Wings Meet Stevie Y for First Time as Bolts GM

Detroit (34-16-6) @ Tampa Bay (34-17-6)

It's been coming for a while, and whether most people want to admit it or not, they will feel something when it comes gametime tonight. Detroit takes on the Tampa Bay Lightning this evening under General Manager Steve Yzerman, better known in Hockeytown circles as, "The Captain".

Steve has put together an intriguing team when you look at their numbers. They sit atop their division and are 2nd in the East for points, yet their goal differential is a mind-boggling -1. In comparison, the Wings are sitting 2nd in the West, but have a GD of +24. It truly seems this Bolts team we face tonight is being modeled after our beloved Captain: All heart and determination.

That's what could make this match a tough one. So, with that, let's get to The Geek's Winning Formula!

1.) Prepare to Battle - Detroit is going to need to come out fierce tonight and win those puck battles. Tampa has as many points as the Wings without being a dominant offensive or defensive force, so it's clear that the Lightning have simply been making earnest efforts in key areas and are focussed on coming out hard.

2.) Control Emotion - It's going to be a rough game, so the Red Wings need to be careful of getting to nasty when push comes to shove. Keep the dumb penalties to a minimum and match grit for grit, effort for effort. I'm expecting a game where the refs will have the whistles ready to go at any time tonight.

3.) Be Aware - Once we get control of the puck, our boys need to keep it moving, be it forward, backward, or laterally. Make Tampa chase the puck, and make sure they rarely catch up to it. I feel like the more grinding that takes place in this game, the worse it'll be for us, not them.

Should be an interesting game, hope to hear from you all on Twitter during the broadcast!

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

UPDATE: By the way, lucky shirt is on tonight! Here are the respective records as of tonight:

Lucky Shirt: 6-3-0

No Lucky Shirt: 4-3-1

Bert Beats Bruins with Two Pairs in Two Games

Quick recap while waiting for supper.

The Red Wings gained four valuable points in a pair of victories over the Boston Bruins. My question in the aftermath is this: Where the he'll was this effort hiding?? This is the kind of play we need to finish out the season and prepare for the playoffs! I hope Babs keeps pushing the boys with whatever method he used before the Boston games, because it is working.

Wings Get Homer Back, Face Predators

Detroit (32-15-6) VS Nashville (28-19-7)

2011 Lucky Shirt Tracker

With Lucky Shirt (5-2-0), Without (3-3-1)

Oh yeah, I'm back...

I'm adding the LST (please do not confuse with LSD...) so that not only you, my readers, can keep watch on how much of a difference my shirt makes, but also so I don't forget my records!

Detroit defends the JLA ice against the Predators tonight and are getting back Tomas Holmstrom, who has been injured for weeks. Hopefully his assets will be felt on the struggling Detroit powerplay, and provide more versatility in the Wings's lineup.

I've got the lucky shirt on tonight, though I'll miss most--if not all--of the game due to a previous engagement (damnit...!).

Here's a quick Geek's Winning Formula for you!

1.) Work the PP - With a veteran net-presence like Homer back, I should like to think that the Wings will be seeing a lot more chances while the opposing goalies will be seeing far less of them. work the man-advantage hard, boys, we're letting too many good chances go to waste!

2.) Clamp Down Defensively - I feel almost guilty for being so excited over the score of the Wings-Rangers game! 3-2! Whoo, we didn't need to score a touchdown to win the game for once! We're not playing football, guys...we should be winning more games with scores like this.

3.) Simplify the Strategies - I haven't caught much of the last few Wings games, but it sounds like not much has changed. In other words, we've been going into every game thinking we can make 60 foot passes every time and the enemy is somehow not catching on. It's gotten old, guys. You gotta mix it up! Little dump'n'chase, little carrying in, THEN those stretch passes begin to fool people again! You've got to keep the defense honest to go for high-risk plays, or you'll get burned 9 times out of 10.

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

Wings Dance with the Devils

Detroit (29-13-6) VS New Jersey (16-29-3)

With my stage production nearing, my time is getting more limited. One week till showtime, baby!

The Wings play New Jersey tonight for 2 valuable points, which would help us pull closer to the Canucks who have been running away from the West lately. I know it's NJ, but it's no reason to take the game lightly, points are becoming too important as teams are hitting their stride and catching, or in Vancouver's case, passing the Wings.

The Geek's Winning Formula:

1.) Synergy - Yeah, I know, guys are out hurt, doesn't matter. Work better with what you've got instead of waiting for the regulars to come back.

2.) Discipline - We're playing way too sloppy lately. Be aware and don't get cute with your plays when simple tactics can turn into offense.

3.) Urgency - Start fighting for the puck. You can't score if you don't have the puck!

Sorry for the brevity. Enjoy the game, Wingnuts! Let's Go Red Wings!!