Issues? Yeah. Rafalski looked out of sorts, to put it kindly. Numerous giveaways and not much of a factor offensively.

I’d have liked to have seen a few more minutes from the fourth line. Hartigan, McCarty and Drake averaged about 5 minutes, even strength. And yeah, a few more quality scoring chances to test young Ellis will be nice to see in Game 2.

But, overall? Very few complaints. Secondary scoring? In other words, Franzen? Check. Not only did he score, as usual, but every time he touches the puck he’s dangerous. Every time. When did the Mule gain the puck handling skills we’ve seen the last two months? Put him along the end boards with the puck and nobody’s gonna get it from him. I think the Cleary/Mule/Filppula line is going to generate even more chances as we go further.

Coaching. We mentioned that in the keys yesterday. How often have we hinted at the fact that Mike Babcock has a soft spot for Samuelsson? Plenty. I’ve led the charge in criticizing William Tell and, if given the choice, would probably have played Abbaddabadoo over him last night. That, naturally, would have made me an idiot. Eight shots for Samuelsson. And he looked good, as good as we’ve seen him all year. He was abrasive and dangerous with the puck. Defensively, he was sound as usual.

Babcock also elected to play Dats/Zetterberg/Homer against Bubba’s top line, which was another shrewd move. Arnott? Non factor. No shots and a -2. Dumont? -3. Hlavac? Five shots but also -2. As for the Flying Circus? A puck possession machine, dangerous all night. No one’s going to stop that line. As it has been all year, the only question is whether the rest of the lines can chip in. With Franzen on fire, that’s a yes.

Hasek and Ellis. No, Hasek wasn’t tested by any stretch. But what he saw last night is what he can expect the rest of the way. Nobody’s going to put up 30 shots on the Wings. Not in the the playoffs and not the way they’re performing defensively. If not for little Jordin’s fluke goal, it would have been a perfect night for the CMOI. Ellis? We knew he’d play well, and he did. But this is not Kipper, or JSG or even Roloson. His performance will not be the storyline this series.

Tootoo: as stated below, I don’t care one way or the other if Mac lays waste to him, or Downey, or whoever. Will it happen? Yeah, probably on Saturday. Is it required? No. He’s a fruitfly, a nuisance. All I ask is that when you kick his ass, Mac, do it when the time is right. Talk to Downey about that.

Zetterberg’s game winner. I don’t know if the play was offsides or not. I don’t really care. Let Bubba whine all he wants. Bottom line is that heralded Shea Webber turned it over, then he turned it over again and he gave it to the worst possible character: Datsyuk. The rest was inevitable.

Kronwall’s hit. Yep. Got his elbow up. Left his feet a little. Drilled him. Loved it. Suspendable? Not that I’ve heard today. Hypocritical of me? Of course. Not a beat writer, just a fan.

Finally, not too much noise today about the lack of it at the Joe last night. Good crowd. Called my brother in Hockeytown yesterday afternoon and asked him what the chances of a full house were. He said not likely. He hasn’t been the same kid since I stuffed dirty socks in his mouth while he was asleep thirty years ago though. The house appeared as full as it’s been all year, and louder than we expected. Nice to see and hear.