov. Draper was trying to set up Brad Miller, but the pass was out of his reach. As it turned out, Newbury was also coming down the pipe. Newbury outskated Martin Hanzel to make it 1-0 on Newbury's first goal as a Red Wing.

Five minutes later, with Newbury back in the box on another penalty, Patrick Eaves took advantage of a Phoenix turnover and went from end-to-end to put a beautiful wrister on the top shelf past Bryzgalov to give the Red Wings a two-goal lead with his third goal of the season.

After the Doan/Ericsson collision left Ericsson in a pile on the ice to the left of Jimmy Howard, the Coyotes kept control of the puck to prevent a whistle. Taylor Pyatt held onto the puck, deked past a couple Wings and put it past Howard for his fifth of the season.

In the second, Justin Abdelkader sent a pass to Derek Meech mid-ice. Meech fired off a knuckle shot that took a funny bounce, went off Bryzgalov's glove and found the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

But with 37 seconds left in the second, Martin Hanzal backhanded a pass to Radim Vrbata, skating along the boards to the left of Howard. Vrbata's attempt went off Todd Bertuzzi's stick, which altered direction just enough to get it past Howard to cut the lead back down to one.

Neither team would score in the third. Howard and Bryzaglov each ended the evening with 29 saves.

The Red Wings will face the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday night at Joe Louis Arena.

Player Of The Game: Patrick Eaves. While Kris Newbury had an eventful first game, Eaves played 19:14 and got the key second goal that helped the Wings hold off the Coyotes.

Game Thread: Red Wings vs Coyotes

2009-12-14T23:15:08Z

The Phoenix Coyotes come calling to Joe Louis Arena tonight to take on the Red Wings. It's the second meeting of the year for the two teams: Phoenix won the first 3-2 in overtime on Adrian Aucoln's goal.

The talk of the town (until today's Darren Helm injury) was Todd Bertuzzi's back-to-back two-goal games, each featuring an overtime game winner. For Phoenix, Ilya Bryzgalov has a sparkling 1.95 GAA this season.

The puck drops at 7:30 pm ET. For the Coyotes' perspective, visit Five For Howling. We'll see you here to talk about the game.

Quick Hits: Day Without Helm

2009-12-14T23:00:18Z

Wings Lose Helm, Call up Newbury

Pointless Preview: 12/14 vs Phoenix Coyotes

Miami Herald's Preview: DET vs PHX

Babcock Likes Team Effort

Osgood/Howard are Still Friends

Helm out, Newbury in

2009-12-14T19:15:23Z

More photos » by Henry DiRocco - AP

wee!(AP Photo/Henry DiRocco)

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The word across Twitter and the blogosphere is that Darren Helm is out of tonight's game with a wrist injury. Supposedly it isn't all that serious but it will be enough to keep him out of the line-up. The Wings have called up Kris Newbury from Grand Rapids for tonight's game.

Do the Red Wings really need another injury? It's starting to get ridiculous.

Other note: I won't be able to post much in the next two days as I have finals and related stuff but will be back on the figurative horse soon after. Joe will be the game thread host for tonight and I may be able to get an analysis piece up tomorrow.

Woops moment of the day: I called for no injuries this week in The Obstructed View's first podcast. Woops.

Red Wings Podcast is Live!

2009-12-14T06:49:09Z

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

Bert's name comes up quite a bit in the initial podcast. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Well, the majority of you asked for it and by way of the fine Red Wings blogging community, we've made it happen. Former Winging It In Motown author and headman at Motown Wings Chris Hollis leads the podcast panel of discussion as Snipe Snipe Dangle Dangle's Kris, The Production Line and Winging It's Michael Petrella, Brian Kiernicki, and yours truly were the first week's group.

The Obstructed View is the name of the podcast and you can find it on iTunes--under podcasts search for The Obstructed View if the link doesn't work.

Please, please please please leave some comments if you take a listen comment below and let us know what you think. Other members of the Wings blogging community will rotate in each week (with the exception of Hollis and Kiernicki) but we will continue to post the link to the site--especially since Kyle, Michael, Drew and myself are members.

