Detroit Red Wings 2009

**thnk2mch** · January-23-10, 09:34 PM

Not a good night for the Wings.....

**smogboy** · January-24-10, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by thnk2mch

Not a good night for the Wings.....

Let's hope that the returning injured players can provide a boost for this team. Kenny Holland will have some numbers juggling come that time to fit them under the cap so the product we see now will change in a few more weeks. Some players are on their way to Grand Rapids, some might get waived, some will get traded and hopefully it'll be a rejuvenation of this team for the playoff run.

**Downriviera** · February-13-10, 10:29 AM

Usually the Wings have a playoff spot wrapped up about Christmas time. You have to go a long way back to the times when they were struggling to make the post season. Will the Wings make the playoffs? And if they do, who starts in net?

**Bobl** · February-13-10, 02:20 PM

I'm thinking/hoping that they will sneak in. More healthy bodies coming back, but they just plain have to score more goals, and end the uncharacteristic soft finishes to games they should have won. This year, it is "now or never".
I think coach is using Osgood as a backup this time.

**smogboy** · February-13-10, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by Bobl

I think coach is using Osgood as a backup this time.

I'm wondering if Jimmy Howard has to be a part of the Calder Trophy consideration if he can lead this team deep into the playoffs.

It was also nice to see Detroit handle the Senators tonight with some sense of urgency too. They seem to be building some confidence which is nice. They have the talent to contend but for some reason [[and hockey is also an emotional game as it is physical), this team just hasn't gotten in stride all season. They lack the killer instinct to close it out late and just haven't been able to bury other teams like they have in the past. Yes, I understand that the other teams have also got some pretty amazing talent and are always shooting to take down a top dog like the Wings, but I'm not so sure we're on the total downward slide just yet.

The few games they've also seem to be taking many more shots [[Nabakov was shelled!) but we've also got to be able to convert better. Shots taken and quality chances are obviously two different stats and we need to improve the quality shots.

It'll be nip, tuck all the way as the final few playoff positions are jockeyed for in the next few months. It should be pretty exciting and maybe the dominant team of the 90's [[I still hate how the Wings aren't even considered a dynasty yet for their dominance in that era) just isn't ready to pack it up or rebuild just yet.

**Downriviera** · February-14-10, 11:42 AM

The Calder votes are tallied before the playoffs start, but I think Howard has a good chance to get it if he finishes the season strong. I like Osgood, but you have to go with the hot hand, and I think that will be Howard come playoff time. This is a different Wings team. Gone is the solid commitment to defense and the ease at which they used to clear the defensive zone. The transition game is not as good, not on top on faceoffs, ppl and pk are average. They are giving up way more shots and wow, have you seen some of the turnovers. Not what we are used to. So we will need a goalie that can stand on his head and I think Howard is it. Despite all the problems, I still think the Wings could go all the way. They are still a strong and dangerous team. I would love a first round playoff with Chicago.