Morning Skate: back to Detroit

by Casey Richey on May 4, 2010 7:31 AM CDT in Game Preview

Detroit had hoped for a split in San Jose but two 4-3 losses have the Red Wings in a 2-0 series hole heading back to Detroit.

Detroit needs to play more disciplined hockey. The Wings have given the Sharks 16 power plays (10 in game 2) and it has come back to haunt them on the scoreboard. Giving up a pair of PP goals in each game has been the difference between a win and a loss. Stay out of the box.
Contain Joe Pavelski. This goes with that last point because Pavelski has scored five of his nine goals and all four this series while on the man advantage. He took a whopping 11 shots on net in the last game and scored two goals in three straight games. He's also winning faceoffs at a high rate (81% in the game 2) and helping the Sharks play puck possession hockey better than the Red Wings do.
Somebody needs to help Jimmy Howard out. He's been subject to 5-on-3s in both games so far and has had to save the team from losing games by bigger margins. 4 goals a game doesn't exactly look good but when he has to face so many power plays a game and as many as 45 shots in the last game, he will start to tire.
Niklas Kronwall needs to show up. Kronwall has been MIA for most of the playoffs on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck. By jumping up really high in the attack in the last game and being out of position the Sharks had a three on two the other way with Valtteri Filppula the other defender next to Brad Stuart. That won't cut it in the playoffs, especially against a team like the Sharks.
Pavel Datsyuk is starting to emerge as the offensive leader. Daysuk has been nothing short of great this postseason and has kind of flown under the radar at times (odd for a guy with his skills). He's contributed three straight 2-point games and has been the most confident puck carrier that the Wings have had in the playoffs.
On a similar note, Johan Franzen has become a passing machine. Franzen's earned a point in every game this post season (only Red Wing to do so) and has added 8 assists throughout the course of the games.
Other games: The Bruins took a 2-0 series lead on the Flyers with a Milan Lucic turnaround shot from the slot that beat Brian Boucher late in the third period. The Blackhawks rallied for a win over the Canucks after a shorthanded goal from Patrick Sharp tied it and a Kris Versteeg shot beat Roberto Luongo for the go-ahead goal.
What the Wings need to do: Play puck possession. I know, it's a little hard to do against the Sharks because they do the same thing and also know how to stop it defensively but the Red Wings need to have better puck control and more importantly, win some faceoffs. Control the puck from when it comes into play and keep it until you get a shot on net. It's a lot to ask but the Wings are also getting outhustled up and down the ice and frankly don't have the speed to keep up with the Sharks on end-to-end action.
Fear The Fin is the SB Nation Sharks blog.

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Comments

first!

Not lookin good….maybe 2 consecutive runs to the cup finals is taking its toll

by LoveWingsHatePenguins on May 4, 2010 7:49 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

wings are back home at the joe………………… as long as its the sharks at wings the wings will end up on top but if the refs insist on playing the games with the bull shit calls and allowing san jose to dive they they are in the olympic freestyle the wings will win

by Joseph Jaksa on May 4, 2010 10:10 AM CDT reply actions

Home cooking

Enough with the complaints about the refs, the Wings need to play well enough to not even give the refs a chance to make an impact on the game.

My two favorite teams are the Tigers and Brewers. Drunk tigers. That sounds about right.
Me in 140 characters

by ReichardZ on May 4, 2010 10:13 AM CDT reply actions

I think the complaint is

that they did, but got called for ticky-tack BS anyway. They’re just playing hockey out there; I don’t see how their style has really changed at all from the regular season, but their PPM/GM has shot from 8-something to 13 over the course of the last nine games. Hmmm.

No Limits.

by arkanfel on May 4, 2010 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions

my prediction

as made elsewhere, is essentially that SJS’ luck will catch up to them… in a bad way (for us). They haven’t really had to work all that hard for their victories, and are (in my mind) yet to win without EXCESSIVE aid from the refs. A lot of their goals have come on the PP, and with a 2 game boost on us I’m not sure they really need dodgy officiating to help them out anymore. I get the feeling the refs could pocket their whistles for the rest of the series, but the damage has already been done: two (mostly) artificial wins handed to a team who had the talent to win them on their own does not bode well for me. I’m predicting either a sweep or Sharks in 5.

No Limits.

by arkanfel on May 4, 2010 10:14 AM CDT reply actions

Yea.. ive

heard this tune before… like when last year in the cup finals everyone was most certain we were back to back champs after the first 2 games. However we all know how that played out for us. Personally i think we have played better 5 on 5… and the score sheet shows it. Wings in 6, they wake up today pissed and hungry for some fish. LGRW!!!

