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Abel to Yzerman

Fan Post Of The Day: The Keys To Success

by IwoCPO on 11/15/06 at 07:58 PM ET
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A nine-game winning streak will do some strange things to people. All the gnashing of teeth and wringing of hands has been set aside. The power play, operating at 9 percent efficiency, is a humorous side note. It's all about the positives these days in Hockeytown. LGW has a thread today titled "Why This Team Is Different." Our FPOD comes from within it. BlueMonk/LGW: Why This Team Is Different

I feel this team has a little more balance and a little less talent. The style they're playing isn't as flashy but is the kind that I would expect to be more successful in a playoff series against a tough team. Hasek's health is a major concern for me. If he gets hurt, it will be a setback. If he can stay on the ice, he seems to be getting better and should be a major asset.

Read the entire post after the jump.

The most encouraging thing I’m seeing is the ability to compete physically with other teams, in terms of hitting, absorbing hits and skating. This team is working harder and has younger, fresher bodies on the ice than we’ve seen in a long time. I’m not sure it’s as talented. The goal scoring should improve, but I think there’s a shortage of snipers that has something to do with the limited offense, especially on the PP. The team looks better equipped to handle the forecheck. I don’t cringe every time the Wings play a physical team like Calgary anymore. The guys are moving without the puck and the breakouts from the defensive zone are fast and efficient. Nobody is just standing around waiting for a one timer. They’re not afraid to go to the net, take the body and battle around the boards.

They’re also striking quickly. Out of the gate, the Wings are doing what the Sharks did a couple seasons ago, just jumping all over teams. In the past, they’ve been content to give up a goal and wait a period or two before warming up; not something a team can continue to do and expect to win, especially in the playoffs. Playing with a lead in the NHL is the only way to go, especially against the trapping defenses that make comebacks extremely difficult and physically draining.

I feel this team has a little more balance and a little less talent. The style they’re playing isn’t as flashy but is the kind that I would expect to be more successful in a playoff series against a tough team. Hasek’s health is a major concern for me. If he gets hurt, it will be a setback. If he can stay on the ice, he seems to be getting better and should be a major asset.

All that said, I still can’t believe the power play is clicking at 9%. That’s ridiculous. Shanahan was the only major piece of the PP unit who moved on, and no matter how important he was, they can’t possibly miss him that much.

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About Abel to Yzerman

Welcome to Abel to Yzerman, a Red Wing blog since 1977.  No other site on the internet has better-researched, fact-laden and better prepared discussions than A2Y.  Re-phrase: we do little research, find facts and stats highly overrated and claim little to no preparation.  There are 19 readers of A2Y. No more, no less. All of them, except maybe one, are juvenile in nature.  Reminding them of that in the comment section will only encourage them to prove that. Your suggestions and critiques are welcome: wphoulihan@gmail.com