Not so fast Bubba; Wings take Game 1

Earlier in the week, I posted my Wing-specific midway trophies and said Henrik Zetterberg would get the Hart. 

I still believe he is the Wings’ MVP so far, but Nick Lidstrom is gaining.  The two Swedes are sharing the load.

They’re carrying the Wings as Lidstrom scored twice last night and Hank, despite being held scoreless for only the third time this year, was a dynamic, tenacious force in the Predator end all night.

The performance you saw last night by this team is one that can win a Cup.  It was inspired, tough, opportunistic hockey; the kind that wins playoff series’.

Mike Babcock must be having a blast coaching this team.  Last night he threw Draper, Lang and an energized Steve Yzerman out there to start the game.

Franzen was scratched with an “upper body” injury as a result of a big check from Eric Brewer Thursday night. Mark Mowers took his place.

Wings came out fast, as they had to.  The Barbecue Pit was jumping and the Preds, while no longer the team that averages an age of 14, completely feed off that crowd’s energy. 

Conversely, we all know the troubles Detroit’s had in the first period lately, so it was vital that the Wings match that tenacity from the start. 

They did. 

They established the forecheck well before Nashville did and had three great scoring chances in the first. Datsyuk hit a post, Mowers with a breakaway and Zetterberg nearly scored to end the period close in but Vokoun made a nice save.

Vernon Fiddler, yes that Vernon Fiddler, scored the Preds only goal on the PP with Lilja in the box.  This goal was the only disappointing moment for the Wings all night as he and Hartnell were alone and, I believe, discussing Star Jones’ later appearance on 20/20 in front of Legace when Fiddler tapped a rebound past Manny.  Chelios and Lidstrom were near them but decided no forms of violence were necessary to keep the crease clear.

Wings looked great from that point forward.  They didn’t dominate the second, but clearly had the edge.  Mark Mowers played a great game last night.  He nearly scored on the breakaway in the first.

But, more importantly, he seemed to understand his role very well.  Numerous times he crossed into the Nashville end, looked briefly for a chance then moved the puck to the corner where he and Cleary established the forecheck. 

Steve Yzerman had his best game of the year.  More than 13 minutes of ice time and a crisp pass to Lidstrom on the Wings’ third goal.  If this is the Yzerman we have in the playoffs, we are in good shape.  That assist tied him with Gordie Howe for 7th on the NHL all time list with 1,049.

The Jason Williams power play experiment should stop.  He played great 5-5 last night, but if his blast of a slap shot is the only reason Babcock gives him so much time with the advantage, then he needs to be in a position to shoot more.  It seems that every time Williams tries to enter the zone, the puck ends up headed the other way.  When Kronwall comes back it will be interesting to see if he eventually moves to the point on the PP.

When Chelios was called for an early interference penalty, he went to the box for the first time in six games.  Yes, he had early trouble adapting to the “new” rules.  But look at this:

• 1st 5 games:   16 PIM
• last 20 games: 12 PIM

I’d say he’s adapting ok.

Manny Legace was fantastic with 29 saves, several very difficult.  His glove save in the first set the tone for a good night and he maintained it.  Nothing he could do on the only Nashville goal as he was hung out to dry by Chelios and Lidstrom.

Game 1 of 8 and the Wings are in good shape, up by 6 points.  Unfortunately, Nashville has a relative cakewalk of month–the exception being one game with Carolina, and two more with Detroit.

Center Ice featured the Preds broadcast with Pete Weber and Terry Crisp.  They are hokey, irritating and Weber seems to know about as much hockey as a Navy Ensign knows about leadership.  But, it dawned on me last night that they’re a perfect fit for the Nashville audience–and no, that’s not an insult. For a community just getting to know hockey, it’s effective to have a couple affable old guys laughing at themselves, displaying a little homerism and not talking above the heads of a fan base that is growing more passionate.

ESPN Box 

On the Wings Game Recap

Detroit Free Press Game Recap

Mlive Game Recap

Daily Tennessean Game Recap

Daily Tennessean: two horse race

Daily Tennessean: Preds still catching up to Detroit

Detroit Free Press: Wings Corner