Stupid Nashville vs Red Wings Recap: 2.23.2013
Good win tonight. These recaps are a heck of a lot more fun to write than the losses. Though Nashville controlled the play for what seemed like the majority of the game, Howard was the difference, much like the last win against the Kings. I didn’t see any one player play poorly tonight, but I saw plenty of guys give their all.
More after the jump:
Murph said that Babcock is happy with the Cleary-Datsyuk-Abby line. LOL!
Datsyuk carries that line as best he can, which is really well, but he needs a sniper to pass it to. Like Tatar. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a winger who can deliver a nice saucer pass to him when he’s open. Like Tatar.
This was Kronwall’s best game of the year. Numbers aside, he wasn’t screening Howard for no reason and made smart plays with the puck. We really need more of that from him going forward.
Howard outplayed Rinne tonight. There were times tonight when it seemed certain Nashville would score a back-breaker, but Howard denied every chance.
Third and Fourth lines were dynamite tonight. Good job by Miller, especially on the GWG early in the first.
NOHS Three Stars of the Game:
First Star: Howard. No doubt about it, without his play tonight, Detroit could have seen their losing streak continue.
Second Star: Pavel Datsyuk. He’s just awesome out there on both ends of the ice. His work on Kronwall’s goal was amazing as he worked to setup Cleary, then Abby and finally Kronwall for the goal.
Third Star: Kronwall. 1g 2a for Kronwall tonight and he was +2 which is the more important of the stats if you ask me. We really need him to keep this up.
Honorable Mention: Tatar. Hey, we finally won a game when Tatar scored! And he was a Huskins shot off the post away from a multiple point night. Seriously, his hands are too good to be in Grand Rapids and too good to be on the third line.
Next game is tomorrow against Vancouver. Since the Wings were able to rotate lines in the third, fatigue won’t be a legit excuse tomorrow, so I expect them to pick up where they left off. It’s good to put another one in the win column.
LGRW
I can't believe Tatar isn't switched with Cleary, I honestly don't see why Babcock is happy with that line.
@Reddy That line is the worst setup I have every seen in a line period. You take a guy who is at least the best playmaker in a generation and pair him with two grinders who only borderline belong in the NHL and don't even bring much energy or grit. Meanwhile, Tatar is putting together some pretty amazing numbers as a sniper on the 3rd line when you consider his points-per-TOI rather than points-per-game. He's actually our leader in points-per-minute on our team by my calculations.
@ThroatShot Tatar has seriously impressed me, seems to react so well in tight pressure situations. Him and Datsyuk would be a force.
1 Like
Tonight was my 3-day old baby girl's first day at home, and we spent it watching the Wings together. I choose to believe it was Sophia's blessing that ended the losing streak. LGRW!
