Belated Postgame Thoughts on Game Two

You know, I really was going to do a formal write-up of Game Two but now that I finally have time I feel like it’s a bit too late. Instead, here are a few of my thoughts on the game…

The Red Wings didn’t seem awake for the first two periods. They played much better from the third period on through overtime but had they played like that in the openeing forty minutes the extra time wouldn’t have been necessary.

If Detroit’s first line ever gets to scoring, Anaheim will be in trouble. It feels like Pavel Datsyuk and Marian Hossa are still feeling out the Ducks, which I don’t quite understand.

Chris Osgood played another strong game. No one should be pinning this loss on him.

The Wings’ depth showed in OT. The Ducks were using their top guys a lot in the extra periods while Mike Babcock wasn’t afraid to throw Darren Helm out there. Helm played a fantastic game with what time he was given. Of course, that depth didn’t matter, as it was Anaheim’s little-used players that forced the goal.

I’m still really unhappy with the game-winning goal. Niklas Kronwall caught up ice. Todd Marchant allowed to carry the puck in untouched while forwards covered for Kronwall. Just an absolute breakdown.

It feels like something happens to the Wings’ shooters in overtime, going back to last season’s playoffs. Like they try to be too pretty or too conservative. Sometimes you just need a blast from the blue line, just ask Steve Yzerman and Jon Casey. And in all honesty, the game-winner Sunday looked a bit like that, deceptively quick and sneaking in over the goalie’s shoulder. Too bad it came for the wrong team.