Yanks Vs. El Tri In The Gold Cup Final

It's a good thing that no body pays me to do this blog, because i would have definitely been fired by now. Over the past 4 weeks or so i have been in total AO Detroit mode. Sharing my passion and enjoyment of soccer with fellow fans of the sport at an Irish pub out in Livonia. As some of you fellow soccer fans know the US men's national team is in the middle of competing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. It has been a lot of fun going out and watching the games with all of the new people that i now feel i can call friends. The tournament started with the opening game of the group stage being held right here in the D at Ford Field on June 7th. Hosting a meaningful USMNT game here in Michigan let alone Detroit was one of the reasons why i had joined the Detroit Chapter of The American Outlaws last summer before the World Cup.

The game day festivities were made even better by the 2-0 win that our team was able to secure over the visiting Canadians. In the next game of the group stage the Yanks had a very lack luster and uninspired performance against Panama that saw the US lose their first ever Gold Cup group stage game 2-1. With a spot in the quarter finals on the line we needed a win of any kind against Guadalupe to get through. The team did not play as well as we all thought they would against Guadalupe, but they did get a super strike from Jozy Altidore in the ninth minute and would hold onto that 1-0 score for the win. In the quarters the US would face one of the hottest teams in the tournament...Jamaica. This was probably the best performance of the tournament by the Yanks so far. They held the ball for most of the game and were able to put a lot of pressure on the Jamaican back line. Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey would provide their teams two second half goals to advance them to the semis and into a rematch with Panama giving them a chance at some revenge. Team USA came out with a lot more energy and determination in their semi-final rematch against Panama and were able to create some chances in the first half and keep the Panamanians out of the offensive third of the field much of the time. In the 76th minute of the game Texas native Clint Dempsey tipped in a centering pass from Landon Donavon giving the US a 1-0 lead at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

The win against Panama sets up the much anticipated USA vs. Mexico final to be held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday night for the right to raise the Gold Cup and a spot at the Confederations Cup in Brazil in 2013. I am sure that there are a lot of experts picking El Tri to win, and win going away against the Yanks, and to be honest i cant argue with the way the Mexicans are playing right now. But this is why soccer is one of the most exciting games to watch. In the 2009 Confederations Cup semi-final against Spain no one gave team USA a chance, the US won 2-0 and advanced to their first ever final in a FIFA tournament. In the final of that tournament against the mighty Brazil team they were given even less of a chance. Yes they didn't win eventually losing to the Samba masters 3-2, but they ran out to a 2-0 lead just as they had against Spain in the previous game. This showed soccer fans around the world that regardless of where the USA is ranked or how talented are players are thought to be we come with a warning DON'T TREAD ON ME.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and check this video of the American Outlaws marching to Ford Field on game day (2:20 is your humble author)



Drew in the D

Wings Score 3 In The 3rd And Force A 7th Game In San Jose

The Red Wings came out flying tonight through the first two periods of the game, but would need another 3 goal 3rd period to get another win in the series. The Wings had out shot, out chanced, and out played the Sharks through 40 minutes, but as a fan i couldn't help but think that i have seen this movie before. Sure enough the Sharks would get a leaky goal past Jim Howard to take a 1-0 lead in the 3rd period with about 15 minutes left. San Jose seemed to gain some energy and confidence from the goal and gave some push back keeping the Wings from creating any offensive chances. At least until Valtteri Filppula decided to take the game over by first assisting on Zetterbergs tying goal, and then scoring the eventual game winner that he scored off of another brilliant pass from Pavel Datsyuk. Filly has quietly been one Detroit's best forwards for the last few games playing great on both sides of the puck. His team will need that same kind of superstar effort on Thursday when they try to get a win in game 7.
Jim Howard was once again very solid, he has really settled into a nice rhythm in net. He looks very confident behind his defence men in any situation he finds himself in during the game. He made big saves on the penalty kill, which is required to win at this time of the year and his glove hand has made more then a few spectacular saves in this series. After the Red Wings took the lead on Fillpula's goal Devin Setoguchi skated into the zone and made a really nice move to get past his man but Howie absolutely robbed him with that glove. This series now comes down to one final deciding game in San Jose on Thursday night.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and "Hey, Why not us!"

