2nd period notes are up. Better 20 mins for Detroit

2nd period - Wings on power play, will get a 5 on 3 opportunity for 1 minute
Bertuzzi cashes in after some nice plays by Mantha, Hronek and Larkin. Wings already look more engaged after that goal. Chicago somehow missed an empty net on a 3 on 1 after the PK. Detroit starting to show more poise on the attack, but will need to cash in. Every Chicago shot looks dangerous. Murphy cashes in on a missed clear. To Mantha’s credit he was working hard to back check. Bernier has been keeping the team in it. Better period for sure.

A quick and very personal aside. Some of you know that I deal with issues related to head injuries including chronic unmanageable headaches, depression, etc. another blogger and a good friend of mine, George Malik, wrote a very candid and deeply personal insight into his own struggles. George has been a huge supporter of mine from before I ever started blogging. He has his finger on the pulse of Red Wings prospects all over the globe, well worth subscribing to his email updates. Take a moment to look at this last piece. I would encourage you to subscribe and support a good guy and a great blogger.

https://themalikreport.co...m-not-done-fighting-them/
- Jeremy Laura

Love George!

How you all digging the Babcock experience??
Not exactly repentant over the Marner as a spy incident.

Love George!
- HenryHockey

He’s been really good to me. When I have questions or feel a little lost, George always has a kind word and some great experience. That kind of generosity is rare and very special.

How you all digging the Babcock experience??
Not exactly repentant over the Marner as a spy incident.
- HenryHockey

One thing I do appreciate about Babcock, he does know a lot about the game. The few times I’ve spoken to him, he is always trying to learn more. The Marner thing, that got blown up pretty badly. Bowman said so many more hard, borderline nasty, things to try and get guys in line. It’s such a different world, and coaches have to really watch their backs. Everything in the room is out in public any more.

Are the Wings not supposed to move there feet in the Defensive Zone?

Maybe that the coaching plan?

How you all digging the Babcock experience??
Not exactly repentant over the Marner as a spy incident.
- HenryHockey

At least Babs didn't refer to himself in the third person for once.

Are the Wings not supposed to move there feet in the Defensive Zone?

Maybe that the coaching plan?
- Tee56

We have a coaching plan?

Bernier should get an All-Star nomination if he keeps saving goals like that last flurry!!

We have a coaching plan?
- gergeswillems

Yup. Plan on finding a coach 😬

Bernier should get an All-Star nomination if he keeps saving goals like that last flurry!!
- HenryHockey

Well, he can't stop Pious, scratch that.

Bernier should get an All-Star nomination if he keeps saving goals like that last flurry!!
- HenryHockey

Larkin’s soooo amazing. Great shot to ultimately set BertBuzzi up for another PPG!!!

THAT looked like a settled team. Buzzing around the net right now....

Somebody put a body on this damn Suter kid. Staal was stright up destroyed by Suter on his Hat Trick goal. Good for the kid. He looks pretty solid, lots of potential.

We just look lost.....again. Somehow the bleeding needs to stop.

🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮

Well, that was painful. Rookie Hat-Trick, 6 goals poured in, 35 SOG. Ouch.

Bert looked good. Ras is developing very well, he’s gonna be good, ya’ll. Fil & Frans are just outclassed. Smith & Hirose need more reps. Lots of errant passes, standing around in the D zone. Anemic PK.....on to Dallas. 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

One thing I do appreciate about Babcock, he does know a lot about the game. The few times I’ve spoken to him, he is always trying to learn more. The Marner thing, that got blown up pretty badly. Bowman said so many more hard, borderline nasty, things to try and get guys in line. It’s such a different world, and coaches have to really watch their backs. Everything in the room is out in public any more.
- Jeremy Laura

I understand where you're coming from but IMO there's a big difference from being a hardass / tough on your players / uncompromising on your standards versus being abusive / vindictive / egomaniacal / cruel.

It seems pretty clear that Babcock was on the wrong side of that line often enough to be a real problem, despite whatever positive attributes he also brought to the table.

I know Scotty could be tough, and I'm sure there are lots of guys that didn't enjoy playing for him. But I've never heard anything to suggest outright cruelty. Guys respected him.

