Starting On Time: Red Wings 5 - Coyotes 2

by Amerinadian on Dec 8, 2011 9:33 PM CST in Game Recaps

Now that's more like it.

After Tuesday's snoozefest against the Blues, the Detroit Red Wings found themselves mired in their 3rd losing streak of the season. However, the NHL's best team at home decided to reassert a little dominance and get back to winning by taking out all of their frustrations on a Phoenix Coyotes team that has been surprising everyone yet again.

The first period was nothiing short of a slaughter. The Wings scored like it was a Chicago election, early and often. Todd Bertuzzi got the Wings on the board seventy six seconds into the game, and 43 seconds later Valtteri Filppula announced his return to the lineup by scoring his 9th goal of the season. After about 12 minutes of relative quiet, the Wings exploded for 3 goals in the final 6 minutes of the period, kicked off with a power play goal by Tomas Holmstrom. Darren Helm and Jiri Hudler rounded out the scoring in the first, and the rout was on.

The rest of the game was really just about the Wings not getting hurt, although Radim Vrbata let go a laser of a shot that beat Jimmy Howard high glove side and ruined the shutout, and Martin Hanzal's ass deflected a Shane Doan shot while the Wings were killing a penalty. Other than that, the second and third periods were pretty uneventful, and the Wings coasted to a 5-2 win.

This one was over before it began. Follow the jump for the bullets.

Holy forecheck, Batman! After being outplayed physically in the latter stages of their games against both the Avalanche and Blues, the Wings came out with a very aggressive gameplan against the Coyotes, forcing numerous turnovers in the Phoenix zone, many of which ended up in the back of the net.
I understand that it's easy to let up a little when building such a big lead, but in today's NHL where anything can get called and with the Wings having a less-than-stellar PK, Detroit has got to remember that it takes a full 60 minute effort to put teams away these days. Fans should never be nervous in the third period of a game in which the Wings had a 5 goal lead. Thankfully it never got closer than 5-2, but it would still be nice to see some urgency in the Wings' game even with such a big lead. I guess 20 minutes of the Wings' best is better than most teams' 60 minute efforts.
After never scoring in a Wings loss until 2 games ago, Johan Franzen had 2 goals in the last 2 games but the Wings came up empty. Tonight, 10 Red Wing players registered a point, but the Mule was held off the scoresheet. Moral of the story? Don't feed the Mule anymore.
Phoenix has been one of the surprise teams again this season, and Mike Smith has been a big part of why they are leading the Pacific (heading into action tonight). I'm not about to base my opinion of the Coyotes off of one game, especially the blitz that was the first period, but let's just say that I had a flashback to last April during that period.
Welcome back Valtteri Filppula. The Kevlar Wonder returned to the lineup after missing a game and a half, and he immediately made his presence felt when he scored just over 2 minutes into the first period. His presence on seemed to spark Henrik Zetterberg, who was skating with purpose tonight. Flip ended up with 2 more points to move ever closer to destroying his career high and did not seem at all hampered by the leg injury.
All I want for Christmas is for Pavel Datsyuk to be ok.
This was a pretty "meh" game. The first period was exciting, but then the Wings just sat back and were content to hold on to their lead. It wasn't exactly firebrand, end-to-end hockey, but it was effective, and they got the 2 points. I just really hope that no one comes over here and calls the Wings "boring"; I don't think my thin skin could take such an insult.

After taking on the old Jets, the Wings will have tomorrow off before taking on that traditional Eastern powerhouse, the Winnipeg nuJets. This game actually is interesting because the nuJets will be in the same conference as the Wings next year, and I for one am excited for the chance to face Dustin Byfuglien 6 times a year again; after all, he was such a force when he was a Blackhawk.

Poll

Who was the Wings' Player of the Game?

Valtteri Filppula (1G, 1A, +1)

95 votes

Henrik Zetterberg (2A, +1, 56A% FOW)

28 votes

Tomas Holmstrom (GWG)

3 votes

Jimmy Howard (30 SVs, didn't fall asleep like the rest of us)

34 votes

160 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 33 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I just really hope that no one comes over here and calls the Wings “boring”; I don’t think my thin skin could take such an insult.

TROOOOLLLL!

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 8, 2011 9:37 PM CST reply actions

Eh

No one that matters is going to see it.

