Mark Spizzirri: Weekend recap; GAMEDAY: Bluejackets vs. Red Wings

As for tonight's contest, the Bluejackets open up a difficult four-game stretch for Detroit against Western Conference opponents (Columbus, Colorado, Phoenix, San Jose).
- spity1

Columbus? Western conference?

Columbus? Western conference?
- OnIceEnforcer

That's what I was thinking.

That's what I was thinking.
- noffsin6

My bad....stuck in Central Division mode.

Ken Holland stated during tonight's contest that Darren Helm will partake in a conditioning stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins with the intention of returning to the Red Wings lineup on October 26th vs. the New York Rangers.

Alright, this is going to sound like a total homer comment, but seriously, how late were the refs out last night? Franking awful.

2 good games in a row for Gus in net which is a nice surprise. Alfie is starting to get it going and Weiss is starting to look a bit better. Team defense still could be better. They still allow way too many shots and scoring chances. PP looks better although the 2nd unit still doesn't provide much. PK has been good. Like the way Tootoo is playing bringing energy and hits on the forecheck.


Nice to hear Helm might be back soon but Holland still hasn't done anything about the logjam of forwards they have. If Holland could find a way to dump Sammy somehow it would fix a lot of problems and not hurt the team at all.

2 good games in a row for Gus in net which is a nice surprise. Alfie is starting to get it going and Weiss is starting to look a bit better. Team defense still could be better. They still allow way too many shots and scoring chances. PP looks better although the 2nd unit still doesn't provide much. PK has been good. Like the way Tootoo is playing bringing energy and hits on the forecheck.


Nice to hear Helm might be back soon but Holland still hasn't done anything about the logjam of forwards they have. If Holland could find a way to dump Sammy somehow it would fix a lot of problems and not hurt the team at all.
- dcz28

Have to admit I'm pleasantly surprised with Gus in net. He's played two solid back-to-back games. Let's hope he can continue to improve and STAY HEALTHY.

This was one of those grind-it-out low scoring games the Wings NEED to win in order to win against the best teams. This was a good win for the Wings.

Now if Babcock would just put Tatar and Nyquist back in the lineup (sigh)... it would definitely bring more offense to this goal starved team. This team better start finding a way to produce offense more consistently. They will not win any playoff series against any of the contenders if don't start generating more offense from all four lines.

Have to admit I'm pleasantly surprised with Gus in net. He's played two solid back-to-back games. Let's hope he can continue to improve and STAY HEALTHY.

This was one of those grind-it-out low scoring games the Wings NEED to win in order to win against the best teams. This was a good win for the Wings.

Now if Babcock would just put Tatar and Nyquist back in the lineup (sigh)... it would definitely bring more offense to this goal starved team. This team better start finding a way to produce offense more consistently. They will not win any playoff series against any of the contenders if don't start generating more offense from all four lines.
- Vladdie_Kon1

I agree, the Wings offense depends too much on Datsyuk, Zetterberg and the 1st PP unit to score goals. Tatar likely won't play until they lose or someone gets injured and even then I bet they go back to Sammy...which sucks. Unless Holland trades 2 or 3 forwards and/or some go out with long term injuries or season ending injuries, I don't think you will see Nyquist until the playoffs when the roster limits are done. He can only play 2 games and then will need to clear waivers to be sent down so I think they would call up anybody else before him that can be sent back down. Holland created that mess and still hasn't fixed it. Soon enough Eaves will likely be ready too.

I agree, the Wings offense depends too much on Datsyuk, Zetterberg and the 1st PP unit to score goals. Tatar likely won't play until they lose or someone gets injured and even then I bet they go back to Sammy...which sucks. Unless Holland trades 2 or 3 forwards and/or some go out with long term injuries or season ending injuries, I don't think you will see Nyquist until the playoffs when the roster limits are done. He can only play 2 games and then will need to clear waivers to be sent down so I think they would call up anybody else before him that can be sent back down. Holland created that mess and still hasn't fixed it. Soon enough Eaves will likely be ready too.
- dcz28

Agree Nyquist will have a hard time returning unless some bodies are moved permanently. I would expect something to begin happening in the next 7-10 days with Eaves and Helm eligible to return on the 26th

Helm is getting a conditioning stint in Grand Rapids for two games this weekend. I'm going to the season opener in GR on Friday night. So I'll get to see him play that night. If all goes well... he'll then be going back Detroit.