Wings Hope to Close 2010 with a Bang VS NYI

Detroit (24-9-4) VS New York [Islanders] (10-19-6)

Just in time, thank god I woke up before the game...really haven't been well these last few days.

The Red Wings end the year with a match with the Islanders, who tromped all over Detroit 6-0 the last time the two teams faced off. Let's see if we can't turn that score around this time and end 2010 on the really good note!

With it so close to gametime, I'm going to mix it up and come back to update my thoughts between each period, so stay tuned, Wingnuts, there's more to come!!

Let's Go Red Wings!!

1st Period

(7:28 EST) - Wings are looking better after a pair of flat PP chances. Mule just scored off a nice, quick feed from Hank, Wings up 1-0. SOG are 9-0.

(7:32) - Bert just ran over Roloson out-of-crease and the Islanders got their own PP, scoring on their first shot. The Wings need to keep applying pressure here and not let this deflate them early.

(7:42) - The Wings are doing well at clogging up the neutral zone, but are lagging a bit when the Isles do manage to get into Detroit's end. Need to keep New York's shot total down and keep to their style of play.

2nd Period

(8:14) - Passed out for the start of the period, nice to see there's been no more damage done, but sad to see Detroit hasn't been able to score in almost 10 minutes of play...

(8:22) - Just had a big chance on the PP but Dwayne Roloson robbed Kronner. Still finding the Wings are passing WAY too much on the PP and not driving the net looking for rebounds.

(8:32) - Wings are looking slow out there now, and VERY bad on the draw. Another bad faceoff just went in the net, 3-1 Isles right now with the period about to end.

3rd Period

(8:58) - Invited out to a NYE party and have to leave early, I'll leave you with this thought that I brought up on Twitter: The Islanders have been making much better choices when a scoring chance presents itself. The Wings need to take notes and start doing the same. Cut the cute passing crap and drive the net, drive Roloson crazy, and get some more pucks past him. Also? Start winning some damned defensive zone faceoffs!!

I have faith, boys! Don't let your fans down!!

Here We Go Again: Ozzie400 Take 3

Detroit (22-9-4) @ Colorado (19-12-4)

Third time's the charm, right?

Here's the lesson plan:

- Ozzie gets his 3rd crack at win #400, fingers are crossed!

- Danny Cleary has a busted ankle, out a month (FFFFFUUU-)

- Jan Mursak gets to debut tonight against the Avs! Even if he does nothing but maybe get in a fight, I'll be satisfied.

The Red Wings need to review their play from last game and come out with a repeat performance as far as energy and pressure goes.

It's almost gametime, Wingnuts, enjoy the game! Let's Go Red Wings!!

Quick and Simple works for Blogs AND Hockey Teams

Detroit plays Minnesota tonight. If they play 60 minutes of hockey, they'll win. If they don't, they'll lose. Simple. Doesn't take a geek to figure it out. Now let's see if the Wings do.

It's boxing day and I'm busy eating Christmas leftovers! Go enjoy the game!

Let's go Wingnuts! Let's Go Red Wings!!

Osgood Tries Again for 400 in St. Louis

Detroit (21-8-4) @ St. Louis (16-12-5)

There's that damned number. It's staring Chris Osgood right in the face. It's staring all of us in the face, but we all know that it's the last thing on Ozzie's mind. As the Red Wings come off a thrilling OT win against Vancouver, they land in St. Louis for the date with the Blues, one of Chris's former teams. You want a fitting time for Osgood to win #400? How about doing it in front of two of the teams he's played for? Not at home? I don't care. A win is a win, and at the end of the night, Ozzie will be more pleased to walk away with 2 points for his team than his 400th win.

Just to switch it up, instead of the Geek's Winning Formula, I'm going to give you The Geek's Straight-A Star of the Game. Tonight, I'm expecting a Straight-A performance from Henrik Zetterberg. With Pavel Datsyuk out four weeks with a busted hand, I expect Hank to step up huge, and I expect he will start tonight. My report card for Z: 1G, 2A.

Enjoy the game, Wingnuts! Let's go Red Wings!!