SB Nation User Blog: MrNorrisTrophy

Helm out, Newbury in

MrNorrisTrophy — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:07:35 -0000

More photos » by Henry DiRocco - AP

wee!(AP Photo/Henry DiRocco)

The word across Twitter and the blogosphere is that Darren Helm is out of tonight's game with a wrist injury. Supposedly it isn't all that serious but it will be enough to keep him out of the line-up. The Wings have called up Kris Newbury from Grand Rapids for tonight's game.

Do the Red Wings really need another injury? It's starting to get ridiculous.

Other note: I won't be able to post much in the next two days as I have finals and related stuff but will be back on the figurative horse soon after. Joe will be the game thread host for tonight and I may be able to get an analysis piece up tomorrow.

Woops moment of the day: I called for no injuries this week in The Obstructed View's first podcast. Woops.

Red Wings Podcast is Live!

MrNorrisTrophy — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:36:27 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

Bert's name comes up quite a bit in the initial podcast. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Well, the majority of you asked for it and by way of the fine Red Wings blogging community, we've made it happen. Former Winging It In Motown author and headman at Motown Wings Chris Hollis leads the podcast panel of discussion as Snipe Snipe Dangle Dangle's Kris, The Production Line and Winging It's Michael Petrella, Brian Kiernicki, and yours truly were the first week's group.

The Obstructed View is the name of the podcast and you can find it on iTunes--under podcasts search for The Obstructed View if the link doesn't work.

Please, please please please leave some comments if you take a listen comment below and let us know what you think. Other members of the Wings blogging community will rotate in each week (with the exception of Hollis and Kiernicki) but we will continue to post the link to the site--especially since Kyle, Michael, Drew and myself are members.

Post Game Analysis: Bertuzzi wins it again

MrNorrisTrophy — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:51:20 -0000

More photos » by Kate Humphrey - AP

2 days ago: Detroit Red Wings right wing Todd Bertuzzi (44) backhands a shot past Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, of Finland, for the winning goal in the overtime period of an NHL hockey game on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 in Nashville, Tenn. The Red Wings won 3-2. At right is Predators defenseman Kevin Klein (8). (AP Photo/Kate Humphrey)

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Todd Bertuzzi wins it again in overtime. Yes you read that right, Todd Bertuzzi won it AGAIN. If he keeps this type of production up then we will be in good shape. Do I expect it to stay like this? No, not really but I'll take it for now. Detroit needs secondary scoring and he's starting to get the confidence needed to do so.
Chris Osgood had some pretty sick saves last night. To quote Winston Churchill (sort of), Osgood is "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." There are nights when he can't stop the easiest of shots but then there are nights when he looks like he should have about 8 Vezinas on the mantle. He wasn't really either last night (why he's an enigma) but he was solid and kept the game within reach for the Wings with some incredible saves.
Remember the time when the Red Wings were absolutely dominant in the circle? I miss those days. We did better last night--winning 29 to Nashville's 28--but I sure miss the days of winning about 75% of the draws taken. Can't wait for Fil to get back in the circle that's for sure.
Drew Miller, you were a quality find. Out shadowed by Bert's 4 in 2, Miller had a goal and an assist last night in 12 minutes of play. Sure, he only has 4 points on the season but he brings more than just points. He has been great on the forecheck, PK, and in the corners. Unfortunately, I don't know if there's room for him when Filppula, Franzen, Williams and Cleary come back.
I'm glad I didn't play a drinking game last night for everytime I heard the word "Smashville" used. I was forced to watch the Nashville broadcast (thanks Center Ice) and every commercial break there was someone saying something or other about Smashville. Yeah, I get it. It's a cool nickname but you can't over do it. If I had played a drinking game for that, I surely would be in the ICU or morgue right now.
Bertuzzi's second goal was a thing of beauty. The play started with Datsyuk forcing a turnover and giving Bertuzzi a great outlet pass. He was neck and neck with Nashville defender Klein and protected the puck on his stick before sliding it past Rinne's poke check attempt and then a backhand into the net for the second straight win for Detroit. Highlights of the goal below.

Game Thread--Detroit Red Wings at Nashville Predators

MrNorrisTrophy — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:21:51 -0000

Nashville Predators (18-11-2, 38 pts)	Game 32	Detroit Red Wings (15-11-5, 35 pts)
	vs.
Arena: Sommet Center--Nashville, TN

Starting goalie:	Pekka Rinne	Starting goalie:	Chris Osgood
	13-6-1, 2.59 GAA		6-5-4, 2.75 GAA
SBN Blog:	On the Forecheck	Last meeting:	3-1 Nashville win
Time:	8:00 p.m. ET	TV:	FS-Detroit, FS-TN

Detroit comes off a hard fought come-from-behind 3-2 OT win over the Anaheim Ducks. They travel south to Nashville to take on Central Division foe Nashville for a high importance game. Detroit currently trails Nashville for 2nd in the division by 3 points so a win would bring them within one game of second place. But don't expect that win to come easy as the Predators are getting some quality production out of Pekka Rinne in net and guys like Jason Arnott, Martin Erat, Steve Sullivan and JP Dumont.

