This was the first time I've watched a whole game this year, as the Sweden games were on during the workday, and the exhibition season bores me silly. It was great to watch a hockey game that meant something again, even if it was only an early-season message to our divisional rivals to cool their jets, we aren't giving them the division just yet. Maybe soon, but not yet.
Ozzie was fantastic, as he faced a lot of rubber and turned most of it aside. No bad goals. I don't want to jinx him, but if he's hot early he's going to be a huge difference-maker for this team, as it slowly gears up for another run.
Bertuzzi may have saved a goal, with a fine defensive-comeback that broke up a two-on-one opportunity. I like what I'm seeing from the big guy so far. If he burns out, well, hopefully there will be people ready to step it up and take his place on a top line.
Lidstrom had his usual quietly-brilliant game, defusing rush after rush from the Hawks' talented forwards. If only he'd stayed healthy...ah, forget last year!
Oh, and May was a smart signing, imho. He served notice that the Wings' skill-guys are not to be f'd with last night. I really think the team needs an enforcer this year, and May should fill the bill nicely. Not that I'm a big proponent of fighting, but teams have been taking some liberties of late.
Really looking forward to the Caps on Saturday. I love watching Ovie play, even if it's against us. Especially against us, I should say -- it's a great test for the "new defensive-mindset," which was a little shaky against Chicago, and a LOT shaky against St. Louis in Sweden.
Posted on Oct 9, 2009, 12:10 PM from IP address 24.208.249.158