The Detroit Red Wings are again heading into game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals with the chance to win their second straight championship. Last year they were coming in after losing to the Pens in triple overtime. This year they enter game 6 off of a 5-0 win where Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was pulled after giving up all 5 goals.
Coach Mike Babcock remembers last year's game 5 loss at home. "You're 32 seconds away from winning. I can remember thinking that for a second." He continued, "But it's like anything. You got up the next day and you refocused. I think that is what happens to teams." Refocus is what this year's team will do. They've said all along, they don't get too high with a win, or too low with a loss.
Is Detroit feeling confident coming into this one? Of course they are confident, they are the defending champs. Are they counting their rings before they have yet another one, no way!
When asked a question about how he feels about "the night before the Cup," Babcock said "you say the night before the Cup, we don't think like that. We don't even say that."
Babcock has said from the first day he arrived in Detroit, we take one game at a time and don't take anything for granted. "We're going to focus on the process. We're going to get prepared."
He went on to compare his job to what reporters and fans do for a living.
"We're going to go out for a meal. We're going to go to bed. No different than your job. It's just routine.
Captain Nick Lidstrom was asked what winning a fifth Stanley Cup would mean. "We know as a team we aren't there yet. We know we need another win to get to where we're going."
He refused to answer a question about who he'll hand the Cup to if they win. "Right now we're so focused on getting another win, that all of that will just handle itself." The consummate professional.
Four-time Cup winner Kris Draper talks about the make-up of this team. "There's a lot of character, a lot of leadership in our dressing room." Nobody has really gotten ahead of themselves." This team takes nothing for granted.
"It's that special." Draper also went on to say "It's a lot of hard work, and we're proud of where we are right now. But with that said, we've yet to accomplish anything."
Grounded is a word that can be used to describe this team. That comes from the experience and leadership is has among its players. They've been through it all, both good and bad.
"The fourth one is always the toughest one to win," Draper said. He's right, and more importantly, his teammates know it. Despite the four Stanley Cups, they know nothing is a given.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Momentum
The Stanley Cup Finals couldn't be any closer heading into game 5 with the Wings and Pens tied at 2. Detroit won the first two at home they then went to Mellon and Pittsburgh held serve. Sounds like what should happen, right? That is why they play the entire regular season, to get home ice advantage. But, it was how the Pens won those two games that has Wings' fans concerned. The Pens have been better than the Wings for most of these playoffs and could easily have a 3-1 lead. Chris Osgood has saved the Wings to this point, but with the return of Pavel Datsyuk, maybe Marian Hossa can make it on the score sheet. All of this led me to wonder, can Pittsburgh carry momentum from game 4 into Detroit for game 5?
I believe you can have momentum in a game, but once that game is over, so is the momentum. Pittsburgh gave it all they had in game 4, and is showed. In a 5:37 span, the Pens went from trailing 2-1 to leading 4-1. Jordan Staal with a short-handed goal started off a period of time where the Wings looked like the more inexperienced team. That goal changed the momentum in the game, for sure. The Wings had taken the crowd out of the game and you could hear a pin drop in Mellon Arena. After the goal, the place was loud and the fans on their feet. It stayed that way for the rest of those five plus minutes. The Penguins had momentum. They carried that momentum for the rest of the game. The Wings looked tired...they couldn't keep up, make smart passes, and they continued to give the puck away. Detroit with four power play chances, but couldn't convert on any. The game ended 4-2 Pens, series tied at 2. But, today is a different day.
The Wings believe they have home ice advantage for a reason. It is now a best of 3 with Joe Louis Arena hosting 2 of the 3. Game 4 is long gone from the minds of Wings' players. It is a new game now. With it being a new game and a new venue, any momentum that the Pens had in game 4 is gone. That is not to say that in the first 5 minutes of game 5, they could regain that momentum. Or, that the Wings could steal it back at any time.
I believe you can have momentum in a game, but once that game is over, so is the momentum. Pittsburgh gave it all they had in game 4, and is showed. In a 5:37 span, the Pens went from trailing 2-1 to leading 4-1. Jordan Staal with a short-handed goal started off a period of time where the Wings looked like the more inexperienced team. That goal changed the momentum in the game, for sure. The Wings had taken the crowd out of the game and you could hear a pin drop in Mellon Arena. After the goal, the place was loud and the fans on their feet. It stayed that way for the rest of those five plus minutes. The Penguins had momentum. They carried that momentum for the rest of the game. The Wings looked tired...they couldn't keep up, make smart passes, and they continued to give the puck away. Detroit with four power play chances, but couldn't convert on any. The game ended 4-2 Pens, series tied at 2. But, today is a different day.
