A few thoughts on Thursday night's 6-0 Red Wings win over the San Jose Sharks...
The same excuses the Wings had when they lost in San Jose at the end of October apply for the Sharks this time around, so while there are plenty of good things the Wings did, some of it can be written off as the Sharks being tired. San Jose was at the end of a long road trip, having played extra time the night before.
This was Detroit's first 60-minute effort since their 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on December 1. They were a little slow early but not outright asleep like they've appeared as of late. Ty Conklin made some key saves early and the Wings' defense wasn't as passive as it's been.
The Red Wings made smarter passes in their own zone and it led to a better transition game. In general, Detroit as a team played better positionally. They were where they needed to be to pounce on loose pucks and to slow up San Jose's offensive breaks.
Speaking of breaks, the first two goals were absolute gifts from Evgeni Nabokov. He flat-out missed Johan Franzen's shot for the first goal and should have had Pavel Datsyuk's attempt a few minutes later.
Credit the Wings for not resting on their laurels after those two goals. They kept pushing and the final four goals were the more Wing-like goals they haven't been getting as many of this year, ones generated by driving the net (Valtteri Filppula's goal), nice passing (Pavel Datsyuk to Marian Hossa) and contributions from the defense (Brad Stuart).
I'm a little surprised that Todd McLellan kept Nabokov in for the whole game. I probably would have pulled him at 4-0. I don't think that would have made a difference but it seems to show that the Sharks were resigned to losing at that point already so the goalie switch wouldn't have made a difference.
These were two points the Red Wings needed and it'll give the national media something to talk about but the next two times these teams meet will be better "measuring stick" games as both teams should be better-rested than the first two matchups this season.
Wings not looking horrible so far, not looking fantastic either.
I'll have to bolt shortly for a soccer game, I'll catch up on DVR later.
Franzen! 1-0.
And Datsyuk makes it 2-0.
I'm gonna agree with Mickey, that's two goals Nabokov should have had. Merry Christmas, Nabby, thanks for the gifts.
And now I'm out.
OK. This is the last game that I have to listen to on internet radio. I will be back in Norfolk coem Saturday and kiss Oklahoma goodbye. There is no bar/pub whatever out..... scooooorrrreee!!! BOOOOYAAAA!!!!
As I was saying, there ain't a damn place out here that knows what hockey is.
Can't wait till weekend after next when I and the wife fly up to Detroit to catch the game on the 30th and then go to Chicago .... scoooooorrreee!!!! BOOOOOYYAAAA X2!!!!!.....
to catch the Winter Classic.
GOOOOOOO WINGS!!!!!
Damn.... wish I could catch this on the teli
Wowza! 
Hossa makes it 3-0.
Wow, so close to missing the post.
I wonder where Nabokov went tonight. Not his best game.
And 3-0 courtesy of Hossa.
And Hossa makes it 3-0
BOOOYAAAA!!!!!!!!
Dr. Fil makes it 4-0! <3
Gosh, ilh
4-0. And to think I was expecting a close game.
4-0. And to think I was expecting a close game.
That makes two of us
And Datsyuk makes it 5-0! 
Golly I love this game! <3
I thought it'd be somewhat close, too. But now I'm really happy it's not
Datsyuk with his second. 5-0.
This game has been a slap in the face to the Sharks!!!!
Ahhhhhh hahahahah!!!!!!!!!!!!
*does the happy dance on the table*
Yeah Baby!!!
Lawdy, 6-0!
Stuart with this one. Wow, they're running away with this one.
This is just getting ridiculous.
The Wings have returned from the summer break.
6-0
And the message has been sent to the NHL
This is just getting ridiculous.
It is/was But one of my favourite games I have watched, I have to say. Wowza.
(Great way to get my 700th post!
Got back just as the game ended. I'll rewind to catch what I missed but it sounds like the Wings finally played a solid, complete game (as well as getting some luck). Good to see.
Johan Franzen
Credit: Clark Rasmussen
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