28 replies to this topic

[YzerFan19]

Yeah, there's no such thing as a "must-win" until you're facing elimination but it's pretty clear that we're past the "feeling out" phase of this series.

The Red Wings did what they had to do in Glendale, they came back home with a split and turned the series into a five-game affair in which they have home ice advantage. "All" they have to do is hold serve at home and the series is theirs.

In Game One the Red Wings failed to play the kind of game they will need to play to win this series. In Game Two they got there but it wasn't a consistent sixty-minute effort. If the Wings continue to play the way they played the third period of Game Two, they will win this series.

They have to be strong on the puck. They have to drive to the net. They have to get shots through to Ilya Bryzgalov. They have to not back down from Phoenix's physical play.

The Coyotes, meanwhile, seem to be in a bit of disarray. They know they can win when they make the Red Wings play Phoenix's game but can they win one where the pace is dictated by Detroit? They're also battling injuries, with Vernon Fiddler and former Red Wing Robert Lang not yet confirmed to be in the lineup this afternoon.

We already know how I feel about afternoon games and games on national broadcasters. This one's a 3:00 start on NBC.

[YzerFan19]

That all happened because Jimmy didn't get over for the wraparound. Should have ended there, instead it's a scramble.

[RideTheRedWave]

pinching again, ericcson pinches, 2on 1 other way.

[catmandu]

No wonder the NHL can't get new fans, the NBC guys are too busy telling a story to call the game. How can you learn about the game if they're not calling it?

[YzerFan19]

Smart play by Helm. He knew he had no pass to Cleary so he threw it on net, knowing Bryzgalov would make the stop but that Cleary would be there for the rebound.

[YzerFan19]

pinching again, ericcson pinches, 2on 1 other way.

I thought it was more he got pyloned than it was a pinch.

[RideTheRedWave]

that D pair should NEVER pinch... its LILJA and Ericsson...Slowest players on the team

[YzerFan19]

Tied up, bitches!

[YzerFan19]

And Stuart was pinching there.

[YzerFan19]

You know what? I'm absolutely fine with that period. Kind of fluky goal early, Wings with almost all of the pressure from then on.

[YzerFan19]

Doan runs over Jimmy and hurts himself. Hrm...

[YzerFan19]

Weak power play. Worrisome.

[YzerFan19]

Wings have looked passive this period. Definitely not as confident as I was after the first, they've gotta wake up.

[YzerFan19]

Can't really complain about a quick whistle. Damn.

[catmandu]

They needed a stoppage in there. Three or four minutes without a stoppage. Howard had the chance to freeze it earlier.

[YzerFan19]

Both Phoenix goals off of weird bounces. I've lost my good feeling.

[Mathieu_Datsyuk132351]

No wonder the NHL can't get new fans, the NBC guys are too busy telling a story to call the game. How can you learn about the game if they're not calling it?

You also forgot to mention they're bad commentators. But I guess I'd take them over the people at Versus.

[YzerFan19]

Anyone want to play some f*cking defense?

[YzerFan19]

The Mule woke the f*ck up!

[YzerFan19]

I'm sorry, that one's on Jimmy. Yeah, they gained the zone because of the line change but Howie saw it the whole way.