The Wings believe they have home ice advantage for a reason. It is now a best of 3 with Joe Louis Arena hosting 2 of the 3. Game 4 is long gone from the minds of Wings' players. It is a new game now. With it being a new game and a new venue, any momentum that the Pens had in game 4 is gone. That is not to say that in the first 5 minutes of game 5, they could regain that momentum. Or, that the Wings could steal it back at any time.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Penalties in the NHL
As Wings Coach Mike Babcock pointed out after game 3 of the Western Conference finals, everyone has a bad day. Coaches have bad days. Players have bad days. But according to the NHL, officials never have a bad day. That came during the postgame presser after the Blackhawks beat the Wings 4-3 in overtime. The Wings played much of the game without defenseman Niklas Kronwall after he picked up a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for a hit on Martin Havlat just past the midway point of the first period. The Blackhawks scored on that powerplay. Hawks Coach Joel Quennville thought the call was correct and the there possibly should have been a suspension. How can two people, who see things similarly a lot of the time, view this so differently? That isn't what the issue is here, and I'll address viewpoints in another blog on another day.
What is up for debate is what is and isn't being called in the NHL playoffs. Some think their is a conspiracy theory, but that doesn't make any sense when it comes to what the NHL wants...bottom line is they want higher ratings and sold out buildings, that is how they make money. Who doesn't think a Wings-Penguins rematch wouldn't do that? If they do, they are nuts. The calls from the beginning of the playoffs, in all the series, have been inconsistant. In one game a referee may call high sticking and in another, he may let it go unless he sees blood.
Wings defenseman Brad Stuart addressed that issue after practice on Saturday. Stuart admitted he's confused as to what his being called as he sat in front of his locker with a cut next to his right eye from a high stick he took on Friday.
"A lot of times, if you hit a guy too hard, they call a penalty," Stuart added. "That is what has been happening to us."
I am sure it doesn't help that since entering the league 5 years ago, Kronwall is known for his big hits. He's a six-foot defenseman who weighs 189 pounds, most of it muscle. Over the last 3 seasons, the defenseman has averaged just 49 penalty minutes. He continues to play the way he's played since being drafted in 2000 because the league lets him play that way. Unless it isn't convenient for them. Like Friday night.
Fans of the Big Ten know that every week during football season they issue at least one apology on Sunday or Monday about a blown call. Every week! They admit their errors, which in today's world says a lot. Why is it so hard for the professional leagues to do the same. All Babcock wants is accountability. If a mistake is made, admit it.
But was it a mistake? Did they call something because a player lay injured on the ice? If Havlat would have bounced back up, would the call have been made at all? These are all questions that not only the coaches and players want answered, the fans do, too. Why can't they be consistant? High sticking is high sticking, as is interference. For Havlat, the puck was in his feet and he was looking down. The puck in his feet meant no interference. They called it anyway.
People who are trying to become hockey fans have an issue with the way games are called. They can't follow it because they don't know what is right or wrong because the calls are so inconsistant.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman wants more fans. He wants the league to be successful. Here's one way to do it - streamline the calls. And if there is a mistake, just admit it.
What is up for debate is what is and isn't being called in the NHL playoffs. Some think their is a conspiracy theory, but that doesn't make any sense when it comes to what the NHL wants...bottom line is they want higher ratings and sold out buildings, that is how they make money. Who doesn't think a Wings-Penguins rematch wouldn't do that? If they do, they are nuts. The calls from the beginning of the playoffs, in all the series, have been inconsistant. In one game a referee may call high sticking and in another, he may let it go unless he sees blood.
Wings defenseman Brad Stuart addressed that issue after practice on Saturday. Stuart admitted he's confused as to what his being called as he sat in front of his locker with a cut next to his right eye from a high stick he took on Friday.
"A lot of times, if you hit a guy too hard, they call a penalty," Stuart added. "That is what has been happening to us."
I am sure it doesn't help that since entering the league 5 years ago, Kronwall is known for his big hits. He's a six-foot defenseman who weighs 189 pounds, most of it muscle. Over the last 3 seasons, the defenseman has averaged just 49 penalty minutes. He continues to play the way he's played since being drafted in 2000 because the league lets him play that way. Unless it isn't convenient for them. Like Friday night.
Fans of the Big Ten know that every week during football season they issue at least one apology on Sunday or Monday about a blown call. Every week! They admit their errors, which in today's world says a lot. Why is it so hard for the professional leagues to do the same. All Babcock wants is accountability. If a mistake is made, admit it.
But was it a mistake? Did they call something because a player lay injured on the ice? If Havlat would have bounced back up, would the call have been made at all? These are all questions that not only the coaches and players want answered, the fans do, too. Why can't they be consistant? High sticking is high sticking, as is interference. For Havlat, the puck was in his feet and he was looking down. The puck in his feet meant no interference. They called it anyway.
People who are trying to become hockey fans have an issue with the way games are called. They can't follow it because they don't know what is right or wrong because the calls are so inconsistant.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman wants more fans. He wants the league to be successful. Here's one way to do it - streamline the calls. And if there is a mistake, just admit it.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Hard work pays off
22 year-old Darren Helm only knows one way to play and that's hard. He gives max effort every shift he gets and never backs down from anything. The Winnipeg native played in just 16 games for the Red Wings this season, finishing with one point. While playing for their minor league affiliate in Grand Rapids, Helm notched 37 points in 55 games. Helm isn't known for his goal scoring, his reputation is for speed and finishing his checks.
Since the 2009 playoffs began, Helm has played in all 9 games and notching his first point, a goal, in Sunday's 4-1 win over Anaheim. Again, he played an aggressive game, and he finally got the payoff. He even admits he's not a point scorer.
"Goal scoring isn't a huge part of his game here," Helm said after the game.
He was happy, though, to get rewarded. "It's nice to contribute one in awhile."
His teammates certainly know the value he brings to the ice each and every time he steps on it. Fellow line mate Jiri Hudler, who scored the game winner on Sunday, sung Helm's praises.
"He has tremendous speed and is strong on the puck." He went on to say, "he creates a lot of room for a lot of players because of his speed and strength."
The Wings are known for their experience and talent, but due to injury, they have had to reach down to their Grand Rapids affiliate, the Griffins, to bring up some of the younger players. Jonathan Ericsson got his chance when Andreas Lilja went down with a concussion. The 25 year-old defenseman brings enthusiasm and toughness just like Helm. He's made the most of his chance and continues to be a vital part of this team as the playoffs go on. And on Sunday, 22 year-old Justin Abdelkader got his chance after Tomas Kopecky suffered facial injuries during a fight after Friday's win in Anaheim. The former MSU star picked up his first career playoff point assisting on Johan Franzen's first goal of the game. Abdelkader proceeded to play just shy of nine minutes and finished with nine hits. That's why Coach Mike Babcock put him in the line-up, more toughness and hard work...which paid off for him, too.
Babcock also spoke highly of Helm saying "he's on the body, he plays with pace, he plays hard."
Franzen gave this organization credit for being so deep and talented. He feels that is why they go as far as they do in the playoffs. Captain Nick Lidstrom has seen a lot of players in his career and appreciates the effort that Helm gives.
"Great to see him hanging around the net, no shying away."
Darren Helm is known for a lot of things, and Lidstrom said it best, shying away isn't one of them.
Since the 2009 playoffs began, Helm has played in all 9 games and notching his first point, a goal, in Sunday's 4-1 win over Anaheim. Again, he played an aggressive game, and he finally got the payoff. He even admits he's not a point scorer.
"Goal scoring isn't a huge part of his game here," Helm said after the game.
He was happy, though, to get rewarded. "It's nice to contribute one in awhile."
His teammates certainly know the value he brings to the ice each and every time he steps on it. Fellow line mate Jiri Hudler, who scored the game winner on Sunday, sung Helm's praises.
"He has tremendous speed and is strong on the puck." He went on to say, "he creates a lot of room for a lot of players because of his speed and strength."
The Wings are known for their experience and talent, but due to injury, they have had to reach down to their Grand Rapids affiliate, the Griffins, to bring up some of the younger players. Jonathan Ericsson got his chance when Andreas Lilja went down with a concussion. The 25 year-old defenseman brings enthusiasm and toughness just like Helm. He's made the most of his chance and continues to be a vital part of this team as the playoffs go on. And on Sunday, 22 year-old Justin Abdelkader got his chance after Tomas Kopecky suffered facial injuries during a fight after Friday's win in Anaheim. The former MSU star picked up his first career playoff point assisting on Johan Franzen's first goal of the game. Abdelkader proceeded to play just shy of nine minutes and finished with nine hits. That's why Coach Mike Babcock put him in the line-up, more toughness and hard work...which paid off for him, too.
Babcock also spoke highly of Helm saying "he's on the body, he plays with pace, he plays hard."
Franzen gave this organization credit for being so deep and talented. He feels that is why they go as far as they do in the playoffs. Captain Nick Lidstrom has seen a lot of players in his career and appreciates the effort that Helm gives.
"Great to see him hanging around the net, no shying away."
Darren Helm is known for a lot of things, and Lidstrom said it best, shying away isn't one of them.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Playoff overtime hockey is the BEST
What a week-end in sports...Celtics v. Cavs with a drama-filled series that went to game seven. Mine That Bird enters the Kentucky Derby an underdog at 50-1 and wins. Wings and Ducks in game two of the Western Conference Finals go to a third overtime where a costly mistake sends the Wings to Anaheim for game three with the series tied at one after losing 4-3.
All of these are exciting events in their own right, but I contend overtime hockey in the playoffs one of the most exciting event in sports. Obviously, a game seven overtime scenario is by far the most exciting, but any overtime playoff game is more exciting than any other sporting event.
Defenseman Brad Stuart, who scored the Wings first goal said it best. "It's a battle. It's almost first team that is able to win the mental battle will win."
Playoff overtime hockey is both a physical and mental battle. Physically the two teams have already played sixty minutes of hockey and that takes its toll. Mentally, they know that one mistake, no matter how small, can cost them the game.
"It's a fine line between winning and losing in overtime" Captain Nick Lidstrom said after the game.
Todd Marchant forced a turnover near the Anaheim blue line with a back-check play, took a pass from defenseman James Wisniewski and moved into the Wings zone. He got a screen in front and took a wrist shot from the left circle that beat goalie Chris Osgood over the left shoulder. One small play which led to a turnover which led to a game winner, all in the span of one minute and fifteen seconds to start the third overtime. Game over.
If you weren't back from the restroom, kitchen, concession stand or you were texting someone on your phone, you missed the end of the game. That was it. It was over. Some will argue that a boxing match has the same intensity and dramatic finish, so maybe I should say it is the best in team sports. But in my mind, it is in all sports.
The players equate it to adrenaline rushes people get from doing certain activities. You could tell Chris Osgood, despite the loss, loves the situation.
"It's like a guy that loves parachuting or jumping out of planes or bungee jumping. For me, I love playing games like that, they're fun."
What is there not to love...exciting, non-stop play that can last less than a minute, or up to 4 extra hours of drama. Not only do the players feel the pressure, the fans do, too. That is what makes it so great.
In basketball you get five minutes to pick up a win. If the teams remain tied, they go another five. In pro football, the coin flip is important, but the coin flip winner doesn't always win the game and plenty of plays can be run before an end. There isn't "that pressure." In baseball, both teams get at least one at-bat. Yes there is drama when a team wins in the bottom of the ninth or in extra innings, but it isn't that second by second drama that happens in playoff overtime hockey when there is so much on the time.
As I said above, nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to a game seven overtime, but no matter what round of the playoffs, overtime hockey gives the fans the drama, intrigue and excitement that no other sport can deliver.
All of these are exciting events in their own right, but I contend overtime hockey in the playoffs one of the most exciting event in sports. Obviously, a game seven overtime scenario is by far the most exciting, but any overtime playoff game is more exciting than any other sporting event.
Defenseman Brad Stuart, who scored the Wings first goal said it best. "It's a battle. It's almost first team that is able to win the mental battle will win."
Playoff overtime hockey is both a physical and mental battle. Physically the two teams have already played sixty minutes of hockey and that takes its toll. Mentally, they know that one mistake, no matter how small, can cost them the game.
"It's a fine line between winning and losing in overtime" Captain Nick Lidstrom said after the game.
Todd Marchant forced a turnover near the Anaheim blue line with a back-check play, took a pass from defenseman James Wisniewski and moved into the Wings zone. He got a screen in front and took a wrist shot from the left circle that beat goalie Chris Osgood over the left shoulder. One small play which led to a turnover which led to a game winner, all in the span of one minute and fifteen seconds to start the third overtime. Game over.
If you weren't back from the restroom, kitchen, concession stand or you were texting someone on your phone, you missed the end of the game. That was it. It was over. Some will argue that a boxing match has the same intensity and dramatic finish, so maybe I should say it is the best in team sports. But in my mind, it is in all sports.
The players equate it to adrenaline rushes people get from doing certain activities. You could tell Chris Osgood, despite the loss, loves the situation.
"It's like a guy that loves parachuting or jumping out of planes or bungee jumping. For me, I love playing games like that, they're fun."
What is there not to love...exciting, non-stop play that can last less than a minute, or up to 4 extra hours of drama. Not only do the players feel the pressure, the fans do, too. That is what makes it so great.
In basketball you get five minutes to pick up a win. If the teams remain tied, they go another five. In pro football, the coin flip is important, but the coin flip winner doesn't always win the game and plenty of plays can be run before an end. There isn't "that pressure." In baseball, both teams get at least one at-bat. Yes there is drama when a team wins in the bottom of the ninth or in extra innings, but it isn't that second by second drama that happens in playoff overtime hockey when there is so much on the time.
As I said above, nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to a game seven overtime, but no matter what round of the playoffs, overtime hockey gives the fans the drama, intrigue and excitement that no other sport can deliver.
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