Nashville won its last contest against the Red Wings by a score of 3-1 and won its last two games with a 4-2 win over Vancouver and a 3-2 SO win over Columbus. Detroit will look for continued improvement from Todd Bertuzzi and maybe Ville Leino. Chris Osgood will look to get his first win after losing 5 straight starts.

Puck drops at 8:00 p.m. ET and as always, GO WINGS!

Post Game Analysis: Wings 3-Ducks 2 in OT

MrNorrisTrophy — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:25:36 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

3 days ago: Detroit Red Wings right wing Todd Bertuzzi stands in front of Anaheim Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere (35) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks in Detroit, Friday, Dec. 11, 2009. Bertuzzi scored two goals, one in overtime, to defeat the Ducks 3-2. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Here are a few things I noticed from the game and hopefully you'll chime in on these with your thoughts as well.

The first one is the most important: this team didn't roll over and die. I've often wondered if there are nights when the guys kind of mail it in after getting down and are being shut down offensively. I didn't wonder that in this game though. The Wings scratched and clawed its way to a victory--even without the scratchiest and clawiest of the them all Dan Cleary--after going down 2-0 at the end of the second period. Usually goals at the end of the first or second period can be killers but if anything it seemed to serve as motivation as they scored early in the third period. This is a great game to look back at and be proud of the way they finished.
A two goal game doesn't make everything better on the Todd Bertuzzi front. BUT, it does do a lot for things and hopefully will do wonders for his confidence. This was Bertuzzi's first point in four games and first goal in five. You can only hope that he is starting to come to life and produce on a consistent basis. No matter you position on Bert, if you're a Wings fan you want and need him to produce for the good of the team.
Ville Leino needed that point so badly. It was Ville's first point since the 3-1 loss to Dallas on November 18--part of the reason he's drawn much ire. That crisp pass will placate calls for his head temporarily though and maybe will shake him out of the slump.
Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk are starting to miss shots that they absolutely buried last year without hesitation. What gives? Supposedly Datsyuk's been tinkering around with what model stick to use but I don't know if that's what is causing problems or if it is more of a mental barrier. Zetterberg on the other hand had three or four great chances that he shanked and was well wide with the shots on. Hopefully its a just a hiccup right now and they'll get things figured out.
Tomas Holmstrom is clutch. That's about all I need to say. Homer's coming through big time in a year many expected him to fall off during (me included). Quick hands were vital on receiving and putting the shot past Giguere to get the Wings on the board.
Jimmy Howard is really starting to play effectively. Sure that second goal was a garbage goal that he shouldn't have given up but sometimes that just happens. What matters is that he is facing the quality shots very well and his positioning and angles improve with every game. Most importantly, Howie gets another win and his GAA creeps down after a solid night stopping 25 of 27.
The Penalty Killing has improved greatly over the past handful of games. The Wings have killed off 32 of their last 35 penalties and a total of 22 consecutive. This progress has greatly improved and for that to continue to happen, the Wings need to continue very solid and disciplined defensive play in their own end.
Power Play scores twice on 10 chances. 1 for 5 is a number I'll take on the man bonus after following a horrible 0-6 in St. Louis. Get the 1st and 2nd lines rolling of the man bonus and this team could be dangerous.
Defensive play has improved greatly with Howard in net for the following reason: there's somewhat of a system to his play. Howard gives up rebounds plain and simple but the defense can adapt to that and clear the pucks out after Howie stops the initial shot. With Osgood you never really know what's going to happen and I think that kind of makes for chaotic play on the defensive end. As odd as it sounds, the Wings are being rewarded by a goalie that gives up rebounds.
Corey Perry, what a piece of crap you are. In the same shift you 1.) viciously elbow a player in the jaw 2.) knowingly turn your back into a hit from Abdelkader 3.) chase down Abdelkader for what you likely saw as a dirty play (that you set yourself up for) 4.) try to fight because of that play. My main beef with this is: if you're gonna play dirty and then set yourself up for a hit by turning your back at the last second, don't complain and then seek revenge.
Justin Abdelkader, nice physical game fella. Teach that Duck a lesson! 4 hits and a fight are good, just gotta improve that 1 for 5 in the dot--ouch.
Saku Koivu is probably the only Duck that I don't inherently despise.
Duck to keep an eye on: Dan Sexton. Sexton had a goal and assist tonight and had two goals the previous game against Dallas.