Drew in the D

We Will Not Go Quietly Into The Night

The Red Wings keep their come back hopes alive with a 4-3 come from behind win in San Jose tonight. This game was another frantic pedal to the medal tilt between what i think are the two best teams in the league at this point. San Jose took an early lead before the end of the first period when Setoguchi tipped in a shot from the point. The Sharks really turned it up in the second period causing a couple of odd man rushes that finally paid off for them when Joe Pavelski put the puck over Jim Howard into the net on a two on one break. That's when the Magic Man made his first appearance of the night finessing his way across the blue line in the Sharks zone and finding Kronwall who had pinched down low to allow him to fire a snap shot into the net cutting the lead to one before the end of the second period. I'm sure all of the San Jose fans and players thought that when Logan Couture scored on an early third period break away they were into the conference finals. But the Wings would score the next three goals with Datsyuk contributing on two of those three third period goals including the game winner when he picked a Sharks pocket and played keep away until he could pass it back to Lidstrom who shot the puck onto Holmstroms stick for the tip in.

Jim Howard was once again very solid in net keeping his team in striking distance throughout the first two periods and then protecting the lead in the last five minutes of the game. Through two periods he had faced a lot of rubber and more then a few odd man rushes but still kept to his game and played the way that he wants to play in net and it is showing with how good he has been. The Red Wings now come back to Detroit for game 6 with the chance to win another game and survive once again. I was at game four on Friday for my birthday and i have been to my fair share of playoff games over the years for good and bad post-season runs, but the way that the crowd on Friday willed their team to the win in the third period was probably one of the most intense and loudest crowds i have ever been apart of. I like many other Wings fans are trying to secure their game 6 tickets for Tuesday night for the chance to be apart of that kind of atmosphere again, and finals be damned I'm going.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and congratulations to Justin Verlander on throwing his 2nd career no-hitter and to Papa Grande for getting his 200th career save.

Drew in the D

Lions Draft For Strength Instead Of Need

The 2011 NFL Draft took place over the weekend and it was no secret that the Detroit Lions had some personnel needs on their team that they would need to address during this draft. But the Lions seemed to go in the opposite direction with their first three selections in the draft selecting players for positions that already have two-to-three starters in place at that position. So without further ado here are the newest members of your Detroit Lions.

Pick #1 (13 overall) Nick Fairley/DT/Auburn

draft grade: A

A big athletic pass rushing defensive tackle from this years national champion Auburn Tigers. He is a physical specimen at 6'4 291lbs, and he performed well at the scouting combine this year running a 4.84 40, 31" vertical and a 113" broad jump marking him as one of the fastest most athletic big men coming out of the draft this year. I know a lot of people wanted the corner or in failing that a pass rushing defensive end at this pick but i think if Fairley can get his work ethic together and his mind right then we could be looking at the Lions having the most dominant defensive line for the foreseeable future.

Pick #2 (44 overall) Titus Young/WR/Boise State

draft grade: B-

This pick was one of the picks what made every Lions fan want to throw their controller through their tv. With plenty of good corners and linebackers still on the board the Lions decided to not fill a need but rather to pick a player to bolster one of their positions of strength on their team with the speedy sure handed Young. After seeing some film on Young i have started to warm to the thought of having this speedster running around down field forcing opposing team secondaries to deal with his vertical threat and freeing up some space for Megatron. Now he is a small guy measuring in at a generous 5'11 and 174lbs (im sure his weight was taken after thanksgiving break) and he did play in what most people would call a weak conference out in the WAC for Boise State. But just watch this guy play and try to tell me he isn't impressive as a receiver and return man using his 4.43 speed.

Pick #3 (57 overall) Mikel Leshoure/RB/Illinois

draft grade: D

This was the other pick that made Lions fans pull their hair out and have flashbacks of someone with the initials MM making the picks for their team. I still do not like this pick especially since the Lions traded up giving up two picks to get this running back when again they could have stood pat where they were and gotten one of the outside linebackers that were still on the board. Yet again instead of drafting a player in a position of need the team went to add to a position of strength. Mikel Leshoure is a fairly large back standing at 6'0 227lbs, he has speed for a big back clocking a 4.56 40 and has some good strength to go with that speed to get through first contact and looks to be a good receiver out of the back field. We will see if his performance will validate the amount that the Lions gave up to get him in the draft.

Pick #4 (157 overall) Doug Hogue/LB/Syracuse

draft grade: C+ 

I think most fans including myself would have liked to see the Lions take a linebacker one to two picks before they selected Doug Hogue from Syracuse. A senior backer the measured 6'2 235lbs at the combine and ran very well putting down a 4.63 40. Watching his combine workout video shows that he could be good in the coverage game which would be a great addition to the defense since the pass coverage in the linebacking core has been lacking in the past seasons. 

Draft Pick #5 (209 overall) Johnny Culbreath/OT/South Carolina State

draft grade: C+

This could end up being one of those pics that is quickly forgotten about or one that will be remembered as "hey remember when the Lions stole Johnny Culbreath in the 7th round". Culbreath is 6'5 280lbs tackle that could help anchor that tackle position and provide some needed depth on that offensive line and possibly develop into a starter down the road. Again this is a pick that probably should have been made ahead of taking a wide receiver or a running back but thats the way the Lions management and coaching staff wanted to go in this years draft.

It will be very interesting to see who the team will go after now when the free agent market finally opens up when the NFL lock out is lifted sooner hopefully rather than later. If the Lions go out and get a high impact free agent corner and/or line backer then i think all will be forgiven for some of the draft decisions that some fans are viewing as the wrong decisions right now. One thing that i dont think any Lions fan can argue with is that for the first time in a long time we can actually talk about how these newly drafted players can legitimately help use win more games next year and isn't that what we have been wanting?

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and shout out to the brave bad ass soldiers who went and gave Osama Bin Laden a what for killing him with a headshot.

Drew in the D

Wings Return Home Down 2-0 Against The Sharks

The RedWings had a great opportunity to earn a split in the first two games of their series against the Sharks, but end up losing both games in San Jose. As hard as it is for me to say this, the Sharks have just been the better overall team during the first two games of this series. The Sharks look bigger, faster, and look to be playing harder than the RedWings and one thing that i thought Detroit could mark down as an advantage in their depth has actually been more of a strength for San Jose. The RedWings have struggled for much of the first two games with gaining and maintaining possession of the puck in the Sharks zone to put some pressure on their D and goaltender Antti Niemi. The first game was the game i believe could end up being a pivotal point in this series. Now saying that game 1 in a 7 game series might be a key game might seem a little extreme, but i look at it from a mental edge stand point. The Wings took an early 1-0 lead in that game and they were two bad penalties and less than 10 minutes away from winning that game via a shutout and really serving notice to the Sharks that this year was going to be different. But that didn't happen the Sharks tied the game on the powerplay and then they would win it in overtime at the expiration of a 4 minute powerplay that the Wings were able to kill only to allow the game winning goal. Game 2 was a lot like game 1 only with the Sharks taking an early 1-0 lead and holding that lead until a weird fluke goal that they scored early in the 3rd period to make it a 2-0 lead in their favor. In game 2 the Wings just couldn't find a way to get any sustained offense going even though they had powerplay opportunities including a 4 minute powerplay of their own in this game. Henrik Zetterberg finally spoiled Niemi's shutout streak with about 6 minutes left in the game, but it was just to little to late in the end.

The Sharks have been the better team for the first two game but i have to say that Jim Howard has been the best player on the ice over these games despite losing them. His 44 save performance on Friday night was overshadowed by his team allowing the Sharks back into the game by taking bad unnecessary penalties. His performance in game 2 was just as good as the one in game 1 he may not have seen the same number of shots as in the first game but he kept his team in contention for the win even though they weren't getting anything very positive done on the offensive end of the ice. Now the Wings must hold serve on their home ice as the Sharks did on theirs if they want to have any chance in winning this series. I still believe that we can win this series against the Sharks and it all starts on Wednesday at the Joe.

Red Wings vs. San Jose In The Second Round Of The 2011 NHL Playoffs

The rematch from last years opening round against the Coyotes went very well for the RedWings. Seeing them sweep the Coyotes out of the playoffs and possibly back to Winnipeg. In the Wings second round match up they will have the opportunity to get some revenge on the team that ended their playoff run last year in the conference semi-finals.

The match up of these two teams sets up for a very physical, hard hitting series. San Jose is known for how big their players are all through their roster and they aren't afraid to throw it around at the opposing teams players. The depth players on the RedWings like Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader and Patrick Eaves among others showed in their last series that they can be as physical as any other player on the ice. The way that Jim Howard performed well and the way that Antti Niemi struggled at times in their first round series, and how they both perform in this series will have a large impact on who will get to the next round. I believe that the depth and balance of scoring that the Wings exhibited in the first round will give them an edge on the offensive side of the puck, but the sheer size of the Sharks could cause problems for them if this series goes 6-7 games. I also think that it is critical for Detroit to get off to a good start in game 1 tomorrow night out in San Jose and to show the Sharks that this wont be a quick and easy series for them this year. I see the Wings taking this series in 6 games and moving on to the conference finals.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and congratulations to the newest member of the Detroit Lions Defensive line Nick Fairley.

