Pro Sports Blogging

Hi Everyone

I am posting my first blog since the Olympics, I guess i have some catching up so i will do my best.

I would first like to congratulate all of Canada’s athletes in the Olympics for a memorable performance that hopefully will be talked about for years to come.  My hat is also off to all the athletes of the world for a great games.

Now down to business… On Monday the Wings went to the mile high city for a date with there old rivals the Colorado Avalanche.  Detroit looked good building a 2 goal lead and blanking the Avs in the first period, Thomas Holmstrom drew first blood at 6:06 off Datsyuk and Stuart while just 6 minutes later Johan Franzen netted his 4th off Lidstrom and again Holmstrom.  Colorado would come back with 2 in the 2nd period to tie the game, however just half way through the 3rd period Niklas Lidstrom from Datsyuk and Holmstrom again would net one giving them the lead and eventually the game.  Jimmy Howard would take 46 shots giving Detroit a much needed boost after the break.

Trade deadline day was quiet for the Wings only making 2 minor deals trading Kris Newbury for Jordan Owens of the New York Rangers also acquiring Riley Armstrong from Calgary for Andy Delmore.  Most would have expected for Detroit not to make to many deals as they are fighting the age of the salary cap and could not afford to pick up a goalie on a short term deal, however acquiring these lower named players they may be able to make some room come free agency after the season ends.

After this the Wings would host Vancouver in the Joe, but this return to Detroit would be one the Wings would like to forget the scoring would start only 3 minutes in and the majority would follow into and through the 2nd period.  Kesler would score at 3:34 for Vancouver early to gain the lead then Justin Williams would score for Detroit at 14:50 followed by Alex Burrows at 16:20 this would end the first at 2-1.  Henrik Zetterberg would score only 1:47 into the second off a Lilja pass although at this point Detroit was playing very well it would end as Vancouver would score 4 un-answered goals only Franzen would later score with less then 5 minutes left in the game giving Detroit a 6-3 loss on this night.

What is next for the Wings?

Detroit will have 2 very important divisional match ups against Nashville Friday then Chicago on Sunday.  Detroit has to win these games with only 70 pts barley holding onto the 8th playoff spot in the West the chances are starting to run out on the Wings, Calgary and Dallas are the 2 biggest threats at the moment.  Coach Babcock may have to try some line juggling to shake things up but still keeping the basis formula that they have which can still work otherwise the Wings playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy.

Thanks for reading!!

Mark

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Written by Mark Bates