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On another 7 game win streak, Detroit faces the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 3rd meeting of the season. The first two were as different as the two songs that come to mind each time I see this team on the schedule. “Lightning Crashes” by Live, and “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. Full honesty, the home playoff games for TB with the anthemic 3 note guitar riff we all wanted to learn is well done. However, the morose and borderline depressed “Lightning Crashes” is more in line with what fans are hoping for.

To be frank, it starts and likely ends between the pipes. Game 1, Redwings lose 5-1 (outshooting Bolts 39-22) after a big win against the Panthers. Game 2, Talbot shuts out the bolts with 28 saves (Detroit 32) and Wings win 2-0. After a rough start to the season, Detroit is within 1 point in the standings of Tampa Bay. That is not something many would have seen coming at this point. As Raymond continues to blossom into something very special for the team, the team had (and needed) outstanding goal tending for 3 of 4 road games. It was in Seattle that Talbot needed the boys to find the shootout win.

After an insane schedule, 4 days off felt like an eternity. Gearing back up, there’s an odd reminder in the notes. Soderblom had 1 point in every game on that road trip. 3 assists, 1 goal. In a realm of interesting disagreements, there doesn’t seem to be anyone looking to see the big man go away. It’s a great thing to see someone get the call and take advantage. Kasper has certainly improved his stock and works hard along the boards to feed the Captain and the Razor.

This game is one where a slow start for the skaters and/or the goalie could spell trouble. The team found out in game 1 that even when you open up the shooting there is a formidable issue in that net. Several days off can go either way. At this point in the season the players are essentially walking bruises and callouses as they prepare for the push to the end. The first 20 and final 20 games seem to have the crazy steam throughout the league.

The team has outperformed what many, self included, thought they would see in this stretch. The schedule has more than a few tough climbs and lightning is worthy of serious consideration in any scenario. We’ll see if the team can push the streak to 8 in an early Saturday tilt. See you after the game!

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