Drew in the D

Tigers Start Off Home Stand With A Sweep Of The Sox

The Tigers were able to get a sweep in their recent series against the White Sox thanks largely to the great performances they got from their starters. Justin Verlander started it off on Friday night out doing the Sox' ace Mark Buehrle, and finally getting some solid run support from his teammates. Brad Penny, who has been anything but good thus far had a great showing Saturday, one-hitting the White Sox in a shut out. Max Scherzer made it a clean sweep for his team also shutting out the Sox' through 8 innings as well as ringing up 7 K's in his Easter sunday performance.

Another story line from this weekends series is the emergence of the Tigers offense which out scored the White Sox 21-3 over the teams 3 game series. It wasn't just the big name players that did it but it seemed like someone different stepped up every game to help the team to each win. Slumping Austin Jackson showed some life at the plate with Jackson getting some timely hits during the last two games and driving in some runs for his team. The Tigers will now welcome in the Seattle Mariners for a 3 game set to wrap up their current home stand, and again will look to take all 3 from their opponents again.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and congratulations to Justin Verlander for reaching the 1,000 strike out plateau on Friday.

Drew in the D

Wings Sweep Coyotes Out Of The Playoffs

The RedWings role players came through big time once again to help their team to their 4th win of the series, clinching the round one sweep of the Phoenix Coyotes. The two lines that have really impressed me in these first 4 games of the postseason is the Bertuzzi, Cleary, Abdelkader line and the Helm, Draper, Eaves/Miller line. They have out worked, out muscled, and in general just out played who ever they are out on the ice against. It was no different tonight with both lines getting multiple goals in the Wings 6-3 win. Let it be known Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader who will now be known as the "Beast" and "Killer" respectively for their ascendancy into the ranks of legitimate NHL players.

Jim Howard was again solid when called upon tonight. The game started off a little shaky for him with his defenders being used for bank shots that gave the 'Yotes an early 2-0 lead. Late in the game though, when the Wings had a one goal lead he made two spectacular saves one on a cross ice pass that he used his shoulder to deny Shane Doan. The other was a quick glove save on a break away that stopped a shot that was labeled for the top corner.

The RedWings have a chance to rest and heal up with the series sweep of the Coyotes. Possibly getting as many as 8 days off until they start round 2 depending on how the other western conference series go. This is good news for key players like Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen who are recovering from injuries. But now that Detroit has taken care of business they can take a some deep breathes and recharge for what ever team they will face in round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and you need to get on our killer instinct level Vancouver 7-1!?! really?

Drew in the D

Wings Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead Against The Coyotes

Two goals in quick succession in the first three minutes of tonight's game gave the Wings a huge shot of momentum that they used to propel themselves to a big 4-2 win in game 3 of the series. "Franzenstein" scored yet another playoff goal, when he skated in all by his lonesome and ripped a snap shot over Bryzgalov's shoulder for the Wings 4th goal of the game. Again the RedWings 3rd and 4th lines out played their Phoenix counterparts, with the "Manitoba Missile" and Justin "Killer" Abdelkader playing integral roles in helping their team to the win tonight.

The story of the game though, was the solid play, yet again, of Jim Howard in net for Detroit. Once his team took the early 2-0 lead Howie was called on at least 3 times to make ten-bell saves on Coyotes chances. He was flashing his pads and his glove all night keeping Phoenix from getting any closer then 2 goals. It is visually obvious that he has matured and improved his play this playoff season from his first taste of the post season last year. He has outplayed his opposite in Ilya Bryzgalov, who some would say was going to be the dominant goal tender in this series. He is also carrying a very solid .928 save percentage right now through 3 games and looks very comfortable back stopping his team.

The Coyotes had some good energy and jump in tonight's game, but only for periods of time and not for the full 60 minutes like they needed. Even though the Wings have a 3-0 lead in the series it will be that much harder to get that 4th win to end the Coyotes season (and if the rumors are true end their stay in Phoenix). One of the best parts of watching the Wings in in this series is the way they are winning, with players on all four lines contributing on offense and defense. Tonight was a perfect example of this with Darren Helm setting up Ruslan Salei's goal and Nicolas Kronwall providing the assist on Drew Miller's goal. This is what made the RedWings so good in 2008 when they made their deep run, they had more depth then their opposition and every player on the team made an impact on each series.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and Happy Birthday Miguel "El Caballo" Cabrera

