Detroit (8-3-1) VS Phoenix (4-5-4)
The Red Wings took 2 of 3 games in Western Canada after dropping a disappointing game to the Canucks on Saturday by a score of 6-4. Detroit now hopes to begin a new winning streak by starting a 6-game homestand against the Phoenix Coyotes tonight.
Reports have already come in that the scratches have been decided. With Brian Rafalski coming back tonight, Jakub Kindl is being given the axe in place of Jonathan Ericsson (who I would much rather see sit), and Jiri Hudler somehow managed to convince coach Mike Babcock to remain in the lineup for tonight's match, despite his terrible play before AND after being benched. Drew Miller is the scapegoat for Hudler's frolicking this evening, a move that I highly question given how poorly our PK units performed at the end of the game against the Canucks.
Which brings me to The Geek's Winning Formula for tonight:
1.) Poise, Poise!! - It's one of Babcock's keywords, but I didn't see a whole lot of it on Saturday. The Red Wings played sloppy--undisciplined even--hockey through most of that game. It'd take longer to review what they did poorly than to talk about what they did well, which has to change tonight. Back to basics, nothing fancy, and stop taking lazy penalties!
2.) A New Day - I really had hoped Ozzie would be back in time for this game, and he did skate in practice, but it appears Jimmy Howard will be forced to start again tonight. Howie needs to shake off that ugly game on Saturday and start fresh against the 'Yotes. Having Rafalski back on the blueline will help make Jimmah's life easier.
3.) Adaptability - This one is very quick: Babs usually does this, but if something in the lines stps working, please, PLEASE do not waste time trying to let it iron itself out and make a change, any change. If we aren't going to score on the PP chances and if we start playing like we did on Saturday, something needs to change.
Missing most of this game for work (Man, why can't I get day shifts???), but I'll be there in spirit.
Enjoy the game, Wingnuts! Let's Go Red Wings!!
