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In the interest of full disclosure, the term “shitans… (pronounced Shite-ens) was made popular by Anderson’s Music on Youtube featuring Rob Chapman and Lee Anderson. The term refers to the lowest quality and cheapest guitars available. Just a bit of fun.
In what has become, frankly, a battle of ineptitude the worst team in the Central Division beat the worst team in any division. Chicago came back after being down 2-0 in the first to win 4-2 with Adam Boqvist scoring the game winner while an oft injured Trevor Daley watched helplessly from one knee. That pretty much sums up the season right there. Chicago may have won the game, but Detroit has clearly won the battle of ineptitude in a decisive manner.
There is good news. Filip Zadina scored again on a really nice snap shot for a power play tally. Luke Glendening channeled his inner Holmstrom to score on a tip while falling down. Darren Helm had several shifts where he was out skating opponents and generating chances. Filip Hronek continues to impress with his skating and shooting (and had the assist on Glendening’s goal). Larkin, Bertuzzi and Fabbri had some good shifts and looks as well. Bertuzzi is an absolute puck hound and plays the gritty style of game more players on this team need to develop. His only flaw at this point is doing an interview with his mom where she accused him of poor hair care and management. That poor kid is going to either hear about that for the rest of his life or get some sort of Pantene sponsorship.
The frustration for this game is the same that spans to many of the Wings better efforts. A goal against (Strome) caused Detroit to fold and allow another goal against (Sakura) in quick succession. Less than a minute apart this time. Chicago had some very strong forechecking and Jimmy Howard was playing a much better game than we’d seen from him in a while. The team just shut down for a bit and his efforts were all for naught.
When Trevor Daley was felled blocking a shot in the third, you could almost guarantee a goal against when Detroit couldn’t get the puck out of the zone. It’s hard to be too critical, as Daley has given every ounce of himself to this game. Much like Kronwall last year, the miles have just piled on. I doubt there are many nights when the veteran defenseman isn’t playing hurt at this point. He’s an absolute warrior. It is on the team to ice the puck, or even take a delay of game to give him a chance to get off the ice. (Yes, an injured player can get off the ice even on an icing penalty). At this point, it feels as though Daley may have played his last game as a Red Wing.
There seems to be no getting around a nasty end to a nasty season. As much as the “stats padders… will want to step up, it seems that every team Detroit plays is still desperate to try and get a win. Or, at least desperate not to lose to the worst team in the league. Chicago is only 5 points out of a wild card spot, but there are 4 teams separating them from jumping ahead. The Central Division is a brutal place to be when things aren’t going well. St.Louis has become dominant, Colorado looks to keep getting better (scary) and Dallas is putting it all together. Winnipeg, Nashville and Minnesota are all battling along with Chicago to try and gain some ground. It will be a desperate race to the finish.
in the end, Detroit is exactly where they should be, and where we expected them to be. It’s hard not to smile and wonder “what if… watching Lafreniere.play at the WJC. That kid is dynamite. Joe Veleno had a decent tournament with 1 goal and 5 assists in 6 games played. Jared McIsaac had a goal and 4 assists in 7. The kids are working hard and trying to develop into NHL caliber players.
I am 99% certain that, even finishing dead last, Detroit won’t pick any higher than 3rd. It’s just that old feeling of seeing the lottery treat the club unfavorably. When you realize that Joe Murphy was Detroit’s last first overall pick, you realize that it’s been a long time. Lafreniere just looks the part of the kind of player that could boost this team greatly. But, best not to get attached. It seems certain he will be the prize for the team that picks first overall.
The end of the World Juniors will, hopefully, signal some news out of the front office. Yzerman has been beyond silent this season. Apart from the trades, it is rare to hear from the General Manager. I don’t blame him at all, but it would be a breath of fresh air to hear something. It’s been interesting to see Nick Lindstrom make several Detroit appearances this year. He has a new book, but his availability is a bit eye opening. Would #5 consider returning to the organization? He’s been immensely successful in retirement and seems quite content to remain in Sweden. Nick has a sharp mind for the game and would be a welcome addition, but the odds seem long. He’s a successful entrepreneur with a lot of real estate in his hometown and has been enjoying watching his kids play. Still, never say never.
Looking ahead, Detroit will play Montreal on Tuesday. This has been a bit of a miracle matchup as the Red Wings seem to somehow have the edge after years of losing to the Canadiens. We just might see win number 11 this week! Stay tuned for some pregame thoughts as well as any breaking news if applicable.
Thanks to everyone who stops by to read and comment. Keep it coming!