2/21. Wings @ Wild 8:00 PM FSND-HD

**Shinma** · 02-21-2009, 04:56 PM

Welcome back Jimmy Howard!

Presents the following thread:

@

(39-12-8) @ (28-24-4)

Your

AT
The Minnesota Wild

This game is a presentation of:

GAME 60

Location: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minn.
Date: Sat., Feb. 21st, 2009
Time: 8:00pm EST

Television Broadcast Provided by:

FOX Sports Detroit HD
DirecTV channel 636

Streaming:
atdhe.net

Radio Broadcast Provided by:

XM Radio: Channel 209

Goaltending Matchup:

Det. - Jimmy Howard (0-0-0) 0.00 GAA .000 sv%

Min. - Niklas Backstrom (27-17-3) 2.24 GAA .925 sv%

Recap of the Wings win over the Ducks:

Highlights of the Wings 5-2 win:
http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?hlg=20082009,2,873

Red Wings 5, Ducks 2

DETROIT (AP) -Ty Conklin has played so well as Chris Osgood's backup that the Detroit Red Wings can afford to give the struggling starter some days off to get his game together in time for the playoffs.

Conklin was close to the top of his game Friday night, making 24 saves for his 11th straight home victory, 5-2 over the Anaheim Ducks.

Henrik Zetterberg had a goal and two assists, Pavel Datsyuk added a goal and an assist, and Dan Cleary, Johan Franzen and Kris Draper also scored.

A career backup, Conklin is 21-7-1 with a 2.32 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and six shutouts this season, his first with Stanley Cup champion Detroit after leaving Pittsburgh as a free agent to back up Osgood.

Osgood, the starter in Detroit's 1998 and 2008 Stanley Cup victories and a backup on the Red Wings' 1997 championship team, was a healthy scratch and also will sit out Detroit's game Saturday night in Minnesota.

"I can't concern myself with that," Conklin said. "That's between Chris, the coaching staff and management. I'm behind Chris. He's my teammate."

Osgood is 18-5-7 with a 3.29 GAA and .879 save percentage, the worst among NHL goalies who have played regularly.

"We're trying to be proactive. We're forcing the situation," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "We're challenging him to be the goalie he's capable of being and get himself physically and mentally to the top of his game."

Datsyuk and Zetterberg teamed to give Detroit a 3-1 lead.

Datsyuk's power-play goal - his 25th goal - made it 2-1 with 33 seconds left in the first period. Zetterberg set up the goal with a pass from behind the net.

Zetterberg then scored off a pass from Datsyuk, beating Jean-Sebastien Giguere from just inside the left circle on a power-play goal with 8:21 left in the second.

"It was a good game for us. It seemed like the puck was bouncing our way," said Zetterberg, who has 22 goals. "We just have to enjoy this because we'll have some nights when it doesn't all go our way."

Franzen made 4-1 at 1:23 of the third period with his 25th goal.

Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan scored for Anaheim, and Teemu Selanne had two assists. The Ducks have lost three straight to drop to ninth in the Western Conference, a point behind Edmonton for the final playoff spot.

Getzlaf opened the scoring with a power-play goal 52 seconds into the game.

"That's the kind of start we needed," Getzlaf said. "We had other chances to get ourselves back in the game, but we didn't."

At Washington, Ryan Smyth had a goal and two assists, and Andrew Raycroft made 28 saves to help Colorado end Alex Ovechkin's points streak at 10 games.

Colorado won its third straight to give coach Tony Granato his 100th career victory, and also end Washington's winning streak at three.

Adam Foote added a goal and an assist, and Tyler Arnason and Wojtek Wolski also scored for Colorado. Nicklas Backstrom scored for Washington.

At Raleigh, N.C., Joe Corvo scored 5-on-3 goals 39 seconds apart for Carolina, and Jussi Jokinen had the go-ahead goal against his former team.

Eric Staal had a goal and an assist for Carolina, 5-0 against Tampa Bay this season. The Hurricanes are ninth in the Eastern Conference, a point behind Florida and Buffalo. Vaclav Prospal scored for Tampa Bay.

Three Stars:
1st Henrik Zetterberg
2nd Pavel Datsyuk
3rd Ty Conklin

Video highlights of the Wings march to glory last year:

Round 1: Red Wings 4, Predators 2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHMe6PiGWnM&fmt=18

Round 1: Red Wings 4, Avalanche 0.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnjevppGT-o&fmt=18

Round 1: Red Wings 4, Stars 2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Er5FY51lHk&fmt=18

Round 1: Red Wings 4, Penguins 2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkUNGWH1Jzg&fmt=18

**Shinma** · 02-21-2009, 05:02 PM

**Timberwolf** · 02-21-2009, 05:42 PM

I hope Josh Harding starts for this game.

The Wild do not have a prayer in this game so I rather use my best goaltender for tomorrow night's game at the United Center.

The Blackhawks are much more beatable than the Wings so it makes no sense to start your best goaltender in a game that the Wild don't have a chance.

**Shinma** · 02-21-2009, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I hope Josh Harding starts for this game.

The Wild do not have a prayer in this game so I rather use my best goaltender for tomorrow night's game at the United Center.

