Jeff Riger: There Is A Lot To Like About The Wings Right Now
It seems like only yesterday when Wings fans were collectively freaking out because Detroit was mired in a 6 game losing skid. The team could not score, nor could they possess the puck and really the only thing that was worth watching was Jimmy Howard who did his best to keep the opposition off the board. In fact, during that wretched skid from 10/22 to 11/03 Detroit only scored 6 goals while allowing 22.
People were convinced that the Wings were done; they would surely miss out on the playoffs for the first time in over a couple decades. However, once again the doubters seem to be wrong as the Wings have gone 16 and 5 since and have also won 10 games in a row at Joe Louis Arena where they have lit the lamp 51 times in that streak, 20 of which were in the last three games in Downtown Detroit
Oh and by the way, in those 3 contests, Detroit has forced out the opposing goalies for Phoenix, Winnipeg and the L.A. in each game.
But even with all the good that has happened of late there has still been some negatives as the squad has failed to post a winning record on the road. Now that came close to being rectified on Monday night as the team started a 4 game road trip, 3 of which that take place in Western Canada and the Wings took the first contest in Edmonton, beating the Oilers 3-2. Dan Cleary, Jiri Hudler and Drew Miller were the goal scorers and now the Wings are 8-8 away from the Joe. So now even the one negative seems to be turning around as well.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that the Wings have really impressed me so far, and I really like this year's version of the team better then in years past.
Of course, if I say this too loud, or even dare to say it on the air then all the HATERS will be quick to remind ALL that Detroit has been knocked out of the postseason in the 2nd round the last couple seasons and with everyone being a year older, there is no way that this year's team could possibly hoist another cup. They will tell you how slow and small the Wings are and how the team's style of play just could not succeed in this year's NHL.
Well I disagree with all these people as usual! They may call me a "homer" or "blind" but I like to think of it as greater Detroit's talent having the ability to prevail, especially in the Western conference. There is no team that I think Wings fans should be afraid of. Even the San Jose Sharks, the team that ended Detroit's last two seasons is barley in any post season picture. Who is it Wings fans? Are you afraid of the Wild and Blues, both teams that can't muster any offense? Or are you scared of the Blackhawks with Toews, Kane and Hossa? Nobody currently send shivers down my spine! And even though Detroit is only the 4th seed in the West, they are just 3 points out of first and are gaining ground quickly.
So, instead of just saying that I like this year's Wings team and leave it at that, instead I decided to let you in on the madness in my head that leads me to think that way.
Below I have listed my top 3 reasons that this year's Wings team is better than in years past. Let's see if you agree: (By the way, the following is in no particular order.)
- New Lines!
Mike Babcock is constantly tinkering, he is never satisfied nor should he be. But at least for the time being, the coach seems to be happy with what has taken place since the day after Thanksgiving. On Black Friday the Wings played the defending Stanley Cup Champion Bruins and in the third period of a very close game, Babcock did his thing. Lacking fire power on the top two lines, the 7th year head man told Pavel Datsyuk to center the top line with Johan Franzen and Todd Bertuzzi, while the second line consisted of Henrik Zetterberg playing with Jiri Hudler and Valteri Filpula. And that is all that it took. Since that day in Boston, Detroit's top two lines have been the strength of the team, something that any successful group needs. And of course since the top 6 forwards were scoring, that meant the third and fourth lines could focus on their job instead of worrying about being forced to carry the load like they had to early in the season. In case you were wondering Datsyuk, Franzen and Bertuzzi have combined for 34 points while Zetterberg, Hudler and Filpula are responsible for 37 points. If these top two lines can continue this production while continuing to be defensively responsible I believe that the sky is the limit for the Wings. It needs to also be brought up that Hudler and Filpula are having their best seasons as Detroiters, something that no doubt is related to the new lines that they play on.
- Ian White
White is playing his first season with Detroit and has been a very welcome addition. After losing Brian Rafalski last year the team needed a replacement and 12 year vet has been dominant. White was a +2 Monday against Edmonton, making him a +23 for the season which not only leads all Detroit skaters but also leads the NHL as well. White, playing with Nick Lidstrom on most nights has scored 4 goals and 11 assists. No doubt, Nick makes any player better, but some could say in this situation that White adds to Lidstrom's talents as well.
- Jimmy Howard
I find it laughable that Howard was left off the NHL All Star ballot and now has to be a write in candidate if he were to make it to the game. Howard has been sensational this season sporting a 1.91 goals against average and a .928 save percentage. Howard leads the game in wins and ranks second in shutouts plus he is top 5 in goals against and top 10 in save percentage. Howard was responsible for keeping the Wings afloat before the offense came to life and now he continues to be almost unbeatable every night. Everyone says you really can't call a goalie "good" until he proves it in the playoffs and I agree with that statement! However if the postseason is anything like how the regular season so far has been, I predict Jimmy will be called "good" in no time. Also don't count Howard out of the Vezina trophy running as well.
No doubt there are more than just the above reasons why the Wings have really hit their stride. The team is 5th in power play production, plus the defense scores as well. Detroit's combined d-men lead the league in goals and points. Also the Wings are unstoppable at home sporting a 13-2 and 1 record.
I will repeat myself again, in case you forgot. I really like this team and right now, on December 20th, I am saying that this group not only has the ability to be special, but they will end up being special as well!
So what do you think? Am I laying it on a bit thick? Or do you, like I, truly believe that this year's Wings team has the ability to make a deep run in the post season and maybe just maybe win another Stanley Cup?
