Wings fall to the Flames 3-2. We’re going to miss these two points. Actually we’ll miss all six that were available but lost to the Flames. Honestly it wasn’t for a lack of trying. The Wings had plenty of pressure, but didn’t take many shots early. Then frigging Kiprusoff played out of his damn mind the rest of the way.

More after the jump:

Today is one of THOSE days.  You know the ones I mean.  For the thousandth time, we're saying today is a "must win".  Instead of being upset or working myself into a nervous mess, I decided to look back a bit. I'm tired of the normal banter.  I miss someone who won't be playing today.  Hit the jump for a few thoughts...

Who's the forward with the highest points per minute on the Wings?  

#44 - Todd Bertuzzi, that's who. 

We don't realize it, but we've missed the serial killer more than you think.    His 2.12 points per 60 minutes of 5 on 5 hockey is best on the team and would have been great in all those 3-2 losses, not to mention his smooth Dexter like hands in the shootout.  

(BTW, do you know who is second in scoring per 60? Tomas Tatar, but that's another discussion...)

Well it finally looks like there's an end-date to his absence.

Hit the jump to find out when: 

Detroit picks up 2 points with a 3-0 win over the Nashville Predators. These points were vital, as are all points from here on out, but losing this game would have been hard to overcome.

More after the jump:

Another slow start to this one, but that didn’t really matter because Chicago didn’t score until later in the second when Detroit had taken back control of the game. This 3-2 shootout loss means Detroit got 3/8 points against Chicago this season and won zero games.

More after the jump:

Red Wings lose in a shootout tonight. Desperately needed that extra point, but didn’t get it. Plenty of chances late and all three shooters seem to have Niemi beat, but only Datsyuk didn’t shoot it straight into his pads. For that matter, Howard was beaten cleanly on all of the shots he faced, but was saved by a post once. Frustrating.

More after the jump (warning, NSFW language included, because Twig was pissed):

Update: It's not offically offical yet, but it is pretty darn close.  Holland says the sides haven't agreed yet, but per Craig Custance - Jimmy Howard on new deal: "It's really, really close."

Per TSN:

Sounds like Detroit Red Wings and Jimmy Howard are on the verge of coming to terms on a 6 year deal paying in the range of 5.3 M per #TSN

— Aaron Ward (@aaronward_nhl) April 11, 2013

So six years at $5.3M per year. I can deal with that. Jimmy is one step below an absolute elite goalie and this pays him as such. Take a look at these comparisons

Howard: .917 career, $5.3MM x 6. Rinne: .920, $7MM x 7. Price: .916, $6.5MM x 6. Quick: .914, $5.8MM x 10. Not bad by Wings.

— 67Sound (@67sound) April 11, 2013

I think this makes sense in today's world. Plus, I think Howard is just that tiny step away from being an absolute elite goalie in the world. He can make that step in the next few years.

Two more things though about this signing, after the jump:

It has been a few days since we last looked at the standings, so let’s take a look again and see where Detroit sits.

So after a rough last week or two, the Wings find themselves in eight place with a two point margin on Dallas and Columbus (with a game in hand on the Jackets).  Not the best, but again, this could be much worse.

Why?  Because this means the Wings hold their own destiny in their hands.  SportsClubStats has the odds that Detroit makes the playoffs at 61.7%.  But this is deceiving. Detroit doesn’t have to worry about any other team’s results these last nine games.  If they win, they are in.  They lose, they aren’t.  Simple.

Hit the jump for more: 

Well doesn't this just brighten your day: 

Mike Bancock said Darren Helm won't play hockey again this season. #RedWings

— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) April 9, 2013

Pretty much means that making the playoffs are the only goal now.  

Red Wings got what they deserved tonight after putting forth very little effort. Final score was 4-2, Coyotes. Detroit simply MUST get points anywhere and everywhere they can from here on out if they expect to make the playoffs.

Recap after the jump: