SB Nation User Blog: joehass

Red Wings defeat Phoenix 3-2; Lose Ericsson

joehass — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:18:24 -0000

Patrick Eaves celebrates his goal Monday night.

While the Detroit Red Wings were happy to match their longest winning streak of the season at three games with a 3-2 win against the Phoenix Coyotes, it became a pyrrhic victory in the middle of the second period when defensemen Jonathan Ericsson collided with Shane Doan.

Ericsson had to be helped off the ice and did not play the rest of the game. Coach Mike Babcock did not know the extent of the injury at the end of the game tonight.

If Ericsson misses tomorrow's game, it will be the eighth Red Wings player out with an injury right now.

For Kris Newbury, who was called up from Grand Rapids earlier today to fill Darren Helm's roster spot, he jumped into the action early.

Just 23 seconds after leaving the penalty box on a goaltender interference call, Kris Draper came flying up the boards to the left of Ilya Bryzgalov. Draper was trying to set up Brad Miller, but the pass was out of his reach. As it turned out, Newbury was also coming down the pipe. Newbury outskated Martin Hanzel to make it 1-0 on Newbury's first goal as a Red Wing.

Five minutes later, with Newbury back in the box on another penalty, Patrick Eaves took advantage of a Phoenix turnover and went from end-to-end to put a beautiful wrister on the top shelf past Bryzgalov to give the Red Wings a two-goal lead with his third goal of the season.

After the Doan/Ericsson collision left Ericsson in a pile on the ice to the left of Jimmy Howard, the Coyotes kept control of the puck to prevent a whistle. Taylor Pyatt held onto the puck, deked past a couple Wings and put it past Howard for his fifth of the season.

In the second, Justin Abdelkader sent a pass to Derek Meech mid-ice. Meech fired off a knuckle shot that took a funny bounce, went off Bryzgalov's glove and found the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

But with 37 seconds left in the second, Martin Hanzal backhanded a pass to Radim Vrbata, skating along the boards to the left of Howard. Vrbata's attempt went off Todd Bertuzzi's stick, which altered direction just enough to get it past Howard to cut the lead back down to one.

Neither team would score in the third. Howard and Bryzaglov each ended the evening with 29 saves.

The Red Wings will face the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday night at Joe Louis Arena.

Player Of The Game: Patrick Eaves. While Kris Newbury had an eventful first game, Eaves played 19:14 and got the key second goal that helped the Wings hold off the Coyotes.

Game Thread: Red Wings vs Coyotes

joehass — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:53:15 -0000

The Phoenix Coyotes come calling to Joe Louis Arena tonight to take on the Red Wings. It's the second meeting of the year for the two teams: Phoenix won the first 3-2 in overtime on Adrian Aucoln's goal.

The talk of the town (until today's Darren Helm injury) was Todd Bertuzzi's back-to-back two-goal games, each featuring an overtime game winner. For Phoenix, Ilya Bryzgalov has a sparkling 1.95 GAA this season.

The puck drops at 7:30 pm ET. For the Coyotes' perspective, visit Five For Howling. We'll see you here to talk about the game.

Bertuzzi's Second OT Goal In Two Nights Gives Red Wings 3-2 Win

joehass — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:25:52 -0000

The Detroit Red Wings did not sign Todd Bertuzzi to be an offensive juggernaut. But in the last two nights, he's become just that.

For the second straight game, Bertuzzi scored a pair of goals, including one in overtime, to give the Red Wings a 3-2 victory over the Nasville Predators in Nashville.

Bertuzzi took off after a Pavel Datusyk steal, skated between a pair of Predators defensemen, and put the shot past Pekka Rinne a scant 24 seconds into the extra period.

Bertuzzi also scored early in the second after being set up by Drew Miller in the second period, with a spinaround move that sent Ryan Suter out of his skates, leaving him wide open against Rinne. Chris Osgood earned his 19th career assist on the play as well.

Osgood made 33 saves to earn his first victory since November 5, when he beat the San Jose Sharks.

The Wings jumped out to a 2-0 lead later in the second after Miller jumped on the scoresheet. Dasuyk had a shot hit the crossbar, and while the puck remained in the air, Miller swiped the puck in.

But the Predators struck back later in the second as Ryan Jones touched a Steve Sullivan slap in while Bertuzzi sat in the box. It was the first power play goal given up by the Red Wings in 27 attempts.

Nashville tied the game in the third on a David Legwand shot after J.P. Dumont had two shots that Osgood easily handled, but couldn't grasp the rebound.

The Red Wings come back to Joe Louis Arena Monday to take on the Phoenix Coyotes.

Player of the game: Todd Bertuzzi. Doubling your season goal output in two games, including two game winners in OT? That'll do.

Ty Conklin, Blues shut out Red Wings 1-0

joehass — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:27:24 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

Ty Conklin stops a Tomas Homstrom shot. Conklin made 42 saves for the shut-out victory.

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During the offseason, the Detroit Red Wings made the decision to go with Jimmy Howard as the goalie of the future, releasing Ty Conklin who signed with the St. Louis Blues. Wednesday night at Joe Louis Arena, the former goalie of the future bested the current one.

Brad Boyes scored just 1:56 into the first period, and the red lights would remain off the rest of the night as the Blues shut out the Red Wings 1-0. On a night when the Red Wings had 42 shots on goal and another 43 attempts on net, Conklin stood on his head.

For a Detroit team that has been struggling all season long with putting the puck into the net, tonight's game became a painful reminder of their struggles. Henrik Zetterberg had 11 shot attempts, including seven shots. Pavel Datsuyk had 10 shot attempts. Only three skaters didn't have at least one shot on net (Brett Lebda, Brad May, and Kris Draper).

On his goal, McDonald moved the puck out from behind Jimmy Howard to his left. He passed it out to Carlo Colaiacovo between the faceoff dots. Colaiacovo spotted an open Brad Boyes about 20 feet out, who put it past Howard for his eighth of the season. It would be the only blemish on Howard's record, but it's the only one the Blues needed.

The Red Wings will have an off day before the Anaheim Ducks make their second visit to Joe Louis Arena this season.

Player of the game: Jimmy Howard. Howard's only goal allowed was more of a defensive failure than a goaltending one, but on most nights, that's the kind of performance that should garner a W instead of an L.

Game Thread: Red Wings v Blues

joehass — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:38:41 -0000

by Bill Boyce - AP

Todd Bertuzzi is congratulated by Kris Draper and Henrik Zetterberg (40) after scoring the game-winning goal in a shootout the last time these two teams met.

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The Detroit Red Wings come home after a reasonably successful New York City two-night tour to take on the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena tonight.

The Blues were shut out at home last night 4-0 at home by the Colorado Avalanche. This is the fourth meeting of the season between the two teams: St. Louis won the first two in Sweden, while the Wings won their November 27 meeting in St. Louis.

For an alternate view, visit our sister blog, St. Louis Game Time. The game is on FS Detroit, FS Midwest, and the US NHL Network (which means it is not on the US Center Ice package). Puck drop is 7:30. We'll see you then!

Red Wings Knock Off Rangers 3-1

joehass — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:19:01 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

Jimmy Howard makes one of his 28 saves Sunday night against the New York Rangers

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On a back-end of a two-games-in-two-nights-in-two-cities road trip, the Red Wings would be forgiven if they didn't look their best.

Instead, they played an extremely solid first period, and pulled out a 3-1 win over the New York Rangers off goals from Pavel Datsyuk, Dan Cleary and Kris Draper.

To make things even better, Jimmy Howard had yet another very good night in net, stopping 28 shots, including a penalty shot that would've given the Rangers a 2-0 lead.

And the Red Wings even did something no team had done yet all season: hold the red-hot Marian Gaborik (21 goals in 26 games) to no shots in a game.

The first period saw Christopher Higgins come in to the right of Howard on a three-on-three. Brian Boyle skated up the middle and got past Justin Abdelkader. Higgins saw him, set him up nicely, and Higgins put it past Howard.

Early in the second, Ryan Callahan got past Jonathan Ericsson and was in alone when Ericsson hooked him, earning Callahan a penalty shot. But Callahan's fake wasn't bought by Howard, and when he went to Howard's left, Howard held his skate firm against the post and Callahan couldn't put the puck over it.

Later in the period, Henrik Zetterberg took a 23-footer that bounced off Henrik Lundqvist, but the rebound went to Datsyuk. Datsyuk did not miss, putting it past Lundqvist for his seventh of the season.

In the third with just over two minutes left, it was Zetterberg again setting up the play, coming up the boards to the left of Lundqvist. He passed cross-ice to a fresh-on-the-ice Cleary. With Callahan draped over him and just to the right of Lundqvist, Cleary put the puck to the net, and after going between Lundqvist's legs, it went off his left skate and into the net for the game-winner.

Finally, with six seconds left, Kris Draper took advantage of the empty net to put the sealer in and net his sixth of the season.

The Red Wings ended up with 31 shots on goal, while the Rangers had 29. The Wings are off until Wednesday, when they face the St. Louis Blues.

Player of the game: Jimmy Howard. He made some big-time saves tonight, especially on the Callahan penalty shot. And with every great performance, he makes Mike Babcock have to think a little harder as he moves forward.

Game Thread: Red Wings vs. Rangers

joehass — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:32:15 -0000

by Frank Franklin II - AP

Henrik Lundqvist made 36 saves against Buffalo last night.

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The day after losing to the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in a shootout in Newark, the Detroit Red Wings will head to the other side of the Hudson to take on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers come home after beating the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 in Buffalo last night, as Marian Gaborik and Christopher Higgins scored for New York. Henrik Lundqvist had a sparking game, stopping 36 shots.

The Red Wings came back from 2-0 and 3-1 against the Devils on a multi-point game from Patrick Eaves and goals from Kris Draper and Tomas Holmstrom (his 200th career goal). Detroit is extremely banged up: Brian Rafalsi remains out with a back injury on top of the parade of others out. Pavel Datsuyk is tied for third in the NHL with 32 takeaways.

For another view of the game, visit Blueshirt Banter. The game is on FS Detroit and MSG, with a puck drop of 7:00. See you then!

Red Wings Lose 4-3 in Shootout To Devils

joehass — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:16:59 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

12 days ago: Detroit Red Wings goaltender Chris Osgood makes a save during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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When you're facing the best goaltender in the modern history of the National Hockey League, facing him in a shootout is a daunting task.

Having come back from down two goals, the Red Wings were seemingly charged up entering overtime against the New Jersey Devils. Unable to settle it in the extra five minutes, they had to go to the shootout where they could only get one shot out of four into the net. Patrick Elias managed to beat Chris Osgood in the fourth round to give New Jersey the 4-3 victory.

Patrick Eaves had a goal and an assist, while Kris Draper and Tomas Holmstrom also scored for the Red Wings. Chris Osgood made 23 saves, but let in a couple of softer goals.

In the first, Zach Parise went to the right of Osgood, bringing three Red Wings with him. Meanwhile, Jamie Langenbrunner came in stealthily to Osgood's left, and Parise set him up beautifully. With a wide-open net, he did not miss to hit his seventh of the season.

Just under two minutes later, Johnny Oduya led a three-on-two for the Devils. Holding onto it, he put it between Osgood's legs to make it 2-0. It was Oduya's first goal of the year in his first game back since being injured on October 28.

That first period looked suspiciously like Detroit's Thursday night egg against Edmonton: slow playing, lethargic, and generally without a lot of energy.

The Red Wings struck back in the second period. Darren Helm skated in along the near-side boards. Using Mark Frasier as a screen, he put the puck towards the net, where Kris Draper knocked in his fifth goal of the season to make it 2-1.

Five minutes later, New Jersey set up another three-on-two. This time, James Pandolfo brought the puck up the right side, passed it across to Vladimir Zharkov, who shot it towards a scrum in front of Osgood. Rob Neidermayer happened to be in the right place at the right time and got it in to reset the two-goal lead.

With 30 seconds left in the second and Elias in the penalty box, Brad Stuart passed to Tomas Holmstrom, who was camped out in his usual place in front of the opposition goaltender. Holmstrom got it past Brodeur to make it back to 3-2.

In the third period, Justin Abdelkader had the puck while being draped by Bryce Salvador. Dumping it towards the net, Patrick Eaves just tipped it, causing it to go past Brodeur to tie the game at three.