Drew in the D

The Magic Man Does It Again Against The Coyotes

It was a great start to the Saturday afternoon game 2 in the Detroit for the Redwings, which saw the Wings take a 3-0 lead in the 1st period. Pavel "Magic Man" Datsyuk was once again the catalyst on the ice for his team making plays and in general making the opposing players look silly. The "Magic Man" recorded 1 goal and 3 assists today in the game and was equally as effective on the defensive side of the puck as well. For the second game in a row Datsyuk tried his now patented between the legs shot, and even though he failed to score on it again the play leading up to the shot and the aftermath reinforce how good this guy is, and just what an impact he can have on his teams play during the game. Pavel went after a lose puck in the neutral zone and he won it from the Phoenix player by chipping it over his stick perfectly to himself in stride. Now this might not seem like an extraordinary play of sorts but when you consider he put negative spin on the puck so it was FLAT!!! and not spinning in the air and bouncing on the ice away from him just shows the control and subtlety that this great player possesses. Once Pavel gained control of the puck and skated around the Coyotes defence man you could tell everyone watching as just waiting for the next move that would result in a Wings goal. That's exactly what happened the "Magic Man" put the puck in between his legs and put the puck on net, and since everyone knows just how dangerous this guy can be he drew the three coyotes trying to play defense on him which left Darren "Manitoba Missile" Helm open to skate in and roof the rebound for his team 3rd goal of the period.



Johan Franzen who is lovingly referred to as the "Mule" by the Redwing faithful was transformed into the playoff creation known as "Franzenstein" this afternoon. At the beginning of the 1st period in today's game Franzen went into the corner after a lose puck and was hit by Shane Doan as he was falling propelling him face first into the boards. He was helped off of the ice bloodied and battered and there was speculation as to whether or not he would be able to return. Franzen has suffered from headaches and concussion symptoms before and he had recently been cut above his nose by a high stick during the last game of the season which required a few stitches. Those few stitches would be considered minor to what he had to go through today to get patched up. Franzen had to first sit in the "quiet" room which is an isolated room in the arena where all players who are under observation for having a concussion are tested for symptoms. Once he passed the tests and was ruled healthy as far as concussions go he then had to have 26 stitches to help close the gash over his left eye. About mid-way through the 2nd period a large intimidating figure adorned in the red and white of Detroit stepped out onto the ice to the cheers of his adoring fans. But there was something different something not quite right with the "Mule" he was no longer just Johan Franzen he had a large over sized band aid covering the fresh stitching on his face and a plug in one of his nostrils. There were also trails of dark dried blood from the areas of repair. Johan Franzen had been transformed by the harshness and physicality of the NHL playoffs, he had become "Franzenstein", and he has never looked better.

The teams will travel to Phoenix and start their preparations for game 3 of the series on Monday night at Jobing.com Arena in Phoenix. Being up 2-0 in a series is definitely a positive for the Redwings and it is exactly the position they wanted to be in before heading out on the road. I expect the Coyotes to come out like they were shot out of a cannon with their fans behind them and trying to will them back into this series. But Mike Babcock and his team know this and i also expect them to be prepared for what they will see from their opponents on Monday night.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and congratulations to Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland on his 1,500th win as a manager last night

Drew in the D

Wings Take Game 1 Against The Coyotes

Pavel Datsyuk and Johan Franzen will get most of the media love for the Wings game 1 win tonight, and rightly so for how well they played. But i was very impressed with how Jim Howard played in net for his team, and he was the reason those players were in the position to win the game for the Wings. Howie got beat early by a really well placed shot from Kyle Turris but on a big 5 on 3 penalty kill he made a great glove save on the same type of shot by another Phoenix player. Howie would then make a handful of great saves after that to keep the Coyotes lead to just 1. Howie eventually would hand the game off to the "Magic Man" and the "Mule" in the 2nd period and they made sure to put their mark on it. 

Pavel was great on and off the puck tonight making his patented moves in the offensive zone to set up chances for his teammates as well as getting back on the back check causing turnovers to shut down the Coyotes offense. The "Mule" was a force tonight, he was as assertive as he has been this season which bodes well for the Wings for the remainder of this series, and the rest of the playoffs. Franzen really helped to create both of the Wings first 2 goals tonight. On the first one he crashed the net from the goal line causing the Phoenix defense to react to him which allowed Datsyuk to pick up the rebound and make a pretty little wrap around move to beat his Russian friend to tie the game. The second goal was vintage Mule with Franzen skating in over the blue line and ripping a wicked wrista over Bryzgalovs shoulder to give his team the lead. Rafalski would round out the 2nd period scoring giving his team its 3rd goal of the period when he scored on a slap shot during a powerplay at the end of the period. Jiri Hudler got in on the fun shortly after the start of the 3rd period when he took a page out of Franzens game by unloading a sniper shot under the cross bar to beat Bryzgalov for the Wings 4th goal of the game.

