Uncharacteristic of the Wings, they were up 2-0 after one period of play and allowed the improving Chicago Blackhawks to come from behind and pull out a 3-2 victory tonight at the Joe.

Once again, Robert Lang provided the heroics scoring the game-winner midway through the 3rd period. Nikolai Khabibulin was solid making 32 saves in goal for the Hawks.

Maybe I am overreacting, but after less than 2 weeks of the regular season, the Western Conference Central Division may be a tad tougher than I first anticipated for the Wings.

Yes, it's still early, and the Wings remain the overwhelming favourite to win the division. However, I must say, I am impressed with the improvement being shown by the Blackhawks, Blues and Bluejackets. Throw in Nashville who looks decent despite several losses and perhaps the division will be much tighter than recent seasons.

So what are your thoughts? Five games into the season (3-1-1), what do you like so far about this Red Wing team and what concerns you early on?

I think Filppula starting off slowly offensively is a slight concern, but much too early to hit the panic button. I do like the feistiness that Dallas Drake has added....2 fights in a week!!! The Wings had 10 fights total all of last season!

Team heads out west for the first time this year for a tough four game in six night road trip beginning Sunday night in L.A. (Kings, Ducks, Sharks and Coyotes)

redwingsbuzz@hotmail.com

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