Phoenix came in and did the same thing teams have done to beat the Wings for 10 years. Dial up the pressure, have good energy and have a little luck.
Outside of the 1st line who aren't speedy but are super dangerous there is no downside to being super aggressive. You either beat that kind of forecheck with really good passing, which lines 2-4 just couldn't do last night or with speed. Helm certainly would have backed those dudes off, Nyquist probably and maybe even Tatar on that slow as dirt 3rd line.
Anyone who's played hockey even at the local pond knows you play alot of times at the tempo of your fastest guy. I think last year they played with better tempo because the young guys particularly Nyquist play up tempo and then your kind of forced to skate at his speed if you want to be effective. That 3rd line is way too slow and the 2nd line isn't alot better. I know Babcock doesn't like Tatar but they should give that kid a chance on the 3rd or 2nd line. Nyquist would be better but we all know that ain't happening.
The faceoff stuff is not playing in 5 days, the entry on the PP was terrible which is weird because they had a bunch of time to work that out.
I think most nights they actually win that game, Hank rang one of the post, Afrogator probably scores if he puts that anywhere else.
The things that concern me long term are the poor play of Alfie and the 2nd line in general and the tempo lines 2 and 3 want to play at.
I like Babcock, I think he is there best option but if comes back with that same 3rd line.......