Three Questions: Wings-Bruins
DRW.com's Michael Caples analyzes the Wings' 23rd game
Saturday, 11.29.2008 / 9:37 PM
/ News
By Michael Caples
- DetroitRedWings.com Intern
What’s missing?
The Red Wings must be anxiously awaiting the return of Tomas Holmstrom. Homer has missed the last six games with back spasms, and it’s clear that his big presence is missed in front of the opposition’s net. The Wings peppered Boston goaltender Manny Fernandez with 30 shots Saturday night, and the problem was that he saw the majority of them. With Holmstrom out in front of the net, he’s screening the goalie, he’s distracting the defense, and he’s fighting in the corners to get his linemates the puck. Dan Cleary did a nice job playing in Holmstrom’s spot with Pavel Datsyuk and Marian Hossa, but he just doesn’t have the size to be as effective in front of the net.
How did Chris Osgood look in his relief appearance?
It’s not often that a Detroit goaltender comes in during the game, but Chris Osgood took over between the pipes halfway through the game against the Bruins. To be clear, Ty Conklin didn’t perform as poorly as the numbers show. The majority of goaltender swaps is purely to motivate the troops, not to blatantly punish the masked man. Conklin fell victim to a one-timer blast, a puck with eyes through a big screen, and another one-timer after a turnover deep in the Detroit end. Osgood looked good in the substitution role, facing ten shots and allowing only one goal. It’s not an easy situation for a goaltender, coming into a game where your team’s already down three goals. He made a few big stops, unfortunately it was too little too late.
What’s next for the Wings?
Luckily for the Wings, they have four straight games at home. From December 1 through December 10, Detroit will take on the Ducks, Canucks, Blackhawks, and Flames – all Western Conference battles that should be great games to watch from Joe Louis Arena.
The Red Wings must be anxiously awaiting the return of Tomas Holmstrom. Homer has missed the last six games with back spasms, and it’s clear that his big presence is missed in front of the opposition’s net. The Wings peppered Boston goaltender Manny Fernandez with 30 shots Saturday night, and the problem was that he saw the majority of them. With Holmstrom out in front of the net, he’s screening the goalie, he’s distracting the defense, and he’s fighting in the corners to get his linemates the puck. Dan Cleary did a nice job playing in Holmstrom’s spot with Pavel Datsyuk and Marian Hossa, but he just doesn’t have the size to be as effective in front of the net.
How did Chris Osgood look in his relief appearance?
It’s not often that a Detroit goaltender comes in during the game, but Chris Osgood took over between the pipes halfway through the game against the Bruins. To be clear, Ty Conklin didn’t perform as poorly as the numbers show. The majority of goaltender swaps is purely to motivate the troops, not to blatantly punish the masked man. Conklin fell victim to a one-timer blast, a puck with eyes through a big screen, and another one-timer after a turnover deep in the Detroit end. Osgood looked good in the substitution role, facing ten shots and allowing only one goal. It’s not an easy situation for a goaltender, coming into a game where your team’s already down three goals. He made a few big stops, unfortunately it was too little too late.
What’s next for the Wings?
Luckily for the Wings, they have four straight games at home. From December 1 through December 10, Detroit will take on the Ducks, Canucks, Blackhawks, and Flames – all Western Conference battles that should be great games to watch from Joe Louis Arena.
