Detroit Red Wings

It's fluky alright.
I just don't think it's completely unique.

Pit is still going through it. Ottawa lost they're top 2 players for almost the whole year last year and were hammered all over the place and dressing guys that shouldn't have been on the ice. They're much much healthier this year, go figure.

 

I have a hard time believing the Penguins have had it as bad as the Wings this year when it comes to injuries considering Crosby has played every game and Malkin only missed a few weeks early on.

 

as of now, the wings' fate is back in their own hands again. they now have the ability to overtake the rangers, leafs, and caps by winning the games in hand they hold.

 

I've considered Kronwall the single most important player to the wings for their system the last 2 years and he's been healthy too. I consider Letang more important for Pit (in terms of winning) than Sid because of the overall roster construction as well.
Both teams have been hit hard, I think the injuries Pit took were worse for them short and long term than what Detroit has gone through but it's an argument for Pit and Detroit fans to have. I Kronwall goes down, I can give the Wings the NYI badge of broken players. I thin the injuries to Pit dmen are worse for them compared to the center injuries for the Wings. Just my opinion and it's subjective. Hopefully I won't ever have to think about both teams so much again.

 

I was looking at the schedule, it looks like at least 5 if not 6 of their final 7 opponents may not be playing for anything. Effort might be enough to overcome the injuries down the stretch. Hopefully some bodies creep back onto the roster for the stretch. Those last few games in march should be something fun to watch.

 

I hope the Wings got a little something for them Pens tonight.

 

good point, bob. i just looked at the remaining schedule and saw a mountain of teams ahead of the wings in the standings - but i didn't consider the angle of those teams not really caring by then.

as much as i detest the new game scoring system they implemented, i have to very begrudgingly admit that it does accomplish what they wanted it to - namely, it makes the stretch run exciting by bunching teams together.

 

lol, I'm sorry you had to witness it from the middle of the pack looking up for a change....not.
The Hawks were scratching for a spot until the last weekend of 2011. Detroit had nothing big to play for but beat the Hawks (who needed the win to get in). Dallas had a chance to get in with a win by beating eliminated Minnesota hours after Chicago lost but they blew. The Hawks had 96 pts, but it was very nerve racking.

On a bright note, not only will there be a great race to close out the season, we probably saw the best 12 month period of trades since lockout I. I'm hoping the trade flexibility means fewer teams will opt towards the CLB, EDM, FLA, BUF, COL, CGY, type rebuilds that take 3 or more years.

 

Piece of cake. *CRAZY*

 

Feb 26 @MON 7:30 PM......W/OT 2-1 (27-20-12) #2 Wildcard
Feb 27 @OTT 7:30 PM.......W 6-1 (28-20-12) #2 Wildcard
Mar 4 @NJ 7:00 PM..........L 4-3 (28-21-12) Dropped out of the Wild card to CLB by 1 point.
Mar 6 COL 7:30 PM..........L/OT 3-2 (28-21-13) Regained #2 Wild card with 69 pts; CLB-69 pts.
Mar 7 NJ 7:30 PM.............W 7-4 (29-21-13) 71 pts
Mar 9 @NYR 7:30 PM........L 3-0 (29-22-13) CLB reclaims last playoff spot.
Mar 11 @CLB 7:00 PM........L 4-1 (29-23-13) #%$&@$!!!
Mar 14 EDM 7:30 PM.........W/SO 2-1 (30-23-13) 73 pts
Mar 16 @CHI 7:30 PM .......L 4-1 (30-24-13) Im going to cry...
Mar 18 TOR 7:30 PM .........W 3-2 (31-24-13)
Mar 20 PIT 7:30 PM............W/OT 5-4 (32-24-13) 77pts, 1pt back of wild card
Mar 22 @MIN 2:00 PM
Mar 23 MIN 7:30 PM

 

Remaining Schedule

Mar 20 PIT Won 5-4 (OT) 32-24-13
Mar 22 @MIN 2:00 PM
Mar 23 MIN 7:30 PM
Mar 25 @CLB 7:30 PM
Mar 27 MON 7:00 PM
Mar 29 @TOR 7:00 PM
Mar 30 TB 5:00 PM
Apr 2 BOS 8:00 PM
Apr 4 BUF 7:30 PM
Apr 5 @MON 7:00 PM
Apr 8 @BUF 7:00 PM
Apr 9 @PIT 8:00 PM
Apr 11 CAR 7:30 PM
Apr 13 @STL 3:00 PM

 

the 2pm start had me scared for two reasons. i'm still scared because it's an early start, we all know how that tends to go.

but on the bright side, 2 is better than 12:30, and my worst fear was unfounded - it's not on NCB(SN) - no three stooges calling it.

 

Wich reminded me, I didnt check the listings to see if i could actually view the game...whew, thanks FSD...only one stooge.

 

lol will - and speaking of stooges, another one died the other day. just what i need, more reminders of aging.

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTkqpC3z3_Q[/video]

 

Mar 20 PIT...................W/OT 5-4 (32-24-13)
Mar 22 @MIN 2:00 PM.....W 3-2 (33-24-13) 2nd Wild Card spot by 1 point
Mar 23 MIN 7:30 PM
Mar 25 @CLB 7:30 PM
Mar 27 MON 7:00 PM
Mar 29 @TOR 7:00 PM
Mar 30 TB 5:00 PM
Apr 2 BOS 8:00 PM
Apr 4 BUF 7:30 PM
Apr 5 @MON 7:00 PM
Apr 8 @BUF 7:00 PM
Apr 9 @PIT 8:00 PM
Apr 11 CAR 7:30 PM
Apr 13 @STL 3:00 PM

 

Wings with a nice one last night. Babs has really done a good job of squeezing the most out of guys that Im sure many think are playing over their heads. So tired of watching the Wings get pushed around though, in the corners,in front of the net etc.

 

Mar 20 PIT...................W/OT 5-4 (32-24-13)
Mar 22 @MIN 2:00 PM.....W 3-2 (33-24-13) 2nd Wild Card spot by 1 point
Mar 23 MIN 7:30 PM..L/OT 4-3 (33-24-14) #1 Wild Card spot 80pts
Mar 25 @CLB 7:30 PM
Mar 27 MON 7:00 PM
Mar 29 @TOR 7:00 PM
Mar 30 TB 5:00 PM
Apr 2 BOS 8:00 PM
Apr 4 BUF 7:30 PM
Apr 5 @MON 7:00 PM
Apr 8 @BUF 7:00 PM
Apr 9 @PIT 8:00 PM
Apr 11 CAR 7:30 PM
Apr 13 @STL 3:00 PM

 

Info via mlive.

 

Mar 20 PIT...................W/OT 5-4 (32-24-13)
Mar 22 @MIN 2:00 PM.....W 3-2 (33-24-13) 2nd Wild Card spot by 1 point
Mar 23 MIN 7:30 PM..L/OT 4-3 (33-24-14) #1 Wild Card spot 80pts
Mar 25 @CLB 7:30 PM......L 4-2 (33-25-14) #2 Wild Card
Mar 27 MON 7:00 PM
Mar 29 @TOR 7:00 PM
Mar 30 TB 5:00 PM
Apr 2 BOS 8:00 PM
Apr 4 BUF 7:30 PM
Apr 5 @MON 7:00 PM
Apr 8 @BUF 7:00 PM
Apr 9 @PIT 8:00 PM
Apr 11 CAR 7:30 PM
Apr 13 @STL 3:00 PM

 

Callahan back to GR. Jurco back with Wings tomorrow night against the Habs. That will be must see hockey right there.