Winging It In Motown

by Amerinadian on Dec 8, 2011 9:55 PM CST up reply actions

All I want for Christmas is for Pavel Datsyuk to be ok.

I missed the game, please tell me that there were no injuries to any Pavel Datsyuks. Please.

by WingnutNorthOfThe49 on Dec 8, 2011 9:52 PM CST reply actions

Per MLive

Datsyuk is just fine. He was a little sore entering the game and they took advantage of the big lead to get him some rest.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2011/12/red_wings_pavel_datsyuk_is_fin.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Winging It In Motown

by Amerinadian on Dec 8, 2011 9:55 PM CST up reply actions

I'd be sore too if I could dangle dangle like he can with the ladies.

I hate Jonathon Ericsson.

by Brion on Dec 8, 2011 9:57 PM CST up reply actions

Phew

Thanks for clearing that one up, I was about to get my prayer beads out.

by WingnutNorthOfThe49 on Dec 8, 2011 10:04 PM CST up reply actions

Don't worry I think even god is a wings fan

by nebuchadnezzar on Dec 8, 2011 10:58 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

of course he is

Wings’ road games sell out his arena.

Think about how stupid the average person is, and then realize that half of them are even stupider! --George Carlin

by J_Stone on Dec 9, 2011 12:30 AM CST up reply actions

Well, that was terrifying to watch.

;)

Counting down the days to December 30th. :D

Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?

by mhsilver on Dec 8, 2011 11:21 PM CST reply actions

tick tock tick tock tick tock

that’s the sound of time running out for the blackhawks being at the top of the conference and division…they give up too many goals and that will be their undoing in the end. now all the sudden crawford is struggling and if it weren’t for the fact they score at least one or two more goals then they let in won’t last forever either. this is the same team which needed help getting into the playoffs and which also folded like an old chase lounge in the first round. way to defend your cup championship!

"If we knew what the outcome would be it wouldn't be called hindsight."

by wjr on Dec 8, 2011 11:26 PM CST up reply actions

Uh..... right.

Blackhawks bleed Red & White.
We are all Canucks...including Toews, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, ...need I go on?

by mhsilver on Dec 8, 2011 11:32 PM CST up reply actions

dunno about that

yeah they needed help to get that last seed but they came back to to push a game 7 and who knows what would have happened if it weren’t for that turnover in OT

by mikerlz on Dec 8, 2011 11:48 PM CST up reply actions

Well that's not very nice...

If you think about it.. they are sort of stuck where we were last year. Were they in the lead? … sure… But, like you say, it’s a house of cards. We let far too many goals in last year and allowed too many shots. The saving grace was we averaged around 4 goals per game so it saved our ass. That can only continue for so long. Even if it doesn’t… I feel sorry for Crawford… not only is he having a less than stellar year, but the defense in front of him isn’t helping his case. I’m looking forward to December 30th. :)

Your Photochop Guru
Maker of Movie Posters
Quoter of Nonsense

Want RedWings inspired stuff?
My wife makes some...
byjenniferleigh.etsy.com/

by Josh Howard on Dec 9, 2011 7:03 AM CST up reply actions

He's right on some counts

The Hawks are a good team and Toews is playing out of his mind right now, so well that I’d put him as one of the 3 finalists for the Hart. They’ve got a top-6 group of forwards that can score with anyone, and their defense has the potential to be really good.

But like the Wings of the last 2 years, they can’t hold leads and they can’t prevent goals, and I’ll agree with wjr that this will be their undoing. Crawford’s struggles are pretty well-documented at this point, but he may come out of it. If Crawford doesn’t pull his head out of his ass and the Wings keep playing the way they are, then I predict the Wings will own at least a share of the division lead by the time they meet on the 30th.

Winging It In Motown

by Amerinadian on Dec 9, 2011 7:39 AM CST up reply actions

agreed

I have Toews on my fantasy team and was about to trade him earlier in the season… then the chemistry on his line kicked in and BAM the dude is a scoring MACHINE. Kinda jealous.

