Follow me on Twitter Follow @TheJeremyLaura

Detroit is disappointed in their performance overseas. Capturing 1 of 4 points, the regulation loss to Toronto stings a bit as the team had a 2-0 lead heading into the third. There are issues the team can (and needs to) address in the current format, and unfortunately the Eastern Divisions are fairly relentless. Tomorrow’s game is no easy task as New Jersey has some impressive talent on the ice and this one looks like it could be another race to 4 goals.

First, a little fun. The night before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest nights for pizzerias in the country. There can be a lot of work that goes into the turkey feast and pizza will be on the menu for several people. I know of one person who has a 6 day turkey brine ritual (insane). Hopefully the team purchased by a hard working ex baseball player making pizzas in Garden City will have a good night on the ice.

Since the beginning of the year, a few things have changed. Detroit had a 40% power play, now down to 20%, but New Jersey now has a 40% power play. The PK is very similar for both (79% for Detroit, 77% for New Jersey) goals for favor the Devils by .1% (3.69 to Detroit’s 3.59) but goals against favors Detroit (3.35 to 3.81). An ideal case scenario is that the team is ready at puck drop. Slow starts continue to haunt the team, but both teams are dealing with a GAA of over 3. Not ideal, so this could be an O.K. Corral situation.

Raymond seems to have been gaining confidence, Compher and Copp work well defensively together. The team just has to clean up those situations of an unattended player directly in front of the net with both defensemen behind the goal. A several day break may have been rife with video breakdown and possibly even an appearance or two by Lidstrom to talk about some of the situations.

If Detroit hits the ice and starts on time, this could be a good time for the fans. Issues will continue to be worked through, and of course trade thoughts and rumors are a bit heightened due to a unique year in terms of cap space and reboots. Losing Walman would hurt, he’s been a good pickup for the team. Let me know how you think this will pan out tomorrow. Enjoy the game, and maybe a slice or two of pizza pizza.

Join the Discussion: » 9 Comments » Post New Comment

» Final thoughts on prospects, a hack level conspiracy, and signing off 1425

» Red Wings prospects tough playoff debut, Yzerman wants to retain Kane

» Congratulations for Todd Bertuzzi, UFA overpays(?), and times are changing

» If you could change the CBA, what would you address?

» Negotiating through media - a player’s gain, an owner’s pain