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

Liverpool Goes Down On The Road To West Ham United

Hammer fans had plenty of reasons for blowing bubbles today as their team took out EPL giants Liverpool 3-1 today. It seemed like the Reds had a bit of a cup hangover from their Europa League match earlier this week that saw them get off to a slow start sunday on the road. But give full marks to the Hammers for taking advantage of this a making Liverpool pay for their lack luster play by scoring mid way through the first half. West Ham would score again right before half time putting their opponents in a deep hole to try and climb out of in the second half. Liverpool was able to get one past Robert Green amidst cheers of USA from the Liverpool supporters behind the West Ham goal tender. But all hope for a draw was smashed when Hammers striker Carlton Cole scored his teams 3rd goal in the 89th minute to seal the win for West Ham moving his team out of the drop zone for the time being and all but dashing Liverpools Champions League hopes for next season. Liverpools next match is this coming sunday when they take on EPL leader and rival Manchester United at home.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and congratulations to Carling Cup winner Birmingham City

Drew in the D

Road Warrior Wings Win Another Away From The Joe-Manchester United Continue To Cruise Towards An EPL Title Beating Wigan On The Road

While the Red Wings haven't been as good at home as they would like to be they more than make up for it with their performances on the road this season. It was another frustrating beginning to the game for the Wings giving the Sabres an early 2-0 lead. The Wings played much better in the second period carrying the play to Buffalo for most of the period and Pavel "Magic Man" Datsyuk got them on the board, scoring on a power play. The Wings continued to play well throughout the rest of the game and really came on in the final 10 minutes of the 3rd period and "Happy" Hudler found a juicy rebound in front of the net and banged it home coming off the bench as the extra attacker to tie the game at 2. Both teams had chances to win it in the overtime period but both goalies made big stops for their teams and the game would be decided in a shoot out. The Sabres were undefeated in shoot outs this season with a record of 5-0 in them, but that just meant they were due. After Joey MacDonald saved Drew Stafford's shot on the Sabres first attempt Datsyuk had the first shot for the Wings and was absolute magic on his attempt going forehand backhand and lifting the puck over Miller's left shoulder. Joey MacDonald made it 2 for 2 on saves in the shoot out stopping Tomas Vanek and giving Jiri Hudler the chance to win it for his team, and win it he did. Following Pavel Datsyuk's lead Huds went forehand backhand adding a little motorcycle kick to his move and banking the puck of the post, off Millers back and into the net for the game winner giving his team a much needed 3-2 win, starting their road trip off on a good note. The Red Wings will hop on Red Wing 1 and pick up Brian Rafalski and drop off Johan Franzen on their way out west for the next 4 games starting in LA on Monday night.

It was all Red Devils today against Wigan with Man U winning 4-0 on the road. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez opened up the scoring for United in the 17th minute of the match. Wigan had some bright spots but in the end they could never trouble Edwin Van der sar to much who kept a clean sheet through the game. Chicharito would add another goal to his total for the game and Wayne Rooney and Fabio would round out the scoring for the Red Devils. This was Manchester United's tune up match before taking on  Chelsea and Liverpool on the road this up coming week, where wins in both games would pretty much put them out of reach of any team trying to catch them in the race for the league title this year.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and welcome back Mike Madono its great to see you back out on the ice in the red and white.

Drew in the D

Wings Lose To Dallas Making it 2 In A Row At Home-Dirk Kuyt Lifts Liverpool Past Sparta Praha In The UEFA Europa League

It was another very frustrating night for the Wings and their fans with them losing 4-1 to the Dallas Stars. The lose tonight makes it 2 in a row at home and it adds to the teams home woes of late. Give full marks to Stars net minder Kari Lehtonen who was great in goal tonight for his team stopping all but one shot by Tomas Holmstrom late in the game on a power play. While there is still a lot of hockey to be played until the playoffs come around, the Wings need to nip this in the butt now and start making it hard for teams to get a result from playing at the Joe. The Wings will make a quick trip out to the east coast to play Buffalo, which will also be Mike Madono's first game since his wrist injury. Then they get to go on another Gary Bettman road trip out west to take on two of the conferences hottest teams LA and San Jose. While i expect the team to play well on the road as they usually do i will be paying special attention to their return game, which i might very well be going to, March 9th against the afore mentioned Kings.

Liverpool manager Kenny Daglish haasn't lost at home in any competition since taking over the position earlier this year and after todays 1-0 Europa league win he still hasn't. Todays return leg at Anfield between Liverpool and Sparta Praha was very evenly matched with both teams carrying the play to the other throughout the 90 minutes. With extra time and penalties looming large with the game still tied late Dirk Kuyt made sure there would be none of that drama by heading in a well taken corner to give his team the 1-0 win which sends them through to the round of 16 in the Europa League. The Europa League is Liverpools last chance at winning some hard wear this season considering they are out of the Champions League and 18 points back of Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and thats gotta sting still Michigan

Drew in the D

Bayern Munich Snatches A Crucial Away Goal And Win In The San Siro Today

It looked for all the world like the first leg of the Champions League knock out round between FC Bayern Munich and FC Internazionale Milano would end in a scoreless draw. That is, until German striker Mario Gomez picked up a loose ball in the box and slotted it home behind Inter goalie Julio Cesar in the 90th minute. It was an entertaining game and Inter had plenty of chances to get a goal of their own but just couldn't find a way to put the ball on target. Argentine international, Esteban Cambiasso had Inter's best chance when a deflected ball fell to his feet inside the box but he put it over the crossbar, missing a wide open net. Inter will now have to look for some big away goals of their own in the return leg, when they travel to the Futball Arena Munchen in Munich down 1-0 to Bayern. I wouldn't be surprised to see Diego Milito get a starting spot in Inter's line-up for that match if he is healthy by then considering he is a big target up front for the team.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world

Drew in the D

Wings Drop Yet Another Return Game Against the Sharks-Spartans Get Big Tournament Resume Win On The Road In Minnesota

The first game back in the Joe from a road trip has been a problem for the Wings all season and it was again tonight against the Sharks. After a very productive 3 game road trip on which the Wings were able to take all 6 of the available points they returned home for a short 2 game home stand starting with tonights game against the sharks. Tonights game started out well enough with the Wings putting 9 shots on the Sharks goaltender Niemi, but 4 Shark power plays including a full 2 minute 5 on 3 wiped out that advantage by the end of the 1st period and saw the Sharks take a 1 goal lead into the break. Dan Cleary gave his team a big lift in the 2nd netting his 20th and career high 21st goal of the season which also gave him 3 straight seasons of 20+ goals which is also a first in his career. The 2nd period would end tied 2-2 setting up a hard fought 3rd period between the two teams. The Wings carried the majority of the play in the period, Datsyuk and Stuart both banged shots off of the goal post, coming that close to giving their team the lead in the game but just as it usually happens in a hockey game scoring chances missed at one end end up being scored on the other and the Sharks would take a 4-2 lead shortly after. Z made it close scoring on a late power play with about 2 minutes left in the game, the Wings had a few chances late but just couldn't find a way to put in the equalizer. A side-note to this game was Patrick Eaves going down with an apparent lower body injury in the 2nd period, hopefully its nothing serious because the speed he has brings an extra element to the teams offensive attack.

When the Spartans entered the season ranked #2 in the nation no one thought that they would be looking for key wins at this point just to get into the tournament next month, i certainly didn't. But that's exactly the situation that the team is finds itself in right now, on the outside looking in for the tournament. Tom Izzo has his team playing better of late with 3 straight wins in conference including a big-time road win against Minnesota tonight. It's nice to see the team being able to string together a couple of wins in a row which shows that they can perform more consistently than they had been pretty much up to this point. But it's still strange to me that it seems like some of the players, and the senior players at that, are having trouble fitting in to a role out on the floor for this team. I have to admit that i have been less than impressed with Durrell Summers play this season, now there have been rumors that he is dealing with certain things internally that he is struggling with which i can understand being a college student myself. But im sure even he was expecting a lot more out of himself this season, if anything he just wanted to do the best he could to help his team get over that final hurdle to a national championship. The Spartans win over the Gophers in Minnesota will definitely help their cause but they are not out of the woods yet, they still have a big game coming up against top ten Purdue at home on Sunday along with a their final home game against Iowa and the rivalry game on the road against Michigan to end the regular season. In my opinion a win against Purdue would guarantee the Spartans a spot in the dance but in failing that i think 19-20 wins will see them through.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world

Drew in the D

So Yea Its Been Awhile....My Bad

So its been probably a month or even a little longer since i have posted, but i plan on starting up again now that im getting back into the grove with school and everything. It's been a great week for the Wings who are now on a 5 game win streak and are looking very solid in all phases of the game once again. My Spartans are slowly but surely coming out of their season long funk picking up two crucial wins this past week including one over a ranked Illinois team. I am going to try and mix in some European football posts along with the Detroit teams since i am a huge footie fan and have been watching as many matches as i can lately, so be on the look out for that as well. That's about it for tonight (or should i say this morning) i'll be posting after the next Wings game on Tuesday along with the Spartans game on that day and you can catch my comments on Inter Milans first leg Champions League match against Bayern Munich on Thursday.

Goodnight from the greatest sports city in the world and congratulations to Todd Bertuzzi on game #1000

Drew in the D