Bertuzzi leads Wings comeback win 3-2 in OT

MrNorrisTrophy — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:01:14 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

3 days ago: Detroit Red Wings right wing Todd Bertuzzi, second from left, celebrates his goal with teammates winger Patrick Eaves (17), defenseman Brett Lebda, second from right, and defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom (5) of Sweden during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks in Detroit, Friday, Dec. 11, 2009. Bertuzzi scored two goals, one in overtime, to defeat the Ducks 3-2. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Who of you guessed Todd Bertuzzi would have guided the Wings to a victory? Probably not many, right? Bertuzzi scored twice to lead the Red Wings from behind to beat the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. The game was an intense physical game that saw numerous power plays for both teams with the Red Wings going 2 for 10 on the man advantage and killing off all four of the Anaheim chances.

Saku Koivu scored at 8:05 into the second period to put the Ducks ahead 1-0. Dan Sexton was credited with the primary assist and added a goal of his own within the last minute as he slipped a shot past Jimmy Howard from a bad angle to put the Ducks up 2-0 heading into the third period. The shot barely squeaked through Howard's pad for the Ducks advantage.

Tomas Holmstrom scored his 12th goal of the season on a great pass from Ville Leino. The Wings were on the man advantage after a Ryan Getzlaf hooking call and Leino carried the puck below the goal line before feeding Holmstrom at the low slot. Holmstrom put the shot off to the right side of the net, just beating Jean-Sebastian Giguere.The goal was a huge boost to Detroit to start the third period and helped to build confidence going forward in the waning minutes of the game.

Bertuzzi's first goal wasn't a thing of beauty as he put the puck in off of Giguere's skate but the Red Wings haven't had many of those "pretty" goals this year. Bertuzzi's first goal came halfway through the third and a late penalty call on the Ducks provided the Wings with a handful of quality chances as regulation time ticked off the clock.

On carry-over from the penalty at the end of regulation, Detroit ended the game and earned the full two points. Bertuzzi got the puck down low and Giguere blocked all but maybe eight inches of the upper corner of the net. It would require a perfect top-shelf shot and that's what Bertuzzi provided to end the game at 3-2. Brad Stuart and Henrik Zetterberg were credited with the helpers on the goal which was Bertuzzi's sixth of the campaign.

Some more post game analysis will be up later on.

MrNorrisTrophy's Wing of the night: Todd Bertuzzi. Big Bert put a pair in and was actually a big factor tonight as he played a decent physical game (although not credited with any hits) and was well positioned at times during the game. His two goals on two shots helped the Wings over his former club for a much needed win.

Game Thread--Anaheim Ducks at Detroit Red Wings

MrNorrisTrophy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:17:55 -0000

Anaheim Ducks (11-13-6, 28 pts)	Game 31	Detroit Red Wings (14-11-5, 33pts)
	vs.
Arena: Joe Louis Arena-- Detroit, MI

Starting goalie:	JS Giguere	Starting goalie:	Jimmy Howard
	4-4-4, 2.64 GAA		8-6-1, 2.45 GAA
SBN Blog:	Anaheim Calling	Last meeting:	7-4 Detroit Win
Time:	7:30 p.m. ET	TV:	FS-Detroit

Last time these two teams met, Henrik Zetterberg netted 3 goals en route to a 7-4 Red Wings win. Zetterberg's three gave not only everyone free curly fries but the Red Wings their third straight victory. But that was then, this is now. Detroit's cooled off from its short hot streak and encountered even more injuries. Forward Dan Cleary is out of tonight's game following a separated shoulder and the Wings are starting all available players.

The Wings could use a win tonight against the West's worst team and a win would vault them over idle Columbus for third in the division. But then again, nothing is certain when you take on Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Niedermayer and the physical Ducks team.

Ducks down:
Teemu Selanne's broken hand keeps him out tonight and for 4-6 additonal weeks following surgery.

Wings out:

Detroit Red Wings Injuries

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Dan Cleary	shoulder	12/09/2009
Johan Franzen	knee	10/09/2009
Jason Williams	fibula	11/08/2009
Andreas Lilja	concussion	09/14/2009
Valtteri Filppula	wrist	10/30/2009
Niklas Kronwall	knee	11/22/2009

Join us for the live game thread for what will surely be a heated battle between long time rivals tonight at The Joe.

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Cleary out for up to four weeks...great

MrNorrisTrophy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:00:04 -0000

More photos » by Paul Vernon - AP

7 months ago: Detroit Red Wings' Dan Cleary celebrates his goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of a first-round NHL hockey playoff game Thursday, April 23, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

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As if those players already sitting in the stands weren't enough, add forward Dan Cleary to that group. Cleary will join Johan Franzen, Niklas Kronwall, Jason Williams, Valtteri Filppula, and Andreas Lilja on the injured list. Cleary separated his shoulder in last night's 1-0 loss to the Blues and is expected to miss a month at the most of the season.