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah but

they woke up pissed and hungry before game 2 and look where it got them. I agree that we’ve mostly looked better 5v5, but my point is that the Sharks are a good enough team that I can’t in good conscience count on that to continue. It’s just like how any time the announcer says “Detroit has killed off 39 of its last 41 penalties,” you just know they’re about to give up a PPG. Law of Averages, man! xP

No Limits.

by arkanfel on May 4, 2010 10:34 AM CDT reply actions

obviously that was meant to be a reply >.<

No Limits.

by arkanfel on May 4, 2010 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

I completely

understand. however if the sharks at home didnt look better 5 on 5 then I dont expect that to change because the wings are just as talented. I think from now on play will even out on pp and pk’s and then what are the sharks going to do? If you give the wings that many power plays i gurantee you they win by a bigger margin then 1 every night. I know i just might be sounding like a homer but I have way to much faith in babs and the everyone else to count them out.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions

should be another good game-

hopefully the refs have been perusing the blogosphere and got the message- stop calling every little thing. that way we can talk about hockey not about the rules of hockey.

detroit’s ability to hard-match tonight could be the difference in this one, unless mclellen skates marleau on the 3rd line to spread some the speed and size around. either way, another great game coming up in the series.

if detroit is going to win one, it is this game. i would be surprised if san jose comes out with a win tonight, but i was also mildly surprised that they made it out of the first round by playing some damn good playoff hockey.

Go Sharks.

"Devin Setoguchi’s haircut has released the dragon" ~Drew Remenda

For some reason I have a feeling Jumbo is going to be a goddamn beast this year. Sharks are going to be tied 1-1 in the series going on the road for game three in the first round, and five minutes into the second he is just going to take over. ~Plank

"He (Iginla) thinks he’s a pretty tough guy, so why not?" ~ Ryan Clowe

by Jay Fin Anderson on May 4, 2010 10:44 AM CDT reply actions

Yea,

I think both teams are getting the shaft by not being able to play to their full potentials. I think tonight will be different. The league has to let these 2 teams play. A. im getting tired of talking and hearing about it. and B. cause we are losing lol.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

in fairness

its hard to argue a team is getting the shaft when they lead the series by 2 and have so many PPG’s :P

No Limits.

by arkanfel on May 4, 2010 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

could have worded that better

what I mean to say is that the FANS may be getting the shaft on account of the calling (not fun to watch, breaks flow, etc), but really only one (ahem) of the teams is.

No Limits.

by arkanfel on May 4, 2010 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Thought

i would save another redundant agrument.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Detroit should be ready to pound San Jose. I’m a H-U-G-E Sharks fan – BUT I’ve also been a Wings fan for many years (the only two teams that I would name my children after), so I hate seeing Detroit looking like the they’re frustrated and scattered out there. I haven’t seen the Wings play like that in a while – actually letting the other team “get to” them. I think the Wings will get their sh*t together tonight, and would be totally floored if SJ manages a G3 win.

I love me some Franzen, and love that he’s been awake in this series so far – but Pavelski is THE MAN, and he won’t stop scoring ‘til the playoffs are over. He’s definitely not over taking home that silver medal in the Olympics.

by JenLovesHockey on May 4, 2010 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

I understand

he has four goals… but any 5 on 3 goal isnt what you would call spectacular. And yes he has 2.. 5 on 3 goals. He is good.. but I would take dats anyday and twice on sunday.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Dats IS awesome, I know.

by JenLovesHockey on May 4, 2010 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

He's got 9 goals in the playoffs.

Even if you remove those 2 from him, he’s still playing pretty amazingly. And the ability to reliably cash in on those opportunities is nice too.

by warning on May 4, 2010 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah I'm surprised that Z was pointless in games 1 and 2.

Hank should pick things up tonight. I expect him to make sh*t happen for you guys.

by JenLovesHockey on May 4, 2010 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

I didnt

mean throughout the playoffs.. I just meant vs detroit. And yes he is good.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah

even though 5 of his 9 were in a PP, doesnt mean they dont count.

by mikerlz on May 4, 2010 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Okay, just saying it

If you name any child “Red Wing” or “Shark”… well, just don’t :P

by warning on May 4, 2010 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

I thought Redwing as one word for a girl would be cute. And Shark for a boy. Or at least name ’em after the players :)

by JenLovesHockey on May 4, 2010 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions

I named

my siberian husky datsyuk.. I dont think it works for children.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah it really only ever worked alright for Brooks Orpik (named after Herb Brooks). (Yeah I know, Boo, Pens)

by JenLovesHockey on May 4, 2010 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Pavs has been on a hot-streak since the Olympics.

