Wings Keep It Interesting

[RedWings]

Well, we've all heard the old "first home game after a long road trip" and "first game after a long lay off" stuff before. So I wasn't overly surprised by the Wings "B" game last night. But IMO, they sure keep things interesting in the third period.

Look at their losses this year. Chicago, gave up a two goal third period lead and lost in the skills competition.

Chicago, gave up two goal lead and lost on two late second period scores and game winner in the third.

Annaheim, gave up three in the third (yeah, one was an empty netter).

And then again last night, they gave up a two goal lead in the third to give the Preds a point before pulling out the win during the Buttman Compulsaries portion of the game.

So far, the third period has been their closest period. They've outscored the opposition by 14-11. They are much more dominating in periods one and two, outscoring opponents by 17-9 and 19-12.

Something to worry about? Probably not. Just something to talk about.

[jackswild]

I was at the game last night, and the RW's DOMINATED the Preds for the first two periods - game action wasn't even close. Then in the 3rd, the defensive intensity seemed to slacken a little bit - just look at the shots by period, and you'll see how the Preds were able to penetrate the zone to get off the shots -

All in all, a good game for the RW's to put in the S.O. WIN column - Osgood wasn't tested much until the third, but he hung tight for the shootout -

CONGRATS to "Z" for setting a new RW club record for points in consecutive games, (15), to start the season.

[RedWings]

Ditto on Zetts, and Ozzie was stellar when needed. Plus, the calls are starting to even out. This time Nashville lost the goals due to goaltender interference and a quick whistle. Although, the league still owes the Wings two more.

I thought the Wings were more controlling than dominant. They controlled the play, they owned the puck possession, but they didn't really translate that into a lot of QUALITY scoring chances. They had a fair amount of that perimeter stuff going on and didn't generate as much of the in close chances that they did on the West Coast swing, except during the power play.

Still, territorially, statistically, time of possession-ally, they controlled the tempo, until they got back on their heels a little in the third. I would call this a very good game for most teams, but just a good game for the Wings given some of their other dominating performances.

I'm sure I'm being overly critical or nit picky since I'm spoiled by how well these guys can really turn it on. Man, it's great to be able to thrive on the RW success while we wait for the Griffs to catch fire.

And jacks, what did you think of 2-2's play last night. Supposedly, the Preds have told him to cut down on the fighting and play the game. I thought he had a very quiet night, by his standards. He's not nearly as effective when they've got him on a short leash.

[jackswild]

TOO-TOO Who's that?

It's obvious that his style of play has changed - and probably not for his benefit? I kept my eye on him when he was on the ice - very unimpressive - but what else is new?

If he ain't throwin a punch, (or makin a dirty hit) - he ain't much

[RedWings]

jackswild said:

TOO-TOO Who's that?

It's obvious that his style of play has changed - and probably not for his benefit? I kept my eye on him when he was on the ice - very unimpressive - but what else is new?

If he ain't throwin a punch, (or makin a dirty hit) - he ain't much

Excellent analysis. He may just play himself right out of the NHL. Although, then he'd get sent down to Milwaukee and then the Griffins would have to deal with his schtick. So, I hope he keeps wasting a spot in the Nashville line-up.

[Snickers]

I think it's just basic human nature to ease up when you're
ahead, and think you've got it "in the bag." Look at how many
times it's happened this year already.
Maybe they need to play the 3rd & 4th lines more in the
3rd period. They'll be hungrier to play.