Your Photochop Guru
Maker of Movie Posters
Quoter of Nonsense

Want RedWings inspired stuff?
My wife makes some...
byjenniferleigh.etsy.com/

by Josh Howard on Dec 9, 2011 8:14 AM CST up reply actions

Loved what I saw

but again, I don’t get it. Why keep hitting the brakes after building a lead? Babs said it perfectly during intermission interview. “We need to spend more time with the puck in their end rather then ours in this next period.” and what happened was Wings took stupid penalties and that resulted in scoring chances which never would have happened otherwise. BUT…at least these were actual Wings penalties and not as a result of the opposing team doing things to their teammates which got hung on the Wings. Small steps I guess. overall, great effort and comforting to see happen. as for Datsyuk, hope he’s feeling better soon. Wings can ill-afford to be without him in the lineup for very long.

great seeing Filppula back in action too! wow! what a return to the lineup tonight was for him. zetterberg looked all energized out there and big bert putting it to them right from the get go! glad to see huds and helm getting on the board for a change…they’ve been grinding like crazy lately and good to see them get opportunities to score. homer…well that’s just how homer operates isn’t it? awesome!

wanna go on record to say I’m not a fan of this game plan of building a quick lead and then sitting on it. imo it leaves the Wings in a precarious posistion due to their PK not exactly being what it needs to be. kinda thinking they might need to start playing commie more. if you’re not going to be able to play offense all game, you better be able to play defense, right?

oh well, time will tell. have to remember the Wings for whatever reason are streaky this season. josh mentioned that in a reply the other day. (sighing) “attention passengers, this is the co-pilot speaking. we’re encountering some turbulence so if you would kindly observe the fasten seatbelt signs and please bring all seats and trays to an upright posistion at this time.” i just hope there aren’t any god-damned snakes on this plane!

"If we knew what the outcome would be it wouldn't be called hindsight."

by wjr on Dec 8, 2011 11:21 PM CST reply actions

There aren't any mother f'ing snakes on this mother f'ing plane!?!?!

Your Photochop Guru
Maker of Movie Posters
Quoter of Nonsense

Want RedWings inspired stuff?
My wife makes some...
byjenniferleigh.etsy.com/

by Josh Howard on Dec 9, 2011 7:05 AM CST up reply actions

Conner had possibly his best game as a wing

and got his first point too. Guy’s getting more and more comfortable with each game

I Like Pie

by mrsunshine on Dec 9, 2011 12:05 AM CST reply actions

Its going to create some controversy when Mursak and Eaves return

Datsyukian Deke, Detroit Red Wings Blog
Follow @cnsportsblogs

by Detroitnr1 on Dec 9, 2011 5:58 AM CST up reply actions

Not a bad thing.

Competition is a good thing when it means we might end up having the best product on the ice on any given night.

Your Photochop Guru
Maker of Movie Posters
Quoter of Nonsense

Want RedWings inspired stuff?
My wife makes some...
byjenniferleigh.etsy.com/

by Josh Howard on Dec 9, 2011 7:06 AM CST up reply actions

Can I vote for the Phoenix defense for PotG?

Thanks to their “stellar” play in the first period, the Wings had a relatively easy game. It would have been nice to see a few more goals from the boys in red in the second and third periods, but I won’t complain too much.

Looks like I’ve got one more game at least to enter the prediction contest. Don’t know if I’ll get a chance on Saturday due to a busy schedule, but I should be back for the next game.

by zfan16 on Dec 9, 2011 8:17 AM CST reply actions

Bertuzzi's post game interview.

I don’t have the interview in front of me, so I’m paraphrasing.
We came out and played really good in the first period, but weren’t very good in the second and third. Trevor asked him if it’s human to sort of sit back when you have a 5 goal lead. Bertuzzi said, yes it is, and we’re only human ( clearly trying throw suspicion away from Lidstrom) but people pay money to come here and watch us and we owe them to play a full game and give them better.

I’ve come to expect the standard responses to questions, but I was impressed with Bert’s answer and happy to hear that the players know and understand. I really try not to be to harsh on them, because they are human after all and I try to keep that in mind. Besides, could we really have handled two more periods like the first? It might have been too exciting and overwhelming.

On Zetterberg: He’s clearly not been himself and has often looked like he’s hurt or struggling through something. But I’m wondering if in addition to whatever may be bothering him physically, if his role is changing. I don’t have enough in depth knowledge of the mechanics of hockey yet to break it down further, but It seems to me like he’s been more in the position of a set up guy than in a position to score a lot of goals. Anyone have some insight into this?

by SlapshotGoal on Dec 9, 2011 8:49 AM CST reply actions

but people pay money to come here and watch us and we owe them to play a full game and give them better.

