AP Last night, the Detroit Red Wings earned their first victory of the year beating the Minnesota Wild 5-3.
While they still gave up three goals, is their defense actually getting better? Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News seems to think so although coach Mike Babcock wouldn’t come right out and say as much.
“We could us a few more guys back, and that would help us as well,” said coach Mike Babcock, referring to three defensemen, Jonathan Ericsson, Ian White and Carlo Colaiacovo, still out with injuries.
“As the game went on and we got better and the D got more comfortable, we were able to move the puck better,” Babcock said.
Improving the defense by being better with the puck offensively is nothing new to the Red Wings. Their “puck possession” style of play helps the team play defense by keeping their opponents from controlling play. With both Niklas Kronwall and rookie Brendan Smith playing solidly in that fashion last night, maybe some Wings fans can come out off the ledge.
Then again, they’ve given up 13 goals in four games so there’s still a little bit more work to do.
-
Getty Images
One loss away from elimination.
-
Dream match-up: Winterhawks, Seth Jones, advance to Memorial Cup final against Mooseheads
May 25, 2013, 1:03 AM EDT
Future of the NHL.
-
Video: Penguins’ Neal scores a beauty to complete his first NHL playoff hat trick
May 25, 2013, 12:20 AM EDT
Getty Images
Now, that’s a toe-drag.
-
Getty Images
Was Friday’s loss his last NHL games?
-
Penguins put on a ‘clinic’ in semifinal series win over Senators
May 24, 2013, 11:15 PM EDT
Getty Images
Pittsburgh wins in five games.
-
Getty Images
Bad blood, although this seemed unnecessary.
-
Report: NHL to present Glendale with Coyotes ownership plan next week
May 24, 2013, 10:31 PM EDT
AP
Big developments coming out of the desert.
-
Discuss: Penguins knock off the Senators in Game 5, headed to conference final
May 24, 2013, 10:27 PM EDT
Getty Images
Await winner of Boston-New York.
-
Getty Images
One-year, one-way.
-
Kings’ Stoll skates for first time since Game 1 injury; has a ‘long ways to go’
May 24, 2013, 9:50 PM EDT
Getty Images
L.A. can move to conference final with a win over the Sharks in Game 6.
-
‘It’s because of the money’: KHL threat is real, says Blue Jackets GM
May 24, 2013, 9:19 PM EDT
Getty Images
Not speaking about Bobrovsky, but in general.
-
Getty Images
You be the judge.
-
Report: Roy already kicking tires on possible Colorado assistants
May 24, 2013, 8:00 PM EDT
Including one of his coaching rivals from the QMJHL.
-
Kunitz likely, Morrow unlikely (Update: correction, he’s in) for Pens in Game 5 vs. Sens
May 24, 2013, 7:01 PM EDT
AP
Dan Bylsma sticking with the same lineup.
-
AP
“The NHL remains committed to securing the Coyotes’ future in Glendale under new ownership, and we believe Don’s long-term agreement evidences that he is equally committed,” said the deputy commish.
-
McLellan: Burish ‘very close,’ could be in Sharks lineup for Game 6
May 24, 2013, 4:28 PM EDT
He’s missed the entire series with a broken hand.
-
AP
“Hopefully, we’ll find that chemistry,” says Spezza.


