Post-Penance Day, How will Wings Play Against Preds?

Coach Mike Babcock called it "Penance Day". It was the day after a jaw-droppingly embarrassing loss to the St. Louis Blues that showed fans all across the nation how important Chris Osgood and Jimmy Howard can be. Between Joey MacDonald and Thomas McCollum, and along with a terrible display of team "defense", the Wings surrendered goals in the double-digits in a 10-3 spanking. It as the worst loss the Wings had been handed in years.

And it was just the thing they needed.

I truly believe that this has the potential to be the turning point of the season for the Red Wings, but it's up to the Wings to make it happen, and it begins today in Nashville. The Predators have owned the season series, only dropping the first game to Detroit back in October. Nashville's goalie, Pekka Rinne, has also had our number but regardless of that fact is the point that Rinne has been solid all season, giving up 2 or less goals 26 times this season.

In short: This is a good test for the Wings against a division rival, one that can help them really get it back on track.

Thankfully, it looks as though Jimmy Howard is ready to come back, which means Osgood can rest easy, not worrying about the fact that he could outplay Joey MacDonald even -with- a hernia. Also in medical news, Pavel Datsyuk was being re-evaluated today but it appears he will sit for another game, another nasty blow to the Wings. In games like the one against St. Louis, it becomes so apparent how effective and valuable Datsyuk is to the team between his offensive pressure and his defensive capabilities.

Either way, the Red Wings need to find a way to piece together some successful hockey, the playoffs are looming.

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

Wings Bring Out Leaf Blower, Topple Toronto; Howard Injury Concerns

Well, it was almost a great game last night.

Usually I would have no complaints about trouncing the Maple Leafs 4-2, effectively driving the nail in their coffin with regards to a playoff berth. Not everything went according to plan, however. Jiri Hudler scored the game-winning goal a mere 38 seconds after the Leafs' Joffrey Lupul tied the game on a play which saw him bowl over Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard, landing atop the face-down Howard, and sweeping the puck into the net. To no one's surprise, the goal was allowed perhaps simply due to the fact that the goal scorer was not named Holmstrom, but the goal was the least of Detroit's concerns. Jimmy Howard had been hurt during the play.

Howard was seen leaving the ice slowly, reaching up toward the right side of his upper body. There still has not been conclusive information revealed as to the extent of the injury, however Red Wings GM Ken Holland has mentioned that he and the staff believe the injury is not as bad as initially feared, referring to it as a possible strain or sprain of his shoulder. Howard will be checked out to be certain that the injury is minimal.

If you're like me, then you're praying that minimal is the conclusion the doctors come back with. With Chris Osgood still hampered by a lingering hernia, we're faced with that dread-filled possibility of Joey MacDonald becoming our #1 goaltender temporarily. This leaves the Wings with two options if something major is found to be wrong with Howard: Either Detroit tries to push ahead Osgood's return, which is currently slated for the last 2 games of the season, and try to get him back in form for the playoffs OR the Wings let Ozzie rest completely, give Joey MacDonald the starts to round out the season and bring Osgood in fresh for the postseason. Pick your poison.

This is just speculation, and it does sound like the Howard injury is minor, but I'll still be concerned until I finally hear that Jimmy is cleared to play again.

Detroit Dances with Nashville

Detroit (43-20-8) @ Nashville (36-25-10)

The Red Wings, who have found themselves on the right side of the scoreboard recently, look to keep with the pattern of success when they visit the Predators. Jimmy Howard, who is currently tied for the lead in goaltender wins with Carey Price at 34, will get the nod this evening.

In related news, it seems my man Pavel Datsyuk will be missing tonight's game, which saddens me like the loss of a firstborn child.* I always hate seeing Dats miss time, not only because of how good he is by himself, but how much he helps improve the team as a whole.

*(Merely being jovial, apologies to anyone who has lost a firstborn son.)

Also, it's been confirmed that Johan Franzen will also miss tonight's game due to "wear and tear".

Hopefully there's still plenty of spark in the Wings who remain healthy, we need to keep this run going!

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

Wings Hope to Clip Caps at Home

Detroit (41-20-8) VS Washington (41-20-10)

The Red Wings face an unfamiliar foe tonight as they take to the ice at Joe Louis Arena to square off with the Washington Capitals. Detroit has been making a good effort of recovering from their recent 4 game winless streak and look to maintain their winning ways this evening against a very hot Washington squad.

Jimmy Howard, who was likely looking forward to getting decent help in net with the return of Chris Osgood, is undoubtedly groaning in his mind as Joey MacDonald was called up today to play backup. Osgood is apparently still feeling soreness from the sports hernia that has kept him out of the lineup since mid-January.

Washington won on the road last night against a persistent Canadiens team, and have stretched their current win streak to 9 games. It is without a doubt that the Caps will come out hungry to keep their streak alive. It's up to the Red Wings to shut down the cruising Capitals and earn another important 2 points to keep San Jose off their tail.

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

Oh, and just to add, no lucky shirt tonight. Here's how the records look going into tonight:

LUCKY SHIRT: 10-5-0

NO LUCKY SHIRT: 6-6-2