In the shootout, Pavel Datsuyk and Zach Parise scored in the first round. Henrik Zetterberg, Jamie Langenbrunner, Todd Bertuzzi, and Travis Zajac all missed to go into bonus shootout. In the fourth round, Mike Babcock sent out Ville Leino, whose shot was saved nicely by Brodeur. Patrick Elias went backhanded, froze Osgood, held the puck for one more beat, then put it underneath Osgood's outstretched left arm.

The Wings will stay in the Tri-State area to play the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden Sunday night. The Rangers beat the Buffalo Sabres Saturday night in Buffalo 2-1.

Player of the game: Patrick Eaves. Here's the question no one seemed to ask Mike Babcock after the game: why did he send Ville Leino (1 shot, 2 giveaways, -2) out for the fourth round of the shootout and not Patrick Eaves (1 goal, 1 assist)?

Red Wings vs. Devils Game Thread

joehass — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:59:13 -0000

by Jerry S. Mendoza - AP

Dan Cleary has scored in each of the past two games.

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The Detroit Red Wings head to the New York City area for a pair of games this weekend. Tonight, they face the New Jersey Devils in their first trip to the Prudential Center in Newark.

Detroit is coming off a 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in a game that was every bit as ugly as the score would indicate. Dan Cleary scored only goal for the Wings. Jakub Kindl made his NHL debut with one shot in 14:18 of ice time.

For New Jersey, they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning last night 3-2 at home on a goal by Jamie Langenburger with 38.1 seconds left in regulation. It was their seventh win in eight games at home. With the back-to-back games, it will be interesting to see if Jacques Lemaire will go back to Martin Brodeur tonight against the Detroit.

For an alternate view, check out our sister blog In Lou We Trust. Puck drops at 7:00 p.m. ET. The game is on FS Detroit and MSG Plus. Comment away below!

Oilers beat Red Wings 4-1

joehass — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:27:14 -0000

More photos » by Jerry S. Mendoza - AP

Patrick O'Sullivan celebrates one of his goals against the Red Wings.

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On a night when the Detroit Red Wings should have found the road out of town easy, they were instead blindsided by the worst team in the Western Conference.

The Edmonton Oilers came into Joe Louis Arena having lost to Vancouver Saturday night 7-3. They walked out with a 4-1 whupping of the Red Wings on the strength of a pair of goals by Patrick O'Sullivan.

Jimmy Howard looked absolutely mortal tonight, but he wasn't helped on two different goals that went in off his teammates. Meanwhile, the Red Wings sputtered immediately out of the gate, looking lethargic throughout the game.

Jeff Deslauriers was outstanding for the Oilers, stopping 25 shots. Jakub Kindle, making his debut for the Red Wings, finished the game with one shot and a -2 rating.

Lubomir Visnovsky opened the scoring, taking a shot from about 40 feet away that went off Brett Lebda. Then Lebda knocked the puck in past Howard to make it 1-0. It was Vinovsky's first goal in seven games, and sixth of the season.

Later in the first period, Ryan Stone passed to Robert Nilsson. Nilsson froze Jonathan Ericsson, who played the puck instead of the man. After spinning past him, he pump fakes out Howard and put the puck in for his second of the season.

With six seconds left in the first period, Nicklas Lidstrom put a 140-foot pass right on the stick of Todd Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi quickly fired the puck back to a charging Dan Cleary, who put the puck into the net for his sixth of the season with only 0.9 seconds left in the period.

In the second period, O'Sullivan was trying to put the puck across the ice when it deflected off Pavel Datsuyk's stick towards the net. Howard was ill-prepared for it, and it slid in through his pads to give the Oilers a two-goal lead.

Less than three minutes later, O'Sullivan struck again after a Detroit turnover in their own end. Sheldon Souray took advantage and got it back to O'Sullivan, who made Howard commit so badly that he was able to skate two more steps to Howard's right. Brad Stuart was unable to stop his shot, and it became 4-1 Oilers.

The Wings will travel to New York City for a pair of games: Saturday night in New Jersey against the Devils, and Sunday night at 33rd Street and 8th Avenue against the Rangers.

Player of the game: Dan Cleary. When you lose and only score one goal, you gotta give it to the goal scorer.