Postgame Questions

Over at A2Y, Bill is ranting about tonight’s 6-5 Red Wings win over the Vancouver Canucks. I don’t think things are quite as dire as he does but I think there are definitely questions about Detroit’s play this season.

On Vancouver’s first goal I asked, “Should Ozzie have been faster with the glove? How did that turn into a three-on-two?” My later notes are similar.

Blown defensive coverage on Raymond for the third goal or bad lateral movement by Osgood?

Vancouver’s fourth goal: Bad rebound or missed clearing attempt by Lidstrom?

The questions raised by three of the Canucks five goals helped me realize why I haven’t been able to put a finger on one thing that’s been wrong with the Wings’ play this season. It’s not one thing, it’s a combination of defensive lapses and weak goaltending.

If Osgood is faster with his glove it doesn’t matter that there was a three-on-two. If the Wings change faster there’s no three-on-two so Osgood doesn’t need to be faster with his glove.

If there’s no blown coverage on Raymond, Osgood’s lateral movement doesn’t matter. If Osgood’s quicker moving right to left he makes up for Raymond being open.

The problem we’ve been seeing all year is that for some reason the Red Wings continue having these full-team momentary lapses. A “perfect storm of suck” if you will.

That said, the defense has made some great plays and Osgood has made some big, big saves. About 3:00 into the second period tonight Osgood had a great stop on the Sedins. These things shouldn’t be forgotten.

Bill says trouble is coming. I say it’s here but I’m not ready to worry about it. Moments of brilliance have been shown, it’s just a matter of the Wings pulling it all together into one complete effort.