I think Z will really show up tonight at JLA. Got my money on Dats, Mule, and Z owning the show. Still rootin’ for the Sharks :P but hoping for a good game.

by JenLovesHockey on May 4, 2010 11:06 AM CDT reply actions

Im hoping for 10-0 win for the wings honestly.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the Wings pummelled SJ like that today.

BUT – if the Wings can’t manage a win today, for whatever reason, then I expect a full-on riot in downtown Detroit tonight.

by JenLovesHockey on May 4, 2010 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

You Wings Fans are stupid

Most of you say the Wings play good puck possession game blah blah blah, but most of the time I see them running picks and interfering with the oposition players! Yeah, they interfere like crazy out there u idiots! And Wings are not good anymore! They were good during the days of Yzerman and Fedorov (1990’s). Wings line up are the same as any other above average team in the NHL. The only thing the wings got is that some teams are intimidated by them and their successful history in the NHL. Other than that anyone can beat them, if they work hard! Stop your crying you little b-tches! I’ll mail you some tissues if u need em’ .. I’m not trashing your team, just telling you how it is.. so hopefully it will wake ur asses up. Everyone team has their goods and bads. But the bottom line is Wings are getting old and people don’t want them to win anymore because they been winning too much in the past 10 years. Like I already said, some teams are afraid of wings. But if the wings rename their team to a name like utah pinkwings. Other teams will beat them like an expansion team! So shut the hell up! And stop crying on the refs! You act like the wings are the only ones getting bad calls…

by Pavelski 4 Prez on May 4, 2010 11:50 AM CDT reply actions

The one nice thing about posts like this

Is that it makes us Wings fan look remarkably intelligent and classy in comparison.

Thankfully this fool isn’t representative of the other shark folks who’ve come around here (well, most at least). Thank you to the majority shark fans who haven’t acted like this poster.

by Brobz on May 4, 2010 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

This isn't even a real account

Some fan trolling. We’re better than that, on the whole, I swear.

by warning on May 4, 2010 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions

haha

But the bottom line is Wings are getting old and people don’t want them to win anymore because they been winning too much in the past 10 years.

by mikerlz on May 4, 2010 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

by Brobz on May 4, 2010 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions

the 90's?

didnt we win the cup in 02 and 08.. o and the finals last year… yea are run is over lol.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

okay now, let's not be assholes

Whether you’re a Sharks or Wings fan, Troll = Loser.

So, dude, unless you have any intelligent or insightful commentary, rather than making personal attacks on Wings fans, go back to FTF.

by JenLovesHockey on May 4, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions

and yes this is coming from a Sharks fan.

by JenLovesHockey on May 4, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions

HAHAHA

he cant. he isnt even a member of his “beloved” sharks blg

by dhall25 on May 4, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

blog*

by dhall25 on May 4, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

its ok

he was a sock account. i hope you guys havent been getting half as many as us over here. i never really reply to them but i just got a chuckle out of that quote

by mikerlz on May 4, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

why in hell would anyone rename the team the Utah pinkwings

you sir, are an idiot.
to quote Billy Madison

what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on May 4, 2010 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Dude... shut up!

You’re making all Sharks fans look bad… idiot…

First off, the Red Wings are one hell of a team. Yeah, I’m a Sharks fan, but look at their history! They may be one of the best franchises in all of sports…

What... u got something to say to a Middle Schooler???? Well.... that was very mean.... you hurt my feelings

by sharkzfan on May 4, 2010 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL Classy!

You want class go get some English tea! you panzie. This is NHL HOCKEY! Wake up fooo! And stop your crying b-tch! Truth hurts huh!?

by Pavelski 4 Prez on May 4, 2010 12:00 PM CDT reply actions

LOL...

you win 2 games vs the wings by a nose hair and you come and troll. How old are you? and who is the bitch… creating an account to hide your retarded ass.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions

You obviously have no clue what you are talking about..My guess is you have been watching the Sharks for about 1-2 years (like about 80% of the SJ fan base)..check your facts before you run your mouth, buddy.

by Redwing3602 on May 4, 2010 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

You obviously have no clue what you are talking about..My guess is you have been watching the Sharks for about 1-2 months (like about 90% of the SJ fan base)..check your facts before you run your mouth, buddy.

Fixed it.

by Robocop on May 4, 2010 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

It’s “pansy”. After reading both of your deplorable comments, all I can say is that you might want to explore a remedial English course.

by Krononymous on May 4, 2010 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Be a real Sharks fan...

and like…
be a RESPECTFUL person, not some idiot that bitches around…

We may be called names and such since we support the Sharks, but that doesn’t give you the right to go out and call out the Wings and their fans…

They are gonna come out with a vengeance tonight…. and I’m gonna miss it due to Versus wanting to show the stupid Pitt-Mont game on the East Coast (don’t know if thats true on the West too…)

What... u got something to say to a Middle Schooler???? Well.... that was very mean.... you hurt my feelings

by sharkzfan on May 4, 2010 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Just like I hope you realize 99% of Wings fans are respectful, we know that this one douchetard doesn’t represent the whole of Sharks-nation.

