More
Contact
Submit
Premium
Sorry for not providing any Morning Head today, but I had to perform my duty as a pet owner this morning. Plus, I don't think any of you want my rabies-ridden dog running around town.
But on my way back from the vet, I heard some excellent news on NHL Radio: San Jose forward Ryane Clowe, who has been a pain in the Red Wings' ass this series, did not make the trip to Detroit for Game 6. I have a feeling this had something to do with it. At least I hope it did, and it's not something stupid like mono. (For what it's worth, Todd McLellan said it had nothing to do with the hit. I call bullshit.)
Also, in what would normally be bad news but I'm considering as good news, Johan Franzen has been ruled out for the Red Wings, and Mike Modano will step in. Why is this good news? Because Franzen just doesn't have it in this series. You can tell he's hurt, and his ineffectiveness was hurting the Wings. Now, Modano can add fresh legs to what has become a long series, plus he adds a veteran presence and might be just the spark the Wings need to get through the final two games.
Outside of that, here are a few things to look for in Game 6:
1. Is Jimmy Howard in the Sharks heads? He put on an amazing performance in Game 5, and has been great this entire series. After losing Game 5 like the Sharks did, they may begin to overthink things. They're just that kind of team. How will we know if Howard and the Wings are in their heads? If they start making the extra pass that they think is necessary to beat him. If they just fire away (which is really the best way to create scoring opportunities), they're unfazed.
2. Will Antti Niemi bounce back from the end of Game 5? None of the goals he gave up were particularly weak. In fact, I'd say he really didn't have much of a chance on any of them. But even though it wasn't his fault, sometimes allowing three goals on five shots in a 10-minute span of a deciding game can creep into a goaltender's head. The head, of course, is the most important part of a goaltender's body.
3. Will the Detroit crowd bring it again? The Game 4 crowd, which I was a part of, was incredible, and the Wings heaped tons of praise upon it. Detroit needs to bring it again and make sure to send the boys back to San Jose for a Game 7.
My prediction for tonight? I don't have one, because I've been so far off, but I will just throw this out there:
