Detroit (24-9-5) VS Philadelphia (23-10-5)
2011 has begun, and the Wings rang in the new year on a sour note, dropping their last game of 2010 it OT to the New York Islanders. They begin anew as they defend the JLA ice against the Flyers, who are only 2 points shy of Detroit's own record coming into tonight's matchup.
Some key notes:
- Detroit needs to win more clutch faceoffs. This was the killer in the NYI game: 3 goals off of blown draws in the defensive zone. 3 faceoffs that, had the Wings won them, would've prevented 3 goals.
- When the Wings -do- lose the draw, they need to get to their assignments much quicker, especially in the D-zone. One of the few things I can remember former coach Mike Milbury saying that made sense was this: if you're going to be successful at the faceoff circle, you have to play it like you're going to lose it. The worst thing that happens then is you do lose the faceoff, but it's better to be prepared for the lost draw than to leave yourself open when it's too late.
- We need to keep the depth scoring going. I was -pumped- to see Tatar net his 1st goal, and it's more performances like that while guys like Dats and Cleary get better.
Enjoy the game, Wingnuts! Let's Go Red Wings!!
