A more detailed blog will follow on Friday morning, but I wanted to get something up to allow fans to share their thoughts on Game 4.

A disappointing effort from the Red Wings and more concerning than the loss is the fact the team appeared to look extremely tired and as a result, prone to making a boatload of mistakes. The entire defense had a night to forget, in particular Brian Rafalski.

During the first period, the blueliners coughed up the puck on a number of occasions providing Pittsburgh with several scoring chances. In the second frame, Rafalski was burned several times including Malkin, who was eventually distracted by Johan Franzen and by Jordan Staal which led to the shorthanded tying goal. A goal which changed the landscape of this came and could alter it for the remainder of the series.

The Red Wings still appear to be the dominant team when the teams play at even strength. However, the Red Wings special teams have gone into a slump at the absolute worst time and Pittsburgh has taken advantage of this aspect of the game.

Marc-Andre Fleury is getting stronger and stronger with each outing. The Wings appear to be running out of gas, especially on the blueline. Although I love him as a player, the Red Wings are in trouble if Darren Helm is their most dangerous player offensively as he was in Game 4.

Given the lengthy skate he went through today, I truly believe Pavel Datsyuk will play in Game 5 on Saturday night. His insertion into the lineup, even at less than 100%, should help boost a Detroit lineup that seems to be in need of a major energy boost.

I called for a seven-game series from the start. It is going according to form at this point. Just remember Red Wing fans....although disappointing not to steal one in Pittsburgh, Detroit still holds home-ice advantage. The Wings remain in the driver's seat.

mark.spizzirri@hockeybuzz.com