Post Game Analysis: Bertuzzi wins it again

2009-12-13T16:22:21Z

More photos » by Kate Humphrey - AP

2 days ago: Detroit Red Wings right wing Todd Bertuzzi (44) backhands a shot past Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, of Finland, for the winning goal in the overtime period of an NHL hockey game on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 in Nashville, Tenn. The Red Wings won 3-2. At right is Predators defenseman Kevin Klein (8). (AP Photo/Kate Humphrey)

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Todd Bertuzzi wins it again in overtime. Yes you read that right, Todd Bertuzzi won it AGAIN. If he keeps this type of production up then we will be in good shape. Do I expect it to stay like this? No, not really but I'll take it for now. Detroit needs secondary scoring and he's starting to get the confidence needed to do so.
Chris Osgood had some pretty sick saves last night. To quote Winston Churchill (sort of), Osgood is "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." There are nights when he can't stop the easiest of shots but then there are nights when he looks like he should have about 8 Vezinas on the mantle. He wasn't really either last night (why he's an enigma) but he was solid and kept the game within reach for the Wings with some incredible saves.
Remember the time when the Red Wings were absolutely dominant in the circle? I miss those days. We did better last night--winning 29 to Nashville's 28--but I sure miss the days of winning about 75% of the draws taken. Can't wait for Fil to get back in the circle that's for sure.
Drew Miller, you were a quality find. Out shadowed by Bert's 4 in 2, Miller had a goal and an assist last night in 12 minutes of play. Sure, he only has 4 points on the season but he brings more than just points. He has been great on the forecheck, PK, and in the corners. Unfortunately, I don't know if there's room for him when Filppula, Franzen, Williams and Cleary come back.
I'm glad I didn't play a drinking game last night for everytime I heard the word "Smashville" used. I was forced to watch the Nashville broadcast (thanks Center Ice) and every commercial break there was someone saying something or other about Smashville. Yeah, I get it. It's a cool nickname but you can't over do it. If I had played a drinking game for that, I surely would be in the ICU or morgue right now.
Bertuzzi's second goal was a thing of beauty. The play started with Datsyuk forcing a turnover and giving Bertuzzi a great outlet pass. He was neck and neck with Nashville defender Klein and protected the puck on his stick before sliding it past Rinne's poke check attempt and then a backhand into the net for the second straight win for Detroit. Highlights of the goal below.

Bertuzzi's Second OT Goal In Two Nights Gives Red Wings 3-2 Win

2009-12-13T16:09:56Z

The Detroit Red Wings did not sign Todd Bertuzzi to be an offensive juggernaut. But in the last two nights, he's become just that.

For the second straight game, Bertuzzi scored a pair of goals, including one in overtime, to give the Red Wings a 3-2 victory over the Nasville Predators in Nashville.

Bertuzzi took off after a Pavel Datusyk steal, skated between a pair of Predators defensemen, and put the shot past Pekka Rinne a scant 24 seconds into the extra period.

Bertuzzi also scored early in the second after being set up by Drew Miller in the second period, with a spinaround move that sent Ryan Suter out of his skates, leaving him wide open against Rinne. Chris Osgood earned his 19th career assist on the play as well.

Osgood made 33 saves to earn his first victory since November 5, when he beat the San Jose Sharks.

The Wings jumped out to a 2-0 lead later in the second after Miller jumped on the scoresheet. Dasuyk had a shot hit the crossbar, and while the puck remained in the air, Miller swiped the puck in.

But the Predators struck back later in the second as Ryan Jones touched a Steve Sullivan slap in while Bertuzzi sat in the box. It was the first power play goal given up by the Red Wings in 27 attempts.

Nashville tied the game in the third on a David Legwand shot after J.P. Dumont had two shots that Osgood easily handled, but couldn't grasp the rebound.

The Red Wings come back to Joe Louis Arena Monday to take on the Phoenix Coyotes.

Player of the game: Todd Bertuzzi. Doubling your season goal output in two games, including two game winners in OT? That'll do.