It was a great way to start off the playoffs and this series. Not only playing well on defense and the pk, but also playing hard and fast and showing how dangerous the team can be offensively and on the powerplay. The Wings and the Coyotes will have two off days between tonight's game 1 and game 2 which is scheduled for a Saturday afternoon start in Detroit.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and did i mention i love this time of the year because i love this time of the year.

Drew in the D

Cabbie Walks It Off For Tigers 4th Win Of The Season

It has been a disappointing start to the Tigers season to say the least. Having only won the home opener in the CoPa this year the home fans were desperate for something positive. Miguel Cabrera gave them what they wanted when he hit a walk-off single to win their second home game this year putting their record at 4-7. It was a back and forth game all day with the teams taking a lead and then allowing the other team to come back and tie. Brad Penny, who has been shaky at best in his first two starts was better today but still had some rough spots. He left the game with the lead but Joaquin Benoit, but Benoit couldn't hold the lead for his team. In the top of the 9th Cabbie started a very nice double play fielding a grounder and playing catch with Santiago to end the inning and give the Tigers a chance to win it in the bottom of the inning. The Tigs' loaded the bases which brought Miguel to the plat with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth and the big fella delivered once again. Hopefully this will give the team something to build on offensively and maybe give them some confidence which looks to be lacking at times early on this season, and there needs to be more consistency with their pitching from their starters down to their bullpen for the Tigers to be successful like they and their fans want them to be this year.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and LETS GO RED WINGS!!!...i love this time of the year.

Drew in the D

Red Wings vs. Phoenix In The Opening Round Of The 2011 NHL Playoffs

...Again

It's finally here, that's right the playoffs. The NHL's second season officially gets under way on Wednesday night with the Detroit Red Wings hosting game one of their quarterfinal series against the Phoenix Coyotes. It was nice to see the Wings get into a playoff mode today when they battled in Chicago against the Blackhawks, and were it not for Dallas losing to Minnesota the Wings would have shut the door on the 'Hawks playoff hopes with the win they picked up in the United Center today. Detroit will have almost all hands on deck come Wednesday with Nick Kronwall added to the ready to roll list for the game. But Henrick Zetterbergs availability for Wednesday's game is still up in the air. In my opinion Z will probably miss most of the first round if not all unless the team falls behind and needs him even in a limited role to try and generate some wins to advance to the next stage. 

The match up provides some interesting story lines with the Wings beating the Coyotes in game 7 in Phoenix last year to end what was their dream season, and both teams getting 2 wins against each other this season to split the season series between the two teams. I expect the Coyotes to come in looking for revenge and maybe a little bit of blood sensing that maybe some of the Wings are less then 100% healthy. But look for the Wings to show why they have making the playoffs 20 straight seasons and reaching the 100 point mark in the past 11 straight is by no accident. Wings move on to the second round beating the Coyotes in 5.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world

Drew in the D

MacDonald, Wings Shutdown The Blue Jackets In Columbus

The Red Wings 2-0 win tonight in Columbus stretched their win streak to 4 straight. Joey MacDonald played great for his team stopping all 37 shots he faced tonight for a well deserved shutout. Filppula made it two goals in as many games scoring on the power play tonight and Drew Miller scored in his return to the line up. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for the Wings tonight though. Pavel Datsyuk and Brian Rafalski both left the game with apparent injuries. Datsyuk seemed to avoid the brunt of Rick Nash's attempted hit, but still left the game after skating off the ice. Brian Rafalski was hit awkwardly by Antoine Vermette who slide right into Rafalski's right knee. Rafi immediately grabbed for his knee and was obviously limping off the ice. The early report out of the locker room is that Rafalski looks to be ok but Pavel might have picked up a lower body injury. Here is hoping that the team wont have to go without one of their star forwards for an extended period of time considering this is the time teams should be gearing up for the start of the playoffs which is rapidly approaching. Congratulations are in order for Mike Babcock who won his 300th game with the Wings tonight becoming one of three coaches including Scotty Bowman to win 300 games in their first 6 years with their team. The Red Wings will remain on the road for their next game when they take on the Preds Saturday night in Nashville.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and Happy St. Patty's Day Go Green!! Erin Go Bragh.