Good answer, Bert.

As far as Z, I believe it was Malik who said the other day that he’s been skating with a hard plastic protector on his wrist lately and that may have something to do with it. I think another thing which is coming back for him this year is that he’s a very fast and smooth skater, but he doesn’t accelerate well.

Honestly, I want to see him driving the middle more often though. The penalty he drew last night when Filppula hit him coming up through center ice looked more like it. I want to see more of that.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 9, 2011 10:31 AM CST up reply actions

I was impressed with Bert's frankness and honesty.

I didn’t know about the wrist protector. That could explain the lack of shots. Z’s skating makes me think of a freight train. He’s a little slow and rough to get going, but when he does… look out. I hope whatever is bothering him heals quickly. When Z is on top of his game, he can dominate like few others. It’s pure joy for me to watch him because he’s so smart with his play, but watching him chase the puck into the corner, get molested by 2 or 3 opposing players, come out with the puck on a string and either make an amazing pass leading to a goal, or netting it himself makes me feel like a giddy school girl. I’m convinced that he’s injured in some way because you won’t convince me that he’s playing the way he is for any other reason. Get better soon Z, we all need you.

by SlapshotGoal on Dec 9, 2011 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd

I concur in all respects. Something’s got to be really bothering him because he’s got a backhand shot that’s sick and generally he gets a lot of shots on goal. The wrist protector could be the reason for doing more passing than shooting.

by zfan16 on Dec 9, 2011 11:57 AM CST up reply actions

Z

I start gettin halfchub when I see Z start hopping on his skates when he turns up ice with the puck at an angle. ‘Cause I know he’s about to drop the lead in his pants and go hard.

by Red Wing Nut on Dec 9, 2011 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

Made me laugh...

…for the chance to face Dustin Byfuglien 6 times a year again; after all, he was such a force when he was a Blackhawk.

Thanks – I needed this. aka – Drunken boating…..what an oaf!

by Kendal on Dec 9, 2011 2:51 PM CST reply actions

This stupid thing won't let me reply to anyone, so i'll post it here

to Amerinadian’s reply about the Hawks having a great top-6 forward unit…

No, they have a good top-4 forwards.. Toews, Kane, Sharp, and Hossa… but living in Chicago, I’ve watched part of almost every game and they just toss any-old-guy into the other 2 slots and hope they’ll produce.. They’ve had Carcillo, Mayers, Stalberg, Brunette, etc all very often in the top 6 forward units.. who I’m sorry, are not top-6 material.

Their defense is a joke and without Crawford playing lights out, they won’t stay in the top 4 for long, I’d put money on that.

by kylegroombridge on Dec 9, 2011 3:15 PM CST reply actions

if I wasn't a poor recent college grad, that is ;)

… oh, so now it let’s me reply..

by kylegroombridge on Dec 9, 2011 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

SB Nation commenting system today

Problem?

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 9, 2011 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

Their defense has the potential to be very good. Keith and Seabrook are only a couple of seasons removed from being one of the best pairs in hockey. Keith was terrible last year, but he looks to be playing better.

I am in agreement that they won’t stay at the top very long, but if Toews keeps playing the way he is, he’ll keep them in contention for a longer time.

Winging It In Motown

by Amerinadian on Dec 9, 2011 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

You must watch a lot of Blackhawks games.

by J.J. from Kansas on Dec 9, 2011 4:26 PM CST up reply actions

if memory serves

Amerinadian is located somewhere in Chicago which explains why he sees blackhawks games. same applies to me and honestly, when Wings aren’t playing, I usually watch the Hawks but the best part is I’m a fan of whoever is playing them! I loved it when the Oilers S P A N K E D them for all to see! So in reality the two teams I know very well are Wings and Hawks. Which sort of makes sense in a way since no two other teams in the NHL have played each other more. Looking forward to seeing the NuJets play in JLA and the Wings (hopefully) having their way with them. I only say hopefully cuz of how we’re never really quite sure of which DRW team is going to be on the ice.

"If we knew what the outcome would be it wouldn't be called hindsight."

by wjr on Dec 10, 2011 5:23 PM CST reply actions