Game Thread--Detroit Red Wings at Nashville Predators

2009-12-13T00:00:17Z

Nashville Predators (18-11-2, 38 pts)	Game 32	Detroit Red Wings (15-11-5, 35 pts)
	vs.
Arena: Sommet Center--Nashville, TN

Starting goalie:	Pekka Rinne	Starting goalie:	Chris Osgood
	13-6-1, 2.59 GAA		6-5-4, 2.75 GAA
SBN Blog:	On the Forecheck	Last meeting:	3-1 Nashville win
Time:	8:00 p.m. ET	TV:	FS-Detroit, FS-TN

Detroit comes off a hard fought come-from-behind 3-2 OT win over the Anaheim Ducks. They travel south to Nashville to take on Central Division foe Nashville for a high importance game. Detroit currently trails Nashville for 2nd in the division by 3 points so a win would bring them within one game of second place. But don't expect that win to come easy as the Predators are getting some quality production out of Pekka Rinne in net and guys like Jason Arnott, Martin Erat, Steve Sullivan and JP Dumont.

Nashville won its last contest against the Red Wings by a score of 3-1 and won its last two games with a 4-2 win over Vancouver and a 3-2 SO win over Columbus. Detroit will look for continued improvement from Todd Bertuzzi and maybe Ville Leino. Chris Osgood will look to get his first win after losing 5 straight starts.

Puck drops at 8:00 p.m. ET and as always, GO WINGS!

Post Game Analysis: Wings 3-Ducks 2 in OT

2009-12-12T13:00:21Z

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

3 days ago: Detroit Red Wings right wing Todd Bertuzzi stands in front of Anaheim Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere (35) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks in Detroit, Friday, Dec. 11, 2009. Bertuzzi scored two goals, one in overtime, to defeat the Ducks 3-2. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Here are a few things I noticed from the game and hopefully you'll chime in on these with your thoughts as well.

The first one is the most important: this team didn't roll over and die. I've often wondered if there are nights when the guys kind of mail it in after getting down and are being shut down offensively. I didn't wonder that in this game though. The Wings scratched and clawed its way to a victory--even without the scratchiest and clawiest of the them all Dan Cleary--after going down 2-0 at the end of the second period. Usually goals at the end of the first or second period can be killers but if anything it seemed to serve as motivation as they scored early in the third period. This is a great game to look back at and be proud of the way they finished.
A two goal game doesn't make everything better on the Todd Bertuzzi front. BUT, it does do a lot for things and hopefully will do wonders for his confidence. This was Bertuzzi's first point in four games and first goal in five. You can only hope that he is starting to come to life and produce on a consistent basis. No matter you position on Bert, if you're a Wings fan you want and need him to produce for the good of the team.
Ville Leino needed that point so badly. It was Ville's first point since the 3-1 loss to Dallas on November 18--part of the reason he's drawn much ire. That crisp pass will placate calls for his head temporarily though and maybe will shake him out of the slump.
Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk are starting to miss shots that they absolutely buried last year without hesitation. What gives? Supposedly Datsyuk's been tinkering around with what model stick to use but I don't know if that's what is causing problems or if it is more of a mental barrier. Zetterberg on the other hand had three or four great chances that he shanked and was well wide with the shots on. Hopefully its a just a hiccup right now and they'll get things figured out.
Tomas Holmstrom is clutch. That's about all I need to say. Homer's coming through big time in a year many expected him to fall off during (me included). Quick hands were vital on receiving and putting the shot past Giguere to get the Wings on the board.
Jimmy Howard is really starting to play effectively. Sure that second goal was a garbage goal that he shouldn't have given up but sometimes that just happens. What matters is that he is facing the quality shots very well and his positioning and angles improve with every game. Most importantly, Howie gets another win and his GAA creeps down after a solid night stopping 25 of 27.
The Penalty Killing has improved greatly over the past handful of games. The Wings have killed off 32 of their last 35 penalties and a total of 22 consecutive. This progress has greatly improved and for that to continue to happen, the Wings need to continue very solid and disciplined defensive play in their own end.
Power Play scores twice on 10 chances. 1 for 5 is a number I'll take on the man bonus after following a horrible 0-6 in St. Louis. Get the 1st and 2nd lines rolling of the man bonus and this team could be dangerous.
Defensive play has improved greatly with Howard in net for the following reason: there's somewhat of a system to his play. Howard gives up rebounds plain and simple but the defense can adapt to that and clear the pucks out after Howie stops the initial shot. With Osgood you never really know what's going to happen and I think that kind of makes for chaotic play on the defensive end. As odd as it sounds, the Wings are being rewarded by a goalie that gives up rebounds.
Corey Perry, what a piece of crap you are. In the same shift you 1.) viciously elbow a player in the jaw 2.) knowingly turn your back into a hit from Abdelkader 3.) chase down Abdelkader for what you likely saw as a dirty play (that you set yourself up for) 4.) try to fight because of that play. My main beef with this is: if you're gonna play dirty and then set yourself up for a hit by turning your back at the last second, don't complain and then seek revenge.
Justin Abdelkader, nice physical game fella. Teach that Duck a lesson! 4 hits and a fight are good, just gotta improve that 1 for 5 in the dot--ouch.
Saku Koivu is probably the only Duck that I don't inherently despise.
Duck to keep an eye on: Dan Sexton. Sexton had a goal and assist tonight and had two goals the previous game against Dallas.

Bertuzzi leads Wings comeback win 3-2 in OT

2009-12-12T05:20:34Z

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

3 days ago: Detroit Red Wings right wing Todd Bertuzzi, second from left, celebrates his goal with teammates winger Patrick Eaves (17), defenseman Brett Lebda, second from right, and defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom (5) of Sweden during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks in Detroit, Friday, Dec. 11, 2009. Bertuzzi scored two goals, one in overtime, to defeat the Ducks 3-2. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Who of you guessed Todd Bertuzzi would have guided the Wings to a victory? Probably not many, right? Bertuzzi scored twice to lead the Red Wings from behind to beat the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. The game was an intense physical game that saw numerous power plays for both teams with the Red Wings going 2 for 10 on the man advantage and killing off all four of the Anaheim chances.

Saku Koivu scored at 8:05 into the second period to put the Ducks ahead 1-0. Dan Sexton was credited with the primary assist and added a goal of his own within the last minute as he slipped a shot past Jimmy Howard from a bad angle to put the Ducks up 2-0 heading into the third period. The shot barely squeaked through Howard's pad for the Ducks advantage.

Tomas Holmstrom scored his 12th goal of the season on a great pass from Ville Leino. The Wings were on the man advantage after a Ryan Getzlaf hooking call and Leino carried the puck below the goal line before feeding Holmstrom at the low slot. Holmstrom put the shot off to the right side of the net, just beating Jean-Sebastian Giguere.The goal was a huge boost to Detroit to start the third period and helped to build confidence going forward in the waning minutes of the game.

Bertuzzi's first goal wasn't a thing of beauty as he put the puck in off of Giguere's skate but the Red Wings haven't had many of those "pretty" goals this year. Bertuzzi's first goal came halfway through the third and a late penalty call on the Ducks provided the Wings with a handful of quality chances as regulation time ticked off the clock.

On carry-over from the penalty at the end of regulation, Detroit ended the game and earned the full two points. Bertuzzi got the puck down low and Giguere blocked all but maybe eight inches of the upper corner of the net. It would require a perfect top-shelf shot and that's what Bertuzzi provided to end the game at 3-2. Brad Stuart and Henrik Zetterberg were credited with the helpers on the goal which was Bertuzzi's sixth of the campaign.

Some more post game analysis will be up later on.

MrNorrisTrophy's Wing of the night: Todd Bertuzzi. Big Bert put a pair in and was actually a big factor tonight as he played a decent physical game (although not credited with any hits) and was well positioned at times during the game. His two goals on two shots helped the Wings over his former club for a much needed win.

Game Thread--Anaheim Ducks at Detroit Red Wings

2009-12-11T23:30:14Z

Anaheim Ducks (11-13-6, 28 pts)	Game 31	Detroit Red Wings (14-11-5, 33pts)
	vs.
Arena: Joe Louis Arena-- Detroit, MI

Starting goalie:	JS Giguere	Starting goalie:	Jimmy Howard
	4-4-4, 2.64 GAA		8-6-1, 2.45 GAA
SBN Blog:	Anaheim Calling	Last meeting:	7-4 Detroit Win
Time:	7:30 p.m. ET	TV:	FS-Detroit

Last time these two teams met, Henrik Zetterberg netted 3 goals en route to a 7-4 Red Wings win. Zetterberg's three gave not only everyone free curly fries but the Red Wings their third straight victory. But that was then, this is now. Detroit's cooled off from its short hot streak and encountered even more injuries. Forward Dan Cleary is out of tonight's game following a separated shoulder and the Wings are starting all available players.

The Wings could use a win tonight against the West's worst team and a win would vault them over idle Columbus for third in the division. But then again, nothing is certain when you take on Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Niedermayer and the physical Ducks team.

Ducks down:
Teemu Selanne's broken hand keeps him out tonight and for 4-6 additonal weeks following surgery.

Wings out:

Detroit Red Wings Injuries

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Dan Cleary	shoulder	12/09/2009
Johan Franzen	knee	10/09/2009
Jason Williams	fibula	11/08/2009
Andreas Lilja	concussion	09/14/2009
Valtteri Filppula	wrist	10/30/2009
Niklas Kronwall	knee	11/22/2009

Join us for the live game thread for what will surely be a heated battle between long time rivals tonight at The Joe.

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Quick Hits: 12/11

2009-12-11T23:00:19Z

Williams Out of His Cast

Back-up Goalies Taking the Reins

Wings Improving the PK

Sizing Up the Anaheim Ducks

TSO Gameday Thoughts (explicit content)

Friday Prospects -- Long shots

2009-12-11T21:09:53Z

More photos » by David Guralnick - AP

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We’re getting down to it, folks. The cream of the prospect crop has already been profiled. You’re likely (hopefully?) starting to get used to seeing certain names in the "Who’s Hot?" section. You know that Brendan Smith is among Hobey hopefuls. You know Gustav Nyquist is scoring at hilarious rates. You know Tomas Tatar is the best prospect in hockey that nobody is talking about. You know Detroit is set in goal for the next decade.

So you’d expect the remaining prospects to maybe… be a little dull? Understandable. Every team has a couple of "those" prospects. Prospects to fill out the roster, prospects in the "long shot" category of every depth chart you see. Not everyone has superstar potential.

Well, not Detroit’s. What would it mean to you if I said that this week we’re profiling a former QMJHL MVP, a 70+ point scoring defenseman, and a gold medal winning Canadian blueliner? Is it a little more exciting now? Are you just itching to click that "Read More" button? Yes? No? What if I were to tell you that the draft position of these three players was… undrafted, undrafted, and second-to-last? Is that a little better? Oh yeah, now you want to read more.

This week, we look at three Grand Rapids Griffins trying to work their way up the depth chart.

Francis Pare, RW, 22, 5’10, 188 lbs, signed in April 2009 – 100+ points. Three straight point-per-game seasons. Most valuable player of a major junior hockey league. Tied a Grand Rapids record for rookie goals. And did all of this before ever becoming property of an NHL team.

Pare is trying to become the next player to make every team in the NHL pay. He wants them to pay for glancing over him – for thinking he was too small or too slow to make an impact in the NHL. If he was 6’3, or had blinding speed – without a doubt, he would have been a high draft pick and would probably have had a taste at the NHL already. But he doesn’t. He’s undersized and he’s too slow to be a center at the professional level, but he’s got that hockey sense that every scout looks for.

Pare played four full seasons in the QMJHL, three (plus five games as a 16-year-old) in Shawinigan, and one in Chicoutimi. In his draft year, his numbers were unimpressive – 47 points in 70 games. However, the following season he atoned for that, and made a strong case for himself to be a draft pick his second time around, with 74 points in 55 games. Still, not drafted. So he did it again, with 73 points in 68 games. Still, no NHL team for Pare.

Then, in his final QMJHL season as a 20-year-old player, Pare exploded for 102 points in 69 games, and a +41 rating on a team with only five players in the double digit plus category. He was named the league MVP. And all he got for his efforts was a contract from the Grand Rapids Griffins. He made the most of this opportunity, too, combining with Griffins-contracted Francis Lemieux and Detroit prospect Evan McGrath to be one of the hottest lines in the league. Pare tied (with Justin Abdelkader) the Griffins record for rookie goal scoring, finishing third in overall team scoring.

And finally, Pare was rewarded with an NHL contract, from the Detroit Red Wings, no less. Pare is off to a slow start this season, with nine points on the year – and his first goal of the year coming just this week on a penalty shot. But he was battling injury early on and has started to produce again more over the past few weeks. With the emergence of prospects like Jan Mursak and Tomas Tatar, Pare is facing an uphill battle as he tries to regain big ice time. But he’s just one of those players who has succeeded at every level despite the supposed knocks on his game. He’ll get a taste at the NHL eventually, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Logan Pyett, D, 21, 5’10, 200 lbs, drafted 7th round, 2006 – I’ve talked about the 2006 draft a few times, how it’s shaping up to be one of Detroit’s best of the decade. The only pick so far to have a taste at the NHL – the one being the traded Shawn Matthias – but they have a handful of prospects having strong seasons in the AHL in Daniel Larsson, Cory Emmerton, Jan Mursak, and Dick Axelsson.

And Detroit’s last pick of that draft, almost the last overall, was an undersized defenseman from the WHL in Pyett. Pyett played in Regina with 10 goals and 45 points in 71 games during his draft year. He gave Detroit some instant hope after they showed enough faith in him to draft him, exploding for 62 points in 71 games the following season. In a WHL league known more for the "farm boy" stereotype that results in many strong players standing around the six and a half foot range, Pyett really held his own defensively and became one of the top offensive blueliners in the league.

And Team Canada took notice. The following season, Pyett played for Canada at the World Junior Championships, the lone 7th round pick on a blueline full of mostly first rounders. Pyett saw regular ice time as Canada won the gold medal. His production in the WHL continued to be impressive. He had a career high 20 goals, along with 54 points in 62 games.

Detroit had no hesitation at all in signing him to see what he could do in the professional ranks. Unfortunately, he struggled through his first professional season. As an offensive defenseman, he didn't see much time on the powerplay, so his 14 points in 61 games came largely at even strength. Down the stretch and into the playoffs, Pyett lost his spot as a regular to Brian Lashoff, who was only in the AHL on an amateur tryout and is back in the OHL this season, too young to play in the AHL.

So Pyett definitely had to work to keep his regular spot this season. Detroit brought in two rookie defensemen, Sebastien Piche and Travis Ehrhardt, and Pyett hadn't done much to guarantee himself ice time over either of them. However, he's done just that this season. Pyett has put himself back on the map with nine points in 24 games so far, heating up with three points in his past three games.

Sebastien Piche, D, 21, 6'0, 202 lbs, signed in March 2009 -- For the last five years, Piche has earned a reputation as somewhat of a journeyman, playing for Rouyn-Noranda (twice), Lewiston, Shawinigan, and Rimouski. Along the way, he made two appearances at the Memorial Cup, in 2007 and 2009.

Piche was not much of a scorer in his first few seasons in the QMJHL, with only seven goals in his first four OHL seasons. Despite this, he was always productive in the playoffs, with 23 points in 17 games in the 07/08 playoffs after a career regular season high of just 28.

This led to a final QMJHL season that was above and beyond what anyone expected. Piche came alive with 23 goals, along with 72 points in 62 games. Piche finished second on team scoring, on one of the most stacked teams in the QMJHL. Piche logged big minutes as Rimouski hosted the Memorial Cup (along with '09 Wings pick Gleason Fournier) with his swift-skating and great puck moving ability.

Detroit signed him sometime before the Memorial Cup, and put him in Grand Rapids to start the season. So far, he hasn't got in much game action, only nine games with no points. He's been in and out of the lineup and has been assigned to Toledo twice now, just to get in a set of regular games. He's down there now, with two points in three games. He was ejected from the last game for an elbowing major. Despite his slow start this season, if his QMJHL career is any indication, he's still got plenty of time.

Notes: Brendan Smith won his second straight WCHA Defensive Player of the week, and was also Co-Offensive Player of the Week last week ... Jakub Kindl was sent back to Grand Rapids after getting in two games with Detroit ... Landon Ferraro is again injured for the second time this season, going down with the same injury that kept him out for about 10 games earlier this week ... Stephen Johnston has also missed the last two weeks of action, in a crucial contract season for him.

Who's Hot: Brendan Smith has taken his game to the next level, officially. He now sits at 24 points, tied for second in the nation in scoring, leading all defensemen, after seven (!) points in two games ... Oh yeah, and the player he's tied with is Gustav Nyquist, who had three goals in two games last week ... Jan Mursak has really come alive with six points in his past six games ... Logan Pyett has three points in his past three games ... After going -5 last week, Jamie Tardif was a +3 this week, picking up a goal and an assist ... Adam Almqvist had another goal last week, now up to 10 games played in the SEL. Willie Coetzee, Mitchell Callahan, and Andrej Nestrasil were all at a point per game last week. Coetzee has the prospect lead in scoring with 42 points in 30 games.

Who's Cold: Dick Axelsson has openly toyed with the idea of going back to Sweden, but Jim Nill made it clear this week that Axelsson must stay ... "Hat Trick Dick" has gone a few weeks without recording a point now, only five in 17 games ... Julien Cayer only has three points on the season, poor production from a sophomore on a team with very few NHL draft picks.

Handy Archive:

October 2 -- Ville Leino, Jonathan Ericsson, Darren Helm, Jimmy Howard
October 9 -- Joakim Andersson, Jesper Samuelsson, Adam Almqvist
October 16 -- Landon Ferraro, Tomas Tatar, Andrej Nestrasil
October 23 -- Daniel Larsson, Thomas McCollum, Jordan Pearce
October 30 -- Brent Raedeke, Brian Lashoff, Willie Coetzee
November 6 -- Jakub Kindl, Mattias Ritola, Evan McGrath
November 13 -- Brendan Smith, Gustav Nyquist, Max Nicastro
November 20 -- Bryan Rufenach, Julien Cayer, Nick Oslund
November 27 -- Cory Emmerton, Dick Axelsson, Jan Mursak
December 4 -- Gleason Fournier, Nick Jensen, Mitchell Callahan

The Pitfalls of Using Abdelkader as the 2nd Line Center

2009-12-11T14:00:39Z

by Bill Boyce - AP

17 days ago: Detroit Red Wings' Justin Abdelkader (8) looks to pass as St. Louis Blues' Darryl Sydor (44) defends in the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Bill Boyce)

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I adore Justin Abdelkader. I think he works his butt off, and is one of the guys that has shown up night in and night out. Much has been made of his bump up to interim second line center, and - with the multitude of injuries this team has incurred - Uncle Mike had little choice. He made sure to remind us all that he's running short on centers.

I'm a numbers guy. I like to read stats and try to analyze what they could mean, and very often the answer is "nothing." But this Gator move didn't sit well, and not because I don't think he deserves a shot. Like I mentioned above, he's one of the guys that truly works his behind off for his teammates. But the numbers don't quite add up, and here's why...

The Red Wings pride themselves on being an effective puck-possession team, and that all starts in the faceoff circle. Six players have taken 150 or more faceoffs this season: Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Valtteri Filppula, and Kris Draper.

Prior to the Blues game, Abdelkader had the lowest faceoff percentage of any of these players, somewhere in the neighborhood of 42%. The rest were all above 50.

After one period, it was clear the faceoffs weren't going the Red Wings' way. Normally a very good team on the draw, Detroit found itself on the short end of a 20-6 faceoff differential, including 0-for-6 from #8. Now, one period does not a good center make, but not only was Abdelkader playing more minutes in his new role, he was also taking more draws, and against better artists. He finished the game 2-for-9, a woeful 22%. All in all, all the Red Wings had an off-night at the dot (except Darren Helm, who was 9-for-13), and Abdelkader's percentage has dropped to 41.8.

I know it's not Abdelkader's ideal spot in the lineup, and if all things went as planned, he was to spend the whole year in Grand Rapids. But I think it's clear he belongs in Detroit - he's a heck of a worker, and isn't afraid to head into the corners and along the boards. But to say he's the weakest draw-taker on the current squad would be an understatement.

Why not try Darren Helm in that spot? Perhaps its because Helm is penciled into that third/fourth line role, and that's where he should stay. Abdelkader is essentially a fill-in on this team, a place-holder of sorts. But if Babcock wants to possess the puck for every second that the top two lines are on the ice, he might want to consider someone else taking the draws.

Quick Hits: Another Day, Another Injury

2009-12-10T23:00:18Z

TSO's About Ready to Murder Something (explicit content)

Cleary Out 4 Weeks

Howard Taking Over?

SSDD's Post Game Snipes

Shut Out Again

Cleary out for up to four weeks...great

2009-12-10T18:43:05Z

More photos » by Paul Vernon - AP

7 months ago: Detroit Red Wings' Dan Cleary celebrates his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of a first-round NHL hockey playoff game Thursday, April 23, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

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As if those players already sitting in the stands weren't enough, add forward Dan Cleary to that group. Cleary will join Johan Franzen, Niklas Kronwall, Jason Williams, Valtteri Filppula, and Andreas Lilja on the injured list. Cleary separated his shoulder in last night's 1-0 loss to the Blues and is expected to miss a month at the most of the season.

Here's pretty much what this will mean for the Red Wings until either Cleary or Filppula returns:

1. No call ups will be made (according to Babcock) so everyone available will play
1a. An injury to a forward within that time span will likely result in a call up but don't expect one for insurance
1b. If there is another injury not only will I assuredly curse, we could POSSIBLY see Tomas Tatar called up. Unlikely but he has shown in a short amount of time that he is an explosive scorer. Don't bank on it but don't be surprised either.

2. Dan Cleary is invaluable to this team. Sure he doesn't put up the offensive numbers to warrant the same respect of a Marian Gaborik or Evgeni Malkin but he's a huge part of this offense by positioning himself very well, passing at the right times, and having a pretty good shot. Along with the offense, he is a crucial defender and is probably the third best defending forward that the Wings have.

3. Cleary's 7 goals and 16 points will surely be missed but it may mean that Ville Leino will have to produce in the absence and can improve his game while playing on the second line in Cleary's spot.

Hopefully Cleary will be back sooner rather than later but that void is going to be hard to fill with the lack of production from a lot of guys that were expected to be big time secondary players on this team.

Ty Conklin, Blues shut out Red Wings 1-0

2009-12-10T03:31:10Z

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

Ty Conklin stops a Tomas Homstrom shot. Conklin made 42 saves for the shut-out victory.

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During the offseason, the Detroit Red Wings made the decision to go with Jimmy Howard as the goalie of the future, releasing Ty Conklin who signed with the St. Louis Blues. Wednesday night at Joe Louis Arena, the former goalie of the future bested the current one.

Brad Boyes scored just 1:56 into the first period, and the red lights would remain off the rest of the night as the Blues shut out the Red Wings 1-0. On a night when the Red Wings had 42 shots on goal and another 43 attempts on net, Conklin stood on his head.

For a Detroit team that has been struggling all season long with putting the puck into the net, tonight's game became a painful reminder of their struggles. Henrik Zetterberg had 11 shot attempts, including seven shots. Pavel Datsuyk had 10 shot attempts. Only three skaters didn't have at least one shot on net (Brett Lebda, Brad May, and Kris Draper).

On his goal, McDonald moved the puck out from behind Jimmy Howard to his left. He passed it out to Carlo Colaiacovo between the faceoff dots. Colaiacovo spotted an open Brad Boyes about 20 feet out, who put it past Howard for his eighth of the season. It would be the only blemish on Howard's record, but it's the only one the Blues needed.

The Red Wings will have an off day before the Anaheim Ducks make their second visit to Joe Louis Arena this season.

Player of the game: Jimmy Howard. Howard's only goal allowed was more of a defensive failure than a goaltending one, but on most nights, that's the kind of performance that should garner a W instead of an L.

Game Thread: Red Wings v Blues

2009-12-09T23:15:09Z

by Bill Boyce - AP

Todd Bertuzzi is congratulated by Kris Draper and Henrik Zetterberg (40) after scoring the game-winning goal in a shootout the last time these two teams met.

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The Detroit Red Wings come home after a reasonably successful New York City two-night tour to take on the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena tonight.

The Blues were shut out at home last night 4-0 at home by the Colorado Avalanche. This is the fourth meeting of the season between the two teams: St. Louis won the first two in Sweden, while the Wings won their November 27 meeting in St. Louis.

For an alternate view, visit our sister blog, St. Louis Game Time. The game is on FS Detroit, FS Midwest, and the US NHL Network (which means it is not on the US Center Ice package). Puck drop is 7:30. We'll see you then!