Drew in the D

Wings Get The Best Of Ovechkin, Capitals

I was lucky enough to be at tonights game between the Red Wings and the Capitals. It was a very competitive game between the two teams and very entertaining to watch as a fan of the game. Washington came into the Joe tonight riding a 9-game win streak looking to extend it and send a message that they are for real this year. To be honest i was almost more excited to the see The Great 8 in action than my team (almost). I had an opportunity to see Ovechkin live a few years ago but he ended up not playing due to an injury which was disappointing to say the least. I underestimated just how great he is as a player and the fact that he is playing more of a two way game these days makes him that much better in my opinion and it makes his team better which is probably more telling. Ovechkin's goal came on a one on one play where as soon as he got the puck and started skating up the ice against Stuart i said "uh oh" and no sooner had i said that the puck was in the net to tie the game at 2, wow is all i could say. Not to be outdone Henrick Zetterberg netted two goals in the game including the game winner on a vintage Zetterberg back hander over Michal Neuvirth's shoulder during a powerplay for the Wings in the 3rd period. In ending the Capitals win streak the Red Wings are now on a 3 game streak of their own and will try to keep it going tomorrow night n Columbus.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and welcome back Brian Rafalski with 3 assists and a +2 rating in tonights game. (hey i never knew colonel sanders was a wings fan.)

Drew in the D

The Nerazzuri Move To The Quaterfinals Of The Champions League In Style

The return leg of the Champions League between FC Internazionale Milano and Bayern Munich is why i love football so much. It was a pedal to the floor non-stop action match for both sides from the start. Samuel Eto'o brought the aggregate score level by putting in his teams first away goal amidst some controversy of whether he was offside or not in the 3rd minute of the match. Bayern answered and looked to be taking control of the game and on their way to the quarterfinals. That's when the defending European champs showed their class. Wesley Sneijder gave the Nerazzuri hope by scoring with plenty of time to find an equalizer that would put Inter through to the next stage, and Macedonian international Goran Pandev played the part of the hero scoring at the death to do just that on the away goal rule. This game was a pulse-pounding, attack minded affair between two teams that needed a win in it to help validate their current season. With Eto'os early goal the spot in the quarterfinals was up for grabs the entire 90+ and even after Pandev's top shelf strike in the 88th minute Bayern had a handful of decent chances to find their own winner, but came up short in the end. Inter's season has had its fair share of ups and downs this year, what with the change of managers early on and the injuries to key players they have had to battle through. But of late new manager Leonardo has the Nerazzuri playing as well as anyone in serie A and now his team looks to be regaining some of the magic they had last year in European competition just in time. 

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and get well soon Eric Abidal football/soccer fans around the world are praying for a safe and speedy recover for you.

Drew in the D

Pavel "Magic Man" Datsyuk Gets The GWG In Two Straight For The Wings

Can the Wing's #13 be any better? Pavel Datsyuk was at his best the past 2 games for his team, netting the game winning goal in both. Last night against Edmonton Pavel was shut down for most of the game getting double and even triple teamed at times by Oiler defense men. But as usual he finds a way through the defense of the opposition, as he took a pass in overtime and toe dragged around a sprawling Oiler player and snapped a shot into the back of the net for the GWG. Pavel was at it again tonight against the Blues with the game tied 3-3 in the 3rd period Pavel received the puck from Holmstrom along the boards and made two Blues hit each other as he slide in between them. Then he triple or quadruple deked by another Blue and beat Halak high blocker side for what would end up being the GWG. I mean this guy is just amazing he defies logic with some of the moves he makes and time seems to slow down or stop while he is working his magic. He is the magic man, the intellectual one, the greatest hockey player under the heavens. He is Pavel Datsyuk and he wears the Red and White #13 jersey for the Detroit Red WIngs.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world

Drew in the D

Not The Greatest Way To End A Road Trip-Liverpools Win Is A Win For Arsenal

It was a banner day for Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt today in his teams match against league leaders Manchester United. The Dutch international netted all three of The Reds goals today for his first hat trick  with the team and his first in any league since 2005. Liverpool had United on the back heel all day constantly attacking them at the back and putting pressure on their patch work defensive pairings. Even though Liverpool is still out of the top 4 of the league their defeat of United had huge significance on the EPL title race. By keeping the Red Devils from gaining any points from the match it opens the door for Arsenal to make up some points on United with the Gunners now only 3 points back. With 42 points and now being in the top 6 there is still hope for Liverpool of maybe somehow getting into the top 4 of the League and getting one of those coveted spots in the Champions League for next season.