Can't say the same for Babock, and I don't think it's entirely just a "different era" thing either. Guys who played for both who've been willing to open up about it (McCarty, Chelios) seem to have a pretty clear preference.

Ok, after some deep breaths I’m trying to step back and see how the team can move forward from this. There are still good things happening that can lead to future success. Here are my final thoughts:

Game summary - the positive motion Detroit and its fans were seeing and feeling felt like they were both wiped out by 10 Chicago goals in 2 games. With Dallas right around the corner, it will be uphill sledding. After games like this, I have to take a deep breath and figure out what my role as a blogger really is. No one who reads this blog needs for me to spell out what is going wrong for this team. There are issues in all three zones. Up until this series, the goalies have been keeping things artificially close. It was a much needed boost and gave the team time to figure things out. What I noticed this weekend, more than anything, is that the 2nd line had been the dominant force for Detroit, and is sorely missed.

For whatever reason, Zadina and Ryan with Fabbri/Rasmussen found ways to create energy on the ice and the whole team was benefiting. Larkin/Mantha and Bertuzzi are finding ways to contribute, even while being the sole focus of the opposition. Bertuzzi’s two power play tallies shouldn’t be ignored in their significance. Hard fought, gritty, and Larkin was stirring the drink in a big way. Mantha is working on 200 feet of ice. All three are. That in itself is a huge step in the right direction. Hronek still has impressive looks and is the clear blue line leader for the team. Larkin is trying to work the entire bench. He wants every player to be engaged and feel part of what’s happening out there. That is a lot to carry, and his passion and energy are admirable.

I’m going to digress to some UFA based advice I’d recently heard. “You’re either winning or learning”. These lessons are painful right now. But, they are lessons. The in room leadership will know when to be angry and try to rally. They’ll also understand when to try and pick guys up. Development comes as much peer to peer as it does coach to player. Possibly more so.

Chicago showed their continued power play dominance, and unlike the first four contests had some very good goaltending. You could see confidence increase with every goal and every save. The swagger was there, and it was palpable. There isn’t much that the team didn’t succeed at this weekend, and right now it’s all smiles for the Blackhawks.

Detroit has a tall task ahead of them. Step away from this weekend and make sure no one is in a tailspin. Find the good moments to build on as much as the plays that need to be avoided. It takes a lot of character to dig in and learn from a series like this. As the players, and as fans, this is still very much the beginning of the rebuild. Positive signs are certainly evident. Several more contracts are coming off of the books after this season, and developing players will have a chance to try and take a job. I truly appreciate Yzerman’s commitment to keeping many of the prospects in overseas leagues for the season. The growth and repetitions are so important in an arena where you’re not under the microscope. Allowing for success at those levels can help players develop into professionals. Rushing them into what the team is facing right now won’t help with that.

The positives from this weekend - the power play finally connected. Bertuzzi, Larkin and Mantha continue to try and create. Bobby Ryan was doing everything he could to help shift momentum. Hronek continues to put in a lot of ice time and effort. Detroit had two games with 30+ shots on net. These are things that can be built on. The improvements may not show up in the win column, but will contribute to the character and the future of this Red Wings club.

I understand where you're coming from but IMO there's a big difference from being a hardass / tough on your players / uncompromising on your standards versus being abusive / vindictive / egomaniacal / cruel.

It seems pretty clear that Babcock was on the wrong side of that line often enough to be a real problem, despite whatever positive attributes he also brought to the table.

I know Scotty could be tough, and I'm sure there are lots of guys that didn't enjoy playing for him. But I've never heard anything to suggest outright cruelty. Guys respected him.

Can't say the same for Babock, and I don't think it's entirely just a "different era" thing either. Guys who played for both who've been willing to open up about it (McCarty, Chelios) seem to have a pretty clear preference.
- Sven22

I’ve heard some of the harder stories. Players from that era won’t let them be revealed often. In room fistfights, things being thrown, players being ripped to shreds in front of the team. Believe me, Babcock is a way softer version of what happened even into the early 2000s. His assessments and methods were tough, but i don’t believe they were vindictive. The type of cruelty coaches used to use was called “tough love”. We don’t hear about it so it looks like Babcock is the worst of the worst. He isn’t, nowhere close. The difference is that players will use the media to paint a horrible picture and no one questions it.

