Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Not A Good Sign For The Red Wings

All season, I have maintained it was just a matter of time until the Red Wings got their entire team back from various injuries, and make a strong run.
And I haven't viewed it as just a strong close to the regular season and making the playoffs, but also to making a deep run into the postseason.
I have been of the thinking the Red Wings would beat Chicago or San Jose were they to meet in the playoffs. I have envisioned the Red Wings peaking at just the right time.
But that theory got thrown badly out of whack Tuesday night against Calgary. The Flames are hanging on. The Red Wings should have taken advantage of it by surging by them on home ice.
Instead, the Red Wings were outshot 15-4 in the final period during what was arguably the most important game of the season thus far.
Here's the bottom line about the Red Wings: They need more from Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. They must be the great players they are reputed to be, although questions are being raised about Zetterberg's health because he hasn't displayed much jump of late.
Jimmy Howard is not the problem. The Red Wings were so badly outplayed in the third period Tuesday, no goalie would have stopped the Flames under the circumstances. The Red Wings were similarly punked at home by Vancouver in their first home game after the Olympic break. Not a good sign.

Random Thoughts

- Ryan Perry is an "X" factor for the Tigers. He is capable of doing for this club what Joel Zumaya did as a setup man for the American League pennant winners in 2006.

- Max Scherzer is not a veteran pitcher. He is a young pitcher with a new ball club. If he doesn't start pitching well soon, it will mean something.

- Michigan State may be a three-seed in the Big Ten Tournament, but the Spartans' bracket is pretty manageable. Would be surprised if they don't reach the title game.




My column in Wednesday's Oakland Press on Oakland University winning the Summit League Tournament: http://tinyurl.com/yk2d8xn

Caputo And Boss Video (James Briggs in for Jeff Kuehn): Has the Lions' off season really gone that well? http://tinyurl.com/yeb8tem

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5 Comments:

Blogger Barry said...

Pat, no worries about Scherzer because he has too good of stuff, unless there is arm trouble? More worried about Bondo holding the 4# spot and the winner of the #5 spot. I am pulling for Willis.

2:11 PM 
Blogger Shawn D. Minnix said...

Isn't this what the Red Wings have done all year?

The difference between this year and last is that the Wings' D held leads last year. Think about how many times they have blown a lead in the last period. Washington and Calgary are two games they should have won!

What's worse is the fact they come out flat in games they should win such as Edmonton and the Islanders.

I said that the Wings would be the last #8 seed a team would want to play. Without some help on the defensive end, they are going nowhere fast.

Last point: Where's the string of victories at? We've been waiting all season for it!!

Well informed blog though. I do agree with you wholeheartedly.

3:27 PM 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

PC, I'm a MSU fan through and through, but I don't see what you do in the Spartans getting to the title game.

Too many turnovers. Ball handling is a problem. However, Morgan is playing really well right now and their transition offense is pretty good.

I don't see them advancing past the Elite Eight.

8:07 PM 
Anonymous Jeff H said...

Anonymous,

I believe Pat meant MSU should get teh the title game of the Big Ten tournament. State is the 3 seed for that. Seeding for the NCAA tournament hasn't been announced yet. Personally, I see MSU getting to the Sweet 16 at best this year.

10:50 PM 
Anonymous Michael C said...

"- Max Scherzer is not a veteran pitcher. He is a young pitcher with a new ball club. If he doesn't start pitching well soon, it will mean something."

What on earth does that mean? Shouldn't you give a young player more time to adjust to a new team than a veteran?

7:08 AM 

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