Z's hat trick aside, Ericsson stood out to me more than any other Wing player. Best game by a Wings defenseman this season, probably by a wide margin. He was really physical throughout the game, had a great outlet to Z, and his goal was just icing on the cake. Hope that continues (if it does, he's our best D-man).
Z- great game, scored the ENG with the highest degree of difficulty I've ever seen
. It was a giant F-U to Oshie and the Blues after they went after him all game, Oshie interferes on that play with a huge hit, and Z still battles the puck into the net. Awesome.
Franzen was really physical, he actually looked like a Swedish Lucic on a few shifts
. One of the very few games where he made an impression on the game while not scoring. I know it's too much to expect from him for the season, but seeing it this one time was great.
Brunner had a nice assist, but IMO he really struggled otherwise. Too many TO's, too easily knocked off the puck. Hoping that over the season as he plays with smaller guys like Z, D, Helm and Tootoo, their ability to skate with leverage, power and play thru contact will rub off on him.
Our 3rd line and 2nd PP unit have to be 2 of the least threatening lines/units the Wings have iced in a long time. Nothing but offsides called, turnovers committed, or penalties taken, while generating no pressure or scoring chances. The Cleary-Abby-Miller line would look right at home on the Blue Jackets, Islanders, etc.
Cleary. Can't explain the ice time he gets, or how he hasn't been demoted to the press box yet. Probably the biggest question is, why is there not an emoticon with a smiley face shooting himself in the head? 'Cause that's what I'd use for Cleary in every post game thread from here on out.