Thoughts before Game #6 in Dallas
Before Game #5 on Saturday, I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach and that level of anxiety only increased as the game went on. Upon the conclusion of the game, I was angry and quite concerned about the team and this series. After a day of mulling over what happened in the game, I woke up with a we can win this game positive feeling. Sure, I am certainly still concerned with the series, but we’re up 3-2 with a team of experienced veterans. If they stay loose like captain Nicklas Lidstrom has suggested and stay disciplined during the game (no dumb penalties from the likes of Holmstrom or dumb mental errors from the likes of Chelios), I like our team’s chances even if they are on the road. I believe our boys can do it - let’s just hope they prove me right.
This is the first time since the Wings were 2-2 with Nashville in the first round that the team has faced this kind of adversity on the ice. It’s now gut check time. Will the Wings play like we all know they can and proved when they won 9 straight games? Or are they going to tighten up, start off flat, and allow Dallas to dictate the flow of the game? The first goal will be critical in this game. In each of the past five games in this series, the team that scores first has gone on to win the game. If Dallas wins tonight, panic will grab everyone in Hockeytown and I will not like our chances in a Game #7, even if it is at home. So let’s hope the Wings win big tonight. I will be live blogging the game here at 8pm.
The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Philadelphia Flyers yesterday evening, 6-0. The Pensblog has a recap about the game. I had only hoped that the Wings had played like the Penguins did yesterday, but unfortunately that did not happen.
Johan Franzen still still out
According to Mike Babcock in his press conference today, Franzen is feeling better but has still not been cleared to play. Unfortunately with Franzen’s absence, secondary scoring has quickly fallen off. For the Wings to succeed tonight, we need to see scoring from multiple lines. The only shot we have of Franzen, our top goal scorer this postseason, returning is if the Wings make it to the Finals. And even then, it’s unlikely based on Babcock’s comments thus far.
He hasn’t done anything, no. I mean, does he have to skate for a month as soon as he’s cleared? No. He’ll be playing the day he’s cleared.
Lidstrom said in the press conference earlier today that Franzen has been riding the stationary bike, but not much more.
Q. Do you know specifically the rules regarding concussions, in terms of understanding when Franzen could get back or what’s keeping him from moving forward?
NICKLAS LIDSTROM: I think last thing I heard, he’s feeling better, he’s able to ride the bike now. We have to leave that up to the experts, the doctors. If you start exercising, get headaches again, it can be dangerous. You don’t want to push it too early.
But, no, that’s where the doctors’ expertise come in.
Other pregame thoughts
Matt Saler @ On the Wings
George Malik @ Snapshots
Dave @ Gorilla Crouch
IwoCPO @ Abel to Yzerman
Greg Eno @ Out of Bounds
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