Losing the last two games of a road trip including giving up a 3 goal lead in the 3rd period of last nights game in Phoenix isn't how the Wings wanted it to go. The San Jose game was a grinder with the Wings looking like a team that had just played the night before and the Sharks looking like a team that was waiting for that team. The Phoenix game started well enough with the Red Wings building a 4-1 lead though two periods, but something happened in the 3rd where they turned off and the Coyotes turned on. It started with another bone head play from Jakub Kindl when he decided it would be a good idea to give Helm a hospital pass in front of their own net while his goalie was behind the net. Needless to say the puck bounced over Helm's stick and right onto a forechecking Coyote for a gift tap in to an empty net. It wasn't the play that lost them the game, but when you have a team by the throat like the Wings did you dont give them anything especially a free goal like Kindl did. The team returns home to take on the Kings for the last time for the regular season on Wednesday night.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world

Drew in the D

Spartans Send Senior's Out In Style-Ducks Win It On A Dive

The Red Wings pick up a point in the overtime lose to the Ducks tonight. Jim Howard was great tonight stopping all but 2 shots in the game. Pavel Datsyuk scored once again tonight, banking in a shot off of Ducks tender Dan Ellis to take a 2nd period lead. Jason Blake would tie up the game early in the 3rd when he snapped the puck past Howard. The Wings had a great opportunity to win the game at the end of the 3rd period and in overtime on a powerplay but just couldn't get anything going and ended up losing the game on a penalty shot. Yes Bobby Ryan beat Howie fair and square but how about calling the dive stripes. I mean yes Salei flailed at Ryan but thats exactly what it was, he barely made contact with his stick on his arm which pushed him off balance and he acted like he got a two hander to the back of his knee. Call it sour grapes call it what you want to but thats kind of ridiculous when not only does the ref allow the player to embellish on the call but then the ref embellishes his penalty shot call. Seriously did you have to skate in front of the net and then wind up before you pointed to center ice? I think not. Oh and i dont know if you got the message Anaheim but if you are going to have a professional hockey team you might want to figure out how to maintain a professional level ice surface, get it together that shit is disgraceful. 

It definitely hasn't been the senior season that Kalin Lucas and Durrell Summers were hoping for. But they ended their careers at the Breslin Center in winning fashion. The Spartans were able to get a little pay back on Iowa tonight who had beaten them in Iowa City when the Spartans were still ranked, by beating them 85-66. This game wasn't just about the fact that the team needed the win to help solidify their spot in the NCAA tournament. But rather showing the appreciation every Spartan player, fan, and alumni had for what this senior class helped the basketball team achieve in the past few seasons. 2 straight final four appearances and a Big Ten championship among the accomplishments that this graduating class helped bring to Spartan Nation. I for one have had a great time watching this team play together and help each other develop as players along the way to the accolades that they have earned. While Kalin and Durrell's future in the NBA is less than assured i hope that they can always look back with pride on the four years they spent here in Michigan, in East Lansing, as college basketball players, but most importantly as Spartans.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and congratulations to Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, and Mike Kebler on a great college career at Michigan State

Drew in the D

Wings Dethrone The Kings In LA In First Of 4 West Coast Games

After a 3 game stretch of not starting very well in games, the Wings got off to a great start in LA against the Kings. They conceded an early power play goal but quickly took back control of the game by scoring two quick goals and three over all in the 1st. I do have to say that i really like how the Kings are playing this season. They Play fast and hard and are fairly organized at the back playing a very strong defensive brand of hockey. But the Red Wings were a little to much for them on this night, after Pavel Datsyuk scored the Wings 4th goal the writing was on the wall, and it was all Detroit for the remainder of the game. The Wings had 6 goal scorers in total including Drew Miller who netted two in the game to help his team to a 7-4 win. There were three highlight reel plays that stuck out in my mind during the game tonight; one was Pavel "The Assassin" Datsyuk absolutely sniping his goal over Jonathan Quicks left shoulder on the power play, another was Darren "The Manitoba Missile" Helm's break away short hander that beat Quick five hole, and newly extended Jim Howards triple right pad save during a Kings power play in the second period. Speaking of Howies new contract, he gets extended for two years for $2.25 million a year to be Detroit's #1 goalie for the foreseeable future. The Red Wings will continue on this west coast swing now taking the short trip down to Anaheim to play the Ducks on Wednesday night.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and congratulations to Johan and Cecilia on the birth of their first child

Drew in the D