Stars vs Red Wings Recap 1.22.2013
Detroit looked uninspired at times tonight, gassed at others, and the result was a 2-1 loss to the Stars to kick off the home opener. Howard played an outstanding game and prevented another blowout with his performance, but the team gave him no help on offence.
More after the jump:
Passing is terrible right now. Even Pavel was putting the puck behind guys tonight. The terrible passing is preventing this team from breaking out of their own zone cleanly, get off quicker shots and is resulting in turnovers all over the ice.
Power play is terrible. Just like last year they can’t gain the zone and when they do, poor passing and bad shot selection is killing our own power plays. I don’t know what the final tally was, but at one point, the Wings were 0-3 on the PP with 1 shot, while Dallas had 4 shots while shorthanded. Unacceptable.
Lashoff played another good game as did the new FNG, Huskins. And there will probably be a third FNG because White was hurt and did not return. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
Congratulations to Homestar on his first NHL goal. The man had plenty of chances again and pretty soon he’s going to bury a lot of them, but hopefully this first one gets him started.
If not for all these injuries, I’d call for Babcock to scratch Mule. Last year he wasn’t an asset when we needed him to be. So far this year he’s actually hurting the team. Anyone have a clue what he was doing just lying in front of the net after he got knocked down? Lazy. Replace Homer, they say. Homer would have gotten right back up and continued to battle. Give me a broken Homer over a lazy “power” forward any day.
That’s all I have for you right now. Red Wings need a better effort from here on out because this team can’t coast its way to a playoff spot.
I went back and examined the Franzen laydown play. He was knocked over and then he decided to stay down there and keep the defensemen's stick busy.. but grabbing it between his legs. Maybe though keeping the guy infront was helping the screen and holding his stick prevented him from making a play on a shot? Mule's brains are all mixed up.
So glad you noticed Mule just laying there. I was screaming at the TV for him to get up. Do you guys notice how Ken keeps saying during the broadcast that "they" need to find a way to get the Mule some shots? It drives me crazy. Strange how a free agent from Switzerland can come over and play a whole 3 NHL games and practically lead the team in shots and the guy who's been playing here for like 7 years is lucky to get 1 or 2 a game, IF WE'RE LUCKY. The team doesn't need to do sh*t to get him shots. HE NEEDS TO FIND A WAY TO GET SHOTS. (I was shouting there).
On that note, Brunner is a stud. You don't know what to really expect when ready all the scouting reports but when you see him in action, you think, "Ohhh, that's what they were talking about." The guy is a sniper. The one thing about Europeans that bothered me is their unwillingness to shoot but this dude has a nose (hehe) for the net and does not hesitate to take a shot. I love it.
Lastly...Quincey. 'nough said.
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Quincy is the biggest liability on he back since Lebda but at least lebda could skate
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I said the exact same thing about Franzen last night during that lazy play. The sad part is that being a net-front presence is only a small part of what we know Franzen can do and what we expect out of him, yet he can't even be bothered to provide that. Other than the nice set-up to White and what looked to be a legitimate burst of sustained effort in the latter stages of the Columbo game, Mule's looked the same as he did last year: like he's Babcock's bratty, wayward teenage son whose only at these games because his Dad is making him.
Was there a Nickelback concert 2 hours before the game? The passing looked like game 3 against Nashville last year.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am REEEAAALLLLYYY disliking Quincey right now... Fil still seems hesitant to shoot, the whole team in general just seems hesitant. Not really moving their legs, waiting too long to shoot or not shooting at all. Hopefully with Help returning, his speed will generate more opportunities, as long as there are players willing to capitalize on them.
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Having Helm and Bert back on friday will make a MASSIVE difference, in my opinion. Do not fear....yet...
I thought the exact same thing about Datsyuk tonight ... No one in particular was outstanding but Datsyuk had bad passes along with Kronwall and everyone else... Lehtonen played out of his mind and that'll eventually end. We do need a more vocal leadership though... Have all the skill in the world but just need a more ... Sorry for this reference but literally we need a ray Lewis type guy. Guess we will have to wait n see how we look once healthy ... If that happens
I have a friend that has been predicting Franzen will be a buyout at the end of the season.. Right now he isn't helping the argument against that.
@Jay Argentina I don't see a buyout. Definitely a trade though. His cap hit is very manageable and the "potential" for him to regain his scoring touch is always there. Perfect fit for a small market team looking to get above the cap floor.
@marti783 @Jay Argentina Or, work with me on this, Franzen and a pick for P.K. Subban's negotiating rights. Bam, defense solved, spot for Gus. We would lose a lot of size up front but the D would be instantly boosted.
Not to dis Z but this is a team without real leadership. We have too many "lead by example" players on this team. We need a guy like Draper who is vocal and gets people pumped up. Babcock can't get this team motivated on his own. Plus we seem to be the most injury prone team in the NHL. Jimmy made the D look better than he should have and Quincey is still a waste of a first rounder. Let's see what happens once Helm gets back. I believe he is the difference maker on this team.
@JOHNxJOHN I kind of agree with you about the leadership thing. But I think it's fair to give Z some time because I felt the same way when Lidstrom took over for Stevie. When you have a captain for so long and they're a legend in the sport, it will always take time to get used to a new leader. But I agree, they have looked leaderless out there at times. Although, I will say, last night I think Z looked like someone who wanted to put the team on his shoulders.
@marti783 He definitely did look great out there and that's what we need from our captain. We just need someone who will talk as well. Dats and Kronner both have the A's, neither are vocal. When Draper had the A he would be up and down the bench talking every night. Maybe Helm or Bert can bring some voices to the bench when they get back.
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@moorecha @JOHNxJOHN Knuble has Dallas Drake written all over him. Only he probably could provide more offense. I think this team needs a shakeup and I'd be fine with anyone being on the block besides Z, Pav, Helm, Kronwall, Smith and Brunner at this point. Remember when this team was stale back in the 90's and KH pulled Off the Shanny trade? I'd like to see that again.
@Jordan_Reis @moorecha @JOHNxJOHN I still think Mule could pull good trade value. My problem is, I think Kenny is holding back on moves this season and is waiting until the offseason to shake things up. i don't think it's a good idea but that seems to be the direction he is heading. I would be more than willing to loose Sammy or Filpulla (as much as i love him) for a good top tier D man. best situation Mule for Defense straight up.
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@moorecha I liked the Knuble invitation to training camp. I was hoping it would mean a trade of some lower players, Emmerton cough cough, for defense. Here's to hoping.