Hopefully you can find a bar with Center Ice, then again, tonights game may not be pretty for your team.

by Robocop on May 4, 2010 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Alright time to rally back

2 big time wins in the Joe coming up!…Wings 4-2 tonight

TULO = 2010 MVP!

Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."

LETS GO WINGS!

by TuLoRocks2008 on May 4, 2010 12:20 PM CDT reply actions

Anyone know what's up the TV scheduling?

Given that both the Wings game and the Pens game are on VS, what’s the deal?

by Brobz on May 4, 2010 12:21 PM CDT reply actions

of course thhe penguins are on tv

both games tuesday and thursday….we come on in progress so of course i have to watch online for most of the game

TULO = 2010 MVP!

Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."

LETS GO WINGS!

by TuLoRocks2008 on May 4, 2010 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Wings are on FSN for the remainder of this round.

This isn’t a VS exclusive for either team. So, in regional (FSD, FSP) will carry the game in their respective markets, with VS carrying the other game. Outside of that though, I’m not sure how they’ll resolve the conflict.

by Robocop on May 4, 2010 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions

HA HA

Why is it that none of you f-ggots can handle the facts? Yzerman is out! Fed is out, Larionov out! Those guys are what makes your precious wings team great, without those types of guys ur team is just regular! Other teams are stupid because they are afraid of the Name Detroit , thats all!!!! so shut the hell up! Look at dallas f-ckers! No Hull, No Langenbruner, no Modano, no Sydor, Hatcher! F-ck u all, I made my point! Ur just defending ur team cuz of your pride u dumb sons of b-tches.

by Pavelski 4 Prez on May 4, 2010 3:09 PM CDT reply actions

again..

i dont think yzerman nor larionov or federov have been on the team the past 2 years… you dont know hockey… so please your wasting our time.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions

bond021

go suck a d-ck! you dumb b-tch! so you like Baseball mother f-cker!?? isn’t the yankees a good ?? b-tch! why the f-ck do u think they are good?? Because they money on good players mother f-cker!

by Pavelski 4 Prez on May 4, 2010 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions

yea they

are good. never said they werent……. d-ck b-tch f-cker..so intelligent. Im so glad you came to wiim.. you truly are entertaining.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Isnt the yankees

good… bay area is lacking in educational values it looks like.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

I take these facts and shove it down your throats! Cause I see too much b-tching and crying in here, makes me wanna puke.!@

by Pavelski 4 Prez on May 4, 2010 3:11 PM CDT reply actions

Are you 12?

by Brobz on May 4, 2010 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions

That's a serious question.

by Brobz on May 4, 2010 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions

If so

i want to kick is father in the balls so he can never reproduce another stain on society like this one.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions

His** not is.....

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions

then puke

no skin off my nose

No Limits.

by arkanfel on May 4, 2010 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

HA HA HA

All your replies only fuel my fire!! Seriously, if you are hockey fans, and read my words and not judge them, you’ll probably be embarrass and shoot yourself in the face ! haha

by Pavelski 4 Prez on May 4, 2010 3:24 PM CDT reply actions

You all just can't handle my sh-t

If I was a pro hockey player, I’ll f-cking break everyone’s leg to win!

by Pavelski 4 Prez on May 4, 2010 3:24 PM CDT reply actions

if you were

a fetus i would have you aborted.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

This is exactly why I am huge fan of post-birth abortion.

by Robocop on May 4, 2010 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Ha ha

I am now

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions

again

but +1 on the fetus comment

by openwindow on May 4, 2010 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions

I dunno

trolling trolls is fun >_>

No Limits.

by arkanfel on May 4, 2010 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I predict

3-2 Wings win in OT, Cleary scores.

by Elfuego51 on May 4, 2010 4:24 PM CDT reply actions

too close

for me… but i would take a win no matter how you cut it.

by bond021 on May 4, 2010 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions

On the assumption that if they keep scoring three they will eventually win one?

by bleep bloop on May 4, 2010 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions

LMAO!!!

Cry more you babies! cry a fuking river! What the fuk did I tell you stupid azz redwings fans huh? Redwings are average! They not elite anymore without Yzerman, Shannahan, etc… So now all of you fukheads enjoy watching sharks beat their next opponents. Sit back and enjoy the show u crying little pussies.

by LOL_CRY_MOREBITCHES on May 9, 2010 2:09 AM CDT reply actions