This series opener certainly didn't disappoint in producing some storylines, even before the opening faceoff. It all began when I heard rumblings entering the building that Peter Forsberg was out of the lineup with a pulled groin muscle. There were plenty of heads turning in disbelief in the stands as Forsberg's name was announced as a scratch. Needless to say, I'm certain there was plenty of relief felt as well.
The atmosphere at the Joe Louis Arena tonight was pretty intense. I was impressed with the crowd and how loud they were as the game began. Of course, it probably didn't hurt that Al Sobotka was standing in the zamboni entrance twirling an octopus in his hand, after watching the two linesmen spend close to 90 seconds shoveling the octopus off the ice and shaving any "matter" off the fresh sheet of ice.
Here are some random thoughts after digesting Game 1:
-Niklas Kronwall is doing it all right now. This guy is giving the Wings one huge, open ice hit per game in the playoffs (actually two tonight). Throw in some offense from the point and Kronwall is a bargain at $3 million per season if he continues to play like this for years to come.
-Watching Andreas Lilja tonight paired with Kronwall just reinforced how good the Brad Stuart deal was at the deadline. Lilja does provide a physical presence and had a real nice hit on Hejduk early on. However, he continues to make mistakes with the puck. He almost gift-wrapped a goal for Ben Guite late in the first period with the score 2-1 Detroit. He and Chris Chelios got caught by Smyth and Stastny on the give and go to create Colorado's opening tally. Late in the second period, shortly after Colorado made it a one-goal game, he got caught not moving his feet and took his arm off the stick to hold an Avalanche crossing the Wings blueline. He has his strengths (blocking shots and physical play), but I would be surprised if he isn't in a nice suit Saturday afternoon.
-How good is Pavel Datsyuk? There were at least 5-6 occasions tonight where I was left just shaking my head in amazement. Whether it was the slick "saucer" pass to Zetterberg to setup the Wings first goal or watching how effective he is with his stick to steal the puck or win loose pucks. The guy is oozing with hockey smarts. I think even I could crack 15-20 goals playing on his wing.
-The Wings responding that quickly to Colorado's opening goal was vital tonight. It not only lifted the team's spirits, but it also kept the fans in the game and didn't allow the Avs to quiet the crowd.
-Johan Franzen's best play of the night was the pass he made to setup Dan Cleary's goal to make it 2-1. Franzen sacrificed his body to make the play. He knew full well he was gonna take a good lick from the Avs d-man and he hung in there, took the hit and made the play.
-The Wings really dominated the final half of the first period. That's as good as I have seen Detroit in the playoffs. The Avs didn't know what hit them. The first intermission was like watching a dazed boxer stagger to his corner.
-The "Theodore Hook" seemed to spark the Avs. Osgood was forced to make two big saves shortly after Budaj's introduction to the game.
-As for Theodore, I think he will get a pass tonight based on the fact it seems he was under the weather. I don't even think he was THAT bad tonight. I think he was more a victim of some bad bounces on the first two goals. Franzen's two goals would have been tough/lucky saves for any goaltender. If he is able to regain his health, Quenneville will have him in between the pipes for Game 2.
-That 2nd Colorado goal by Liles took some wind out of the sails for the Wings and the fans. It certainly is a goal Osgood would like to have back. Nevertheless, Osgood made several key saves in the 2nd period, shortly after the beauty Hejduk goal which made it 4-3 Detroit.
-Something to keep an eye on.....Scott Hannan left the ice midway through the 3rd period (I believe due to blocking a shot). I saw him leaving the Joe limping while walking to the team bus. He did return in the 3rd period, so I'm sure we will see him on Saturday. But even a minor chink in the armor won't hurt the Wings cause.
-The Wings seemed to be scrambling around quite a bit in their own end during the final 6-7 minutes of the third period. One shift the 3rd line (Draper, Drake and Cleary) got pinned in their own end for a long time, which resulted in Hejduk ringing one of the post.
-Darren Helm is a nice addition to the Wings 4th line. He provides speed (something the Wings lack), energy and a good work ethic. He appears to have a good head for the game as well. He looks like he could develop into a fan favourite down the road.
-Chris Osgood was in good position when the puck sprang out to J.M. Liles with 10 seconds left in the game. But I think Liles was the victim of a rolling puck and didn't seem to get good "composite" on the puck.
-Was it me? Or was Joe Sakic very quiet tonight? Not sure if that line matches up well vs. Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Holmstrom. The loss of Wolski didn't help.
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In the post-game press conference, all Quenneville could really say is that Forsberg was day-to-day with a pulled groin. Apparently it took place during the morning skate. As for Wolski, he only played 3:45 and left with an "upper-body" injury. The kid is a very underrated player and would be a considerable loss to the Avs' depth up front.
Babcock was obviously very content with the win. He was extremely happy with the first period's outcome, but you could sense he saw plenty of work which needs to be done tomorrow in practice with the team's defensive zone coverage. A breakdown led to the Avs' first goal and Detroit was scrambling during the final half of the 3rd period when in their own end.
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Thanks to Jamie and Peter from XM Ice Cap for having me on to chat about Game 1. Had trouble hearing with all the commotion within the bowels of Joe Louis Arena, but hopefully it went well to all those who may have been able to listen.
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And finally, my hat is off to Niklas Kronwall. Not only is he making a name for himself on the ice with his open-ice hitting ability and his well-rounded game, but he also has one beautiful lady on his arm (as I witnessed tonight as he departed in his BMW 335i. Well done Nik......talk about having the world by the short hairs!!!
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