I understand where you're coming from but IMO there's a big difference from being a hardass / tough on your players / uncompromising on your standards versus being abusive / vindictive / egomaniacal / cruel.

It seems pretty clear that Babcock was on the wrong side of that line often enough to be a real problem, despite whatever positive attributes he also brought to the table.

I know Scotty could be tough, and I'm sure there are lots of guys that didn't enjoy playing for him. But I've never heard anything to suggest outright cruelty. Guys respected him.

Can't say the same for Babock, and I don't think it's entirely just a "different era" thing either. Guys who played for both who've been willing to open up about it (McCarty, Chelios) seem to have a pretty clear preference.
- Sven22

Scotty’s antics typically pulled the Team together Babcock’s antics made players bitter

Scotty’s antics typically pulled the Team together Babcock’s antics made players bitter
- Tee56

I'm sure it helped that Scotty happened to be the best coach in the history of the sport.

The better you are at your job, the more you can get away with. That's life, for better or for worse.

I’ve heard some of the harder stories. Players from that era won’t let them be revealed often. In room fistfights, things being thrown, players being ripped to shreds in front of the team. Believe me, Babcock is a way softer version of what happened even into the early 2000s. His assessments and methods were tough, but i don’t believe they were vindictive. The type of cruelty coaches used to use was called “tough love”. We don’t hear about it so it looks like Babcock is the worst of the worst. He isn’t, nowhere close. The difference is that players will use the media to paint a horrible picture and no one questions it.
- Jeremy Laura

Boobcock is an overrated azz, 1 career SC, and he is acting like he is the messiah of hockey.
Not.

I’ve heard some of the harder stories. Players from that era won’t let them be revealed often. In room fistfights, things being thrown, players being ripped to shreds in front of the team. Believe me, Babcock is a way softer version of what happened even into the early 2000s. His assessments and methods were tough, but i don’t believe they were vindictive. The type of cruelty coaches used to use was called “tough love”. We don’t hear about it so it looks like Babcock is the worst of the worst. He isn’t, nowhere close. The difference is that players will use the media to paint a horrible picture and no one questions it.
- Jeremy Laura

I appreciate the convo, Jeremy, and again I definitely can respect where you're coming from.

I concede that I'm not as connected to the primary sources as you so I'll take your word for it on the old stories. I have no doubt that many old school coaches could be brutal, and there's no question the conventional standards for what was "acceptable behavior" were a lot different in, say, the 70s (or even 10-20 years ago) than they are today.

I guess what I'll say is that I never assumed that Babcock was the "worst of the worst." It doesn't really matter to me whether his antics were unusually egregious or if literally dozens of past and present coaches were worse. What I care about is whether they were right or not.

Just because certain behaviors are commonplace doesn't mean they should be acceptable.

You don't have to be a terrible person to be a great coach.

Being a great coach doesn't excuse terrible behavior.

That's where I'm at. Again, I always appreciate your perspective.

I appreciate the convo, Jeremy, and again I definitely can respect where you're coming from.

I concede that I'm not as connected to the primary sources as you so I'll take your word for it on the old stories. I have no doubt that many old school coaches could be brutal, and there's no question the conventional standards for what was "acceptable behavior" were a lot different in, say, the 70s (or even 10-20 years ago) than they are today.

I guess what I'll say is that I never assumed that Babcock was the "worst of the worst." It doesn't really matter to me whether his antics were unusually egregious or if literally dozens of past and present coaches were worse. What I care about is whether they were right or not.

Just because certain behaviors are commonplace doesn't mean they should be acceptable.

You don't have to be a terrible person to be a great coach.

Being a great coach doesn't excuse terrible behavior.

That's where I'm at. Again, I always appreciate your perspective.
- Sven22

Thanks for that. Part of my frustration with Babcock’s treatment is that it’s been merciless, and completely without balance. When the Toronto media goes after someone, that person gets absolutely ruined. Former players pile on, and there’s no coming back for the person. Not just them, but their families. Most people are completely unaware of what the pro locker room was like even 20 years ago. Players you’d never guess were suicidal after being berated. Substance abuse was skyrocketing. There just was way more control over what got out to the public. The blessing of social media is that it makes it harder for people to control the dynamic. The curse is mob mentality. When you know someone is getting raked and set up as the scapegoat it breaks your heart. Writers call around looking for any and every negative story they can find. And there’s no going back. The people are forever perceived in that light, and can never shake it.

