Lots of post-game news coming in so I'll stick mostly with my thoughts while everything gets sorted out.
The Red Wings were just surviving until Chicago opened the game's scoring. Then it was like a switch was flipped. We've seen that switch flipped before - sometimes it's just for a game and sometimes it's for a playoff run. It's good to see but it's terrifying that it was necessary.
I said repeatedly that Pavel Datsyuk was outplaying Marian Hossa. Datsyuk had a hell of a game. It's fantastic to see him back.
Jimmy Howard also had a fantastic game. Made 33 stops on the afternoon, including some spectacular stops. He appears to be back.
I loved the second line tonight, whether it was Valtteri Filppula or Justin Abdelkader centering Danny Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi. They were getting into the corners and moving the puck well. Sustained pressure in the Chicago zone combined with great passing from Bertuzzi caused Cleary's eventual game-winner.
On the penalties... People seem to be up in arms over Abdelkader's hit on Seabrook so I'll say, fine, we're even. Hit to Seabrook uncalled, stick to Franzen's face uncalled. No, I'm not happy with how the penalties worked out but I love how the Detroit PK came to play.
Detroit moves on to face Phoenix in the first round. Not thrilled about the travel or that the Coyotes always play the Wings well. You don't want to get caught trying to pick your poison in the playoffs, though. In all honesty, there was no one I wanted to have to play.
Dallas can make the playoffs and knock out the Blackhawks out with a win in regulation or OT tonight. I don't think I'll watch that one.
The Red Wings wrap up the regular season in Chicago this afternoon, their playoff position locked in and their opponent down to two possibilities. Depending on the outcome of this afternoon's Wings-'Hawks matchup, Detroit will face either the Phoenix Coyotes or the Nashville Predators in the opening round.
A Red Wings win of any kind matches them up with Phoenix. If a regulation win is coupled with a Dallas win in regulation or overtime later today, the Blackhawks will be knocked out of the playoffs and the Stars will be in.
If Chicago wins, the Red Wings will face the Predators. A shooutout win for the Blackhawks would create a three-way tie for fifth place but the 'Hawks have the tiebreaker.
As expected, Detroit will be without Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall for the game. Jimmy Howard is the Wings' likely starter in goal.
I'm tempted to work through this game and just listen on the radio. Just not feeling it, a lot like Friday night. I hope I'm wrong.
Solid save by Jimmy right before the Homer penalty.
This game is being carried on AFN here in Afghanistan. I'd like to seev the Wings knock out the Hawks.
We'll see.
Wow! Howard actually made it post-to-post!
Another big stop by Jimmy. He's on today.
Well, this first period is definately better than the last first period.
Well, this first period is definately better than the last first period.
Yeah, not great but stronger than they had been playing.
No penalty? Seriously?
Stuart tripped, no call, goal Chicago.
There ya go Homer!
Homer just moved about as fast as he ever has. Real nice shot.
And Pasha with the go-ahead!
Cleary made all that happen.
Strong play on the puck, getting to the puck, hell of a shot there
Seems the Wings are playing it a bit loosie-goosie and it's getting in Chicago's loop.
Howard looks solid tonight. Doing a good job at controling rebounds.
Franzen sticked in the face, no call. Wow.
Great period. Wings seemed to flip a switch. Can't believe they haven't gotten a power play yet.
I wonder what the Dallas Stars, sitting in their hotel rooms in St. Paul watching this game, are thinking about their chances.
Well, the Hawks are going to come out on fire in the final period. They've got nothing left to loose at this point. Detroit needs to be careful. Just stay loose and keep their heads up. Look like they can't depend on getting any penalties called their way (Yeah, I know, nothing new here) so they're going to have to stay real smart on the puck. And Jimmy H is coming through for a change. How 'bout that?
I wonder what the Dallas Stars, sitting in their hotel rooms in St. Paul watching this game, are thinking about their chances.
I wonder if they're reading this forum?
You know what's going to happen with all the bullsh*t non-calls on Chicago, right? Wings will finally get a power play and then give up a SHG. Terrifying thought.
I wonder what the Dallas Stars, sitting in their hotel rooms in St. Paul watching this game, are thinking about their chances.
I wonder if they're reading this forum?
Site stats say not a chance.
Panic in gangland...
Great job by Miller to go to the net there.
I don't have a problem with that goal, but if it was Homer it wouldn't count.
Not that I'm complaining that there was a missed penalty there (there wasn't) but if that were Homer, you know we'd be down a man right now and no goal.
I don't have a problem with that goal, but if it was Homer it wouldn't count.
Great minds think alike!
Great period so far. Dats making people look silly.
Fantastic shift by the Cleary/Bertuzzi/Abdelkader/Filppula (there was a change in the middle) line leading to the fourth goal.
Howard is looking his best all year IMO. Where's he been?
Stuart had a chance to clear and went after the man. Bad shift.
No suprise on that BS icing...
Bad time to take a penalty...
Very exciting finish. We just needed to finish out with no more injuries.
Best of all, I think with will carry a good psychologocal boost into the play-offs.
Go Stars!!! 
Gutsy win by the Wings. Great way to end the regular season.
Wings face Phoenix in the first round. Stars are still alive, needing a win in regulation or OT to make the playoffs and knock Chicago out.
Good win for the wings but I'd say Vancouver and San Jose will have an easier run to the conference finals now since Dallas will get in after beating the wild. Wings v Phoenix isn't really a good matchup. Nashville wouldve been alot better since they're closer in distance. Wings do have homeice though which doesnt mean a whole lot since that can't win @ home. I think wings will go down in this series in 6 or 7. I thought wings would make to round 2 but after this past week theyll be out in r1. Even if they do make it out of round 1 they'll be beaten down.
I'd say it all depends on which Wings team shows up. The one from today or the one from Friday?
Did that switch get flipped for real or just for a game?
Pavel Datsyuk
Credit: Clark Rasmussen
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