The Blackhawks are much more beatable than the Wings so it makes no sense to start your best goaltender in a game that the Wild don't have a chance.

http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/...nette-skating/

Forward Andrew Brunette (”lower body” injury) skated this morning at Xcel Energy Center, meaning all signs point to him being in the lineup for the 510th straight time tonight. Officially, though, he is not listed as in. Coach Jacques Lemaire said it will depend on how Brunette feels as the day goes on. Brunette declined to talk with the media, so we’ll all find out together around 6:30 when the team takes its pregame warm-ups.
It was a pretty uneventful morning skate for the Wild, as they tend to be. Four players (Gillies, Olvecky, Boogaard and Weller) stayed on the ice extra today, so I really don’t have a feel for who sits this one out. Of course, if Brunette doesn’t go it’s a whole different story.
In an uncharacteristic move, Lemaire has already stated that Niklas Backstrom will be in between the pipes tonight. He’ll face off down the rink from Jimmy Howard, who will make his season debut tonight for the Red Wings. Detroit called up Howard from Grand Rapids, giving Chris Osgood a 10-day respite.
The Wings - well, seven of them at least - are on the ice now going through a light workout.
There’s a ton of tours going on at the X today. I’m wondering if leaving my laptop here while I go grab lunch is a good idea or not. I have it on good authority that already game notes, media guides and game programs are being lifted from the press box by greedy fans. Hmmm ….
If I still have a computer later, I’ll come back on here pregame to give you the lineup updates. Until then, good Saturday.

**Timberwolf** · 02-21-2009, 07:23 PM

I am guessing that Nik is going to play back-to-back games this weekend, and possibly a lot for the rest of the season.

There is no way Jacques can go trust Josh Harding with the team needing many points as possible.

I hope that is the case.

If I see Harding play tomorrow night, I will scream especially since Nik has dominated the Hawks in the two out of three meetings this season.

Thanks for letting me know, Shinma.

**tys-spikes84** · 02-21-2009, 08:12 PM

Leino in the line up tonight, with Drapes as a healthy scratch for the first time. Which is maybe a little interesting with Howard in, maybe a more defensive forward would be good.

Damn bad guys score, 0-1.

**Shinma** · 02-21-2009, 08:13 PM

Bah. 1-0 Wild.

**Shinma** · 02-21-2009, 08:23 PM

Nolan again during a delayed call. Wings shorthanded again for 2:00 coming up. 2-0 Wild.

**lordstanley** · 02-21-2009, 08:23 PM

I have no idea why, but with the Habs having already played this afternoon RDS (French-Canadian TSN) is showing Wings-Wild right now opposite CBC's HNIC. I'm not complaining. Let's hope for some "il tire ...et ... un but!!" for the good guys.

**pjk49202** · 02-21-2009, 08:23 PM

Thunk! Wings defense just looking pathetic! 2-0 Wild

**tys-spikes84** · 02-21-2009, 08:24 PM

Another for the bad guys. Damn, 0-2. Defense looking a little lax. Another penalty kill upcoming.

**lordstanley** · 02-21-2009, 08:24 PM

2 goals in less than the first ten minutes. Howard is supposed to be replacing Ozzie, not channeling Ozzie, ha.

**Shinma** · 02-21-2009, 09:04 PM

**Elevate** · 02-21-2009, 09:31 PM

Howard does not look good.

4-1 Wild

**tys-spikes84** · 02-21-2009, 09:31 PM

The defense is playing like dogshit in front of Howard tonight. Step it up boys. 4-1 bad guys.

**tys-spikes84** · 02-21-2009, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by Elevate

Howard does not look good.

4-2 Wild

It's tough when someone turns over the puck and nobody picks up a guy coming off the high slot and gets a perfect bang-bang pass.

**lordstanley** · 02-21-2009, 09:32 PM

Yuck, 4-1 Minnesota late in 2nd. Koivu converts moments after Hudler was charged with a questionable holding the stick penalty that negated a Wings PP. A few minutes earlier, Bouchard won a race for the puck against I believe Rafalski to make it 3-1. The Wings had several chances midway through the period, notably Helm being set up beautifully but shooting into the pads with a yawning net in front of him.

**Timberwolf** · 02-21-2009, 09:44 PM

This has become quite a Saturday.

Joe Crede is a Twin.

Wild are leading the Red Wings.

Is the world coming to an end?

**Timberwolf** · 02-21-2009, 09:55 PM

lord: You think the Wild can somehow get the fifth seed?

**Timberwolf** · 02-21-2009, 10:04 PM

I hope you Wings fans like FSN North's Kevin Gorg.

I would love to see Kevin Gorg coach the Wild next year.

**Johnny Mac** · 02-21-2009, 10:10 PM

sounds like im glad i missed this one

**tys-spikes84** · 02-21-2009, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by Johnny Mac

sounds like im glad i missed this one

Hold the phone, good guys score on a nice snipe by Rafalski to cut the lead in half.

**moonwatcher** · 02-21-2009, 10:20 PM

I decided to miss this game because I wouldn't pay to see Jimmy Howard in goal. Could've gone either way. Happy I stayed home.

**tys-spikes84** · 02-21-2009, 10:23 PM

Leino with a nice assist on the empty net goal for Minnesota. The game still has not slowed down for him. The defense was pretty bad in the defensive zone, and on the blue line tonight outside of Rafalski's snipe. The offense put on the pressure there late, but the defense just clogged it up. Ahh well, win the next one.

**Johnny Mac** · 02-21-2009, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by tys-spikes84

Leino with a nice assist on the empty net goal for Minnesