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Red Wings Played Well Despite Loss, But Howard, Z-Line Must Be Better
As Game 1 losses in the conference semifinals go, the Red Wings dropping a 4-3 decision to the San Jose Sharks can be seen as encouraging.
The Red Wings lost this game in the first period when they allowed three rapid-fire goals. However, they pretty much controlled the game from that point forward.
The Sharks did get knocked back on their heels. The Red Wings were victims of questionable officiating late in the second period, which allowed San Jose a two-man advantage for more than a minute - and the Sharks cashed in for the eventual deciding goal.
There were a few cracks in the Red Wings’ armor that were exposed, though. Jimmy Howard has to be more consistent in goal. During an early onslaught, like the one by the Sharks, he has to keep the puck out of the net. It’s what Chris Osgood has done so well in the past.
Also, the fourth goal by San Jose was Howard’s fault.
It wasn’t only a low shot from close range, but it went through the 5-hole. Howard’s save percentage Thursday night was 85 percent. If it isn’t better starting in Game 2 Sunday, this will be a short series.
Henrik Zetterberg, Todd Bertuzzi and Valtteri Filppula didn’t perform well. The San Jose line featuring Joe Pavelski simply outplayed the above-mentioned trio.
My gut feeling is the Red Wings will win Sunday. I still believe they will take this series in six games. Even in defeat Thursday, you could sense they have this certain edge over the Sharks.
But there was also this "what could have been" feel to this loss. If only the Red Wings had been more prepared for the start of the game. If only their rookie netminder had been a little sharper.
This series might have been over before it really started. Instead, the Sharks have immediate confidence they can beat the Red Wings.
Random Thoughts
- Despite what some people perceived as success by Dontrelle Willis, his first few outings this season were iffy. Not Thursday, he was really good. It was by far the best sign yet he can do something no other pitcher has ever done - overcome "The Thing" or "Steve Blass Disease" or whatever you want to call it.
- You can’t dispute Tyreke Evans deserved the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award, but I think Stephen Curry is the better player.
- For a team with many flaws, the Tigers have done well early this season. A 13-10 record, surviving a West Coast trip with a 5-6 mark, winning two out of three from the Twins...the Tigers are doing OK. Maybe this will be a fun summer again for baseball in Detroit.
The Red Wings lost this game in the first period when they allowed three rapid-fire goals. However, they pretty much controlled the game from that point forward.
The Sharks did get knocked back on their heels. The Red Wings were victims of questionable officiating late in the second period, which allowed San Jose a two-man advantage for more than a minute - and the Sharks cashed in for the eventual deciding goal.
There were a few cracks in the Red Wings’ armor that were exposed, though. Jimmy Howard has to be more consistent in goal. During an early onslaught, like the one by the Sharks, he has to keep the puck out of the net. It’s what Chris Osgood has done so well in the past.
Also, the fourth goal by San Jose was Howard’s fault.
It wasn’t only a low shot from close range, but it went through the 5-hole. Howard’s save percentage Thursday night was 85 percent. If it isn’t better starting in Game 2 Sunday, this will be a short series.
Henrik Zetterberg, Todd Bertuzzi and Valtteri Filppula didn’t perform well. The San Jose line featuring Joe Pavelski simply outplayed the above-mentioned trio.
My gut feeling is the Red Wings will win Sunday. I still believe they will take this series in six games. Even in defeat Thursday, you could sense they have this certain edge over the Sharks.
But there was also this "what could have been" feel to this loss. If only the Red Wings had been more prepared for the start of the game. If only their rookie netminder had been a little sharper.
This series might have been over before it really started. Instead, the Sharks have immediate confidence they can beat the Red Wings.
Random Thoughts
- Despite what some people perceived as success by Dontrelle Willis, his first few outings this season were iffy. Not Thursday, he was really good. It was by far the best sign yet he can do something no other pitcher has ever done - overcome "The Thing" or "Steve Blass Disease" or whatever you want to call it.
- You can’t dispute Tyreke Evans deserved the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award, but I think Stephen Curry is the better player.
- For a team with many flaws, the Tigers have done well early this season. A 13-10 record, surviving a West Coast trip with a 5-6 mark, winning two out of three from the Twins...the Tigers are doing OK. Maybe this will be a fun summer again for baseball in Detroit.
posted by Pat Caputo at
1:10 AM
8 Comments:
Pat,
Color me cautiously optimistic about the Tigers this season. I like what Damon has brought to the team. I love how Cabrera, Maggs, and Jackson are playing right now on both sides of the ball. Sizemore looks decent, and Inge seems to be getting his bearings back to put up an OK offensive season with solid defense. Avila looks better behind the plate, and Boesch looks good so far. That double the other day was a missle.
The biggest plus for me, though, is the bullpen. I'll take Valverde, Perry, Zumaya, and Coke against any other top 4 in the league right now. I don't know that there will be enough to win the division, but it will definitely be a fun ride filled with some memorable nights. I can say this: I already like this team better than the '08 team, and possibly even last year's team. You can bet I'll be there 30-40 times this year, as usual.
Travis
Pat, I pulling for DW to show the thing can be overcome. I think Tigers will be right there. The important of a bullpen cannot be underestimated
I don't share the optimism for the Tigers.
Pitching does look somewhat good so far.
Defense is a concern.
I still stick with my prediction that the Tigers will go 84-78 a couple games off the Twins.
But hope is eternal. Let's see what Leyland and the front office can do in this long season.
Leyland did not do us any favors last year!
Travis,
Petty much everything that can go right for the Tigers is going right for the Tigers. Willis-Bonderman coming through, rookies and Johnny Damon playing well. But will it last? A month hardly makes a season.
Caputo
Anonymous,
I'm not sure if most Tiger fans wouldn't take 84 wins - even with their quick start.
Caputo
Barry,
It would be a terrific story if Willis keeps this up. Unprecedented, really.
Caputo
True, I'm going to have to eat a crow dinner if Willis continues. I never thought this would happen. Will it continue?
Unprecedented is really a good term.
Anonymous,
It's only been a month, but I could have imagined Willis would be doing this well.
Caputo
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