Thanks for reminding us, that schedule is encouraging.
Solid game from the Wings, it felt great when we had a 2 goal lead. There was some annoying errors from the guys but I'd say less frustrating than the performance vs. Montreal. That was almost impossible to watch. Blown passes, off-sides, giveaways, poor decision making too often. Tonight was slightly better.
So why does Datsyuk get a free pass from criticism? Because he's a hockey phenom who has been our best player for years. He's the magic-man and also our most veteran player. To think of all his plays with Z, Lidstrom, etc. etc. and last second goals throughout the years...man it won't ever be the same when he's gone. I'm not talking about the Wings I'm saying the game of hockey! Pavel had 0 off-season, training camp, or pre-season games. Then he missed the 1st 15 games. His presence helps the team immensely but it's going to take him more time to get fully up to speed. The little things he's doing though, OMG what a treat to watch. As of now I will agree he could use some more help.
Darren Helm is playing like a wild man but that 2nd line got hemmed in waaay too much this game, it was pathetic. I think Blashill could consider shaking up the 2nd and 3rd lines after tonight.
As Bench said we expect (and need) Gus and Tats to be our best players. They did come through with goals each but it weird when they get sort of quiet like a few of the games recently. They'll get pushed to the outside or their quirky flip passes get intercepted some games more than others. They are amazing but need to develop the consistency to be game changers night in night out, real #1/#2 guys.
Interesting the last two games Glendening had 10 minutes TOI and tonight 12. I think that's a positive change contributing to the point streak. It shows also the Wings are taking less penalties something they said they wanted to control.