Blues can't find Rhythm

"I think if you have a lot of guy injured, it's tough...we get back healthy, those guys...are confident in themselves and keep playing good." - Henrik Zetterberg, post-game interview.

Another big win by the Motown boys tonight as Val Filppula scored twice to help the Wings beat the St. Louis Blues 4-2, maintaining a 4 point lead over the Flames for 8th and, at least for the moment, tying Colorado for the 7th seed.

Let's take a quick look at the three keys from my preview:

1.) Rattle Conker - Well, it took them a period, we'll call it a freebie for Ty, but by the 2nd period, Detroit finally came out with some spurts where the Wings shelled Conklin till he buckled for goals. I personally don't feel Detroit put as much pressure on the former Wing as they should have, but apparently it was enough tonight.

2.) Defend Home Ice - And defend they did! After going down 1-0 in the first, Detroit came on with a renewed vigor and answered back to St. Louis's offensive barrage. It'll feel real good for Mike Babcock and his boys to know they downed one of the best road teams in the league right now.

3.) Convert PP's!! - This one...this one really bothers me. The Wings went 0 for 2 again tonight, making Detroit's current streak 1 for 12 in their last five games, again their last PP goal coming against Calgary. Yeah, it was that far back. I'm concerned because there's going to be games that we have chances on the man-advantage, and if we don't convert we're going to see the Red Wings losing games they might have sent into OT or going past regulation when they really shouldn't be.

Ahh well, we can always trust that Babs will work the kinks out. After all, the Wings previously couldn't score even-strength, and that obviously isn't a problem now, is it...?

Next on tap: The Wings play host again, this time to the Wild, and the Wings will also house a special guest! Herm, from the 'Herm 2 Hockeytown' project, will be in attendance for the game, thanks to the generous donations of not only Red Wings fans, but good-hearted people from all corners of the hockey world. So until then, I wish Herm a safe trip to Motown, and a good night to you Wingnuts!! Let's Go Red Wings!!!