Thanks for that. Part of my frustration with Babcock’s treatment is that it’s been merciless, and completely without balance. When the Toronto media goes after someone, that person gets absolutely ruined. Former players pile on, and there’s no coming back for the person. Not just them, but their families. Most people are completely unaware of what the pro locker room was like even 20 years ago. Players you’d never guess were suicidal after being berated. Substance abuse was skyrocketing. There just was way more control over what got out to the public. The blessing of social media is that it makes it harder for people to control the dynamic. The curse is mob mentality. When you know someone is getting raked and set up as the scapegoat it breaks your heart. Writers call around looking for any and every negative story they can find. And there’s no going back. The people are forever perceived in that light, and can never shake it.
- Jeremy Laura

So much to unpack in this sequence.

I think the media definitely over-hypes. If you all recall, the stories of Babe Ruth's antics were legendary - and secret until way after his passing. Now, that stuff gets out in milliseconds. He'd be a pariah today, face plastered everywhere with a cigar in his mouth and beer in his hand. But, no one would ever see his promise to Billy to "hit a homer for ya, kid". Social media is, in my opinion, a curse. I say that because I feel it generates too much focus on making others look bad. There are good things it provides, I guess.

I'm really on the fence about Babs. That guy could win, Lord have mercy could he win. But it seemed like when the big games came up, his teams disappeared. In his defense RE: The Toronto "story", I think players today are softer (in ANY sport) and looking out for #1. But that's society.

Now, in reference to what went on the locker-rooms; that stuff (fights, substance abuse, "groupies", etc...) was rampant. Didn't matter if it was professional or semi-pro - heck even amateur levels were like that. Was a different time. Not excusing it, but acknowledging it existed. Times change, and it's up to the reader/digester of the info to determine whether or not the changes are for the better of the sport/event. Steroids, coke, women, alcohol, etc... How many of our "idols" have come forth with acknowledgement that they had/have issues or are dealing with addiction. Again, not advocating, but am definitely sympathizing. Stress manifests itself in many ways, players were NEVER prepared to deal with stress of performance & idolatry. Thus, excesses were/remain common. I can tell you, I played rugby matches that I don't remember. Not because I was under the influence, but because I was concussed and just don't have the memory of the event. I pay the price now. Anyone who played through "pain" deals with the after-effects (look at Junior Seau, Dale Earnhardt Jr, John Matuzak, etc...). The issue is why did we play through the "pain"? Some will say dedication, some say stress of performance, who knows. But remember this, MONEY drove us to the place we arrived. Players used to work second/third jobs (football players were also professional wrestlers, hockey players were farmers, etc...). So the money drove them to hide issues, and does to this day. Not only medical issues, but financial issues. That made people do things they wouldn't normally do or say.

So, who's to "blame"? I leave that to the reader to decide because I think it unfair for me, or anyone, to point to something they don't understand or been part of to point fingers. Babs is what he is. Scotty was who he was, Toe Blake was what he was, Blash is who he is. They all coach in different times, different generations. It's the same argument for who the GOAT is for any sport - IMO, it depends on perspective.

I will opine that I think the media sells whatever society needs. So blame can be equally distributed....and shared.

This is year 4 of uninspired hockey this team has stopped playing for this coach long ago. I don’t know what Blashill is holding over this team’s management but it’s time for a change. Gerard Gallant Plse call

This is year 4 of uninspired hockey this team has stopped playing for this coach long ago. I don’t know what Blashill is holding over this team’s management but it’s time for a change. Gerard Gallant Plse call

This is year 4 of uninspired hockey this team has stopped playing for this coach long ago. I don’t know what Blashill is holding over this team’s management but it’s time for a change. Gerard Gallant Plse call
- saintdog44

They are waiting to get Lane Lambert.....and hopefully draft his son, too, in 2022!!!