Here's pretty much what this will mean for the Red Wings until either Cleary or Filppula returns:

1. No call ups will be made (according to Babcock) so everyone available will play
1a. An injury to a forward within that time span will likely result in a call up but don't expect one for insurance
1b. If there is another injury not only will I assuredly curse, we could POSSIBLY see Tomas Tatar called up. Unlikely but he has shown in a short amount of time that he is an explosive scorer. Don't bank on it but don't be surprised either.

2. Dan Cleary is invaluable to this team. Sure he doesn't put up the offensive numbers to warrant the same respect of a Marian Gaborik or Evgeni Malkin but he's a huge part of this offense by positioning himself very well, passing at the right times, and having a pretty good shot. Along with the offense, he is a crucial defender and is probably the third best defending forward that the Wings have.

3. Cleary's 7 goals and 16 points will surely be missed but it may mean that Ville Leino will have to produce in the absence and can improve his game while playing on the second line in Cleary's spot.

Hopefully Cleary will be back sooner rather than later but that void is going to be hard to fill with the lack of production from a lot of guys that were expected to be big time secondary players on this team.

Pre-game thoughts/news: Blues @ Wings

MrNorrisTrophy — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:24:18 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

BYAH!

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Finally game day is here after a long wait since Sunday's win over the Rangers. Here's a few things to look at heading into tonight's game:

Ville Leino will sit again tonight with Brad May/Drew Miller/Patrick Eaves filling his spot. I have absolutely no objection to this. When you are unable to produce points you have to be able to provide something else to keep your spot in the lineup and Leino simply isn't cutting it. He isn't producing many points and is sometimes a liability defensively. May, Miller, or Eaves all have the ability to play a tough physical game or provide a lot of energy through speed but Leino is often the one receiving hits and lagging behind.
Justin Abdelkader, the resident Napoleon Dynamite look-a-like, will play some shifts centering the second line tonight. Alongside him will be Dan Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi as Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk are with Tomas Holmstrom again tonight. Abdelkader has earned this spot I think. It would be stupid to break up Draper-Helm-Eaves and Babcock knows that. Abdelkader provides a lot of hits to an already physical line and has a lot skills (hence Napoleon Dynamite reference again) that don't show up in the stat column.
Jimmy Howard's going to start in net again tonight. I like this matchup because of how he has been playing over the past few games. Sure, he hit a speed bump against Edmonton but he's 7-3-0 in his last 10 with one of the losses being the Brad May non-goal against Dallas game and the other being the brilliant night at the other end by Ondrej Pavelec. Howard should have some continued success against a St. Louis team that is averaging 2.39 goals/game, second worst in the league.
Matchup of the night: Pavel Datsyuk vs. St. Louis defense. This defense is tough and hits a lot but we all know the magic Pavel can work at any given moment. I look for him to continue to crawl out of his slump whether its in the goal column or dishing out his exceptional passes.
Brad May fight predictor: 2nd period, Cam Janssen.
Predicted scorer(s): Dan Cleary, Nick Lidstrom (FINALLY), and Tomas Holmstrom

Brodeur ties Sawchuk

MrNorrisTrophy — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:24:14 -0000

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Last night, Martin Brodeur tied Terry Sawchuk's career shutout record with his 103rd perfect night in net. The Devils beat Buffalo 3-0 to earn the win and shutout for Brodeur. Sawchuk recorded the majority of his 103 shutouts with a red and white sweater on while Brodeur recorded all of his in New Jersey. Sawchuk was arguably the best goalie of the past and Brodeur is arguably the best goalie of modern hockey. I hesitate to declare either as the best of all time because of the changes in the game that have occurred. Both eras are completely different from each other but both accomplishments are incredibly noteworthy as well.

Theoretically, Brodeur may never surpass the mark but that's kind of ridiculous to think too. He's too good to not do it again and he's left his legacy before he's even done playing. The saying that you can build a team around goaltending has been true for New Jersey over the past and there is no goalie in the modern game better to build your team around than Marty Brodeur. The four time Vezina trophy winner has spent his whole career in New Jersey and has been the backbone of the team since 1993, being a reliable force at the other end of the ice for the offense to rely on. Sure, he's had his bad nights but he's had even more great nights and 103 perfect nights.

Brodeur and Sawchuk are both synonymous with the position within their respective franchises. Just as Terry's "1" hangs in the rafters at The Joe, Marty's "30" will undoubtedly hang in The Rock. Congratulations to Marty on an incredible accomplishment.