RSS
Red Wings Winning Big In The Grit Department
Regardless of what happens in the final against Pittsburgh, this should be the postseason during which the Red Wings put to rest questions about their competitive character.
It had been an issue in the postseason, when they upset in early rounds by Anaheim, Calgary and Edmonton. There was a thought that perhaps the reason the Red Wings coasted to the Stanley Cup title last spring was mostly because they drew every break in regard to the schedule.
Not this postseason. Getting an Anaheim in the second round was a tough draw. The Red Wings have had to overcome serious injury issues, particularly on defense.
And they have tough players. Daniel Cleary and Darren Helm are the consummate playoff-made forwards. Niklas Kromwall is a fierce open-ice hitter. Johan Franzen and Tomas Holmstrom give the Red Wings a special element in front of the net. This isn’t only a finesse team, it is a gritty team.
Random Thoughts
- You get the feeling the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals aren’t necessarily over? Me, too. Can’t help but think it will be the Kobe-LeBron matchup.
- Take Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry away from the Tigers and where would they be? Good young pitching cures a lot of ills, doesn’t it. It was good drafting and money well-spent by the Tigers organization.
My column in Friday's Oakland Press about Sidney Crosby: http://tinyurl.com/n73gkf
My column on the Red Wings in Thursday's Oakland Press: http://tinyurl.com/kvawqt
My column in Wednesday's Oakland Press about Mike Babcock: http://tinyurl.com/kptc2s
It had been an issue in the postseason, when they upset in early rounds by Anaheim, Calgary and Edmonton. There was a thought that perhaps the reason the Red Wings coasted to the Stanley Cup title last spring was mostly because they drew every break in regard to the schedule.
Not this postseason. Getting an Anaheim in the second round was a tough draw. The Red Wings have had to overcome serious injury issues, particularly on defense.
And they have tough players. Daniel Cleary and Darren Helm are the consummate playoff-made forwards. Niklas Kromwall is a fierce open-ice hitter. Johan Franzen and Tomas Holmstrom give the Red Wings a special element in front of the net. This isn’t only a finesse team, it is a gritty team.
Random Thoughts
- You get the feeling the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals aren’t necessarily over? Me, too. Can’t help but think it will be the Kobe-LeBron matchup.
- Take Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry away from the Tigers and where would they be? Good young pitching cures a lot of ills, doesn’t it. It was good drafting and money well-spent by the Tigers organization.
My column in Friday's Oakland Press about Sidney Crosby: http://tinyurl.com/n73gkf
My column on the Red Wings in Thursday's Oakland Press: http://tinyurl.com/kvawqt
My column in Wednesday's Oakland Press about Mike Babcock: http://tinyurl.com/kptc2s
posted by Pat Caputo at
2:02 PM
7 Comments:
Pat, I can't wait for the June draft. I hope they keep drafting pitchers with their first pick unless the next M Cabrera is available. They done well drafting pitchers, you can't complain about Verlander and Porcello and even player like Miller and Perry show alot of promise.
I tell you what pat the first thing that came to mind to me as the wings clinched that game 5 was wow wouldn't that be something of the Pens one the cup. Here you have it the big difference between last year and this years finals is Hossa wearing a different jersey. He leaves Pittsburgh for a chance at the cup and Pittsburgh ends up winning. When was the last time in any sport that a superstar left a team and ended up facing their old team in the final losing the championship?
I think the wings will win the cup though. I just think they are way to deep. They key being health right now for the wings.
I have a question on the baseball front Book.. If the Tigers are still in first or are with in a game or 2 from the wild card or division lead would Illitch approve Dombrowski to go out and get what I think they need ... an extra bat to help them down the stretch. There are lots of rumors are big names possibly beign for sale if their teams are out of it. Even if it is just for a year? I like the offense , but I just think one more solid stick would really help carry this team.. taht and of course their pitching keeps moving along..
Especially Porcello. I was in the camp that said he should've went down after spring training, but man, we'd be at least 3-4 games worse if someone else had taken his spot.
Barry,
They have gone heavy with college pitching in recent years. I think they will go best player, but all things equal their priorities will be catching, outfield and pitching.
Caputo
Maddog52,
If the Tigers are in contention, they will definitely be buyers at the trade deadline. Don't expect them to take on any long-term contracts, though.
Caputo
Mike,
It just goes to show you that age and experience aren't as big in the equation as ability. The kid has a great feel for pitching.
Caputo
Pens out hit wings twice as many times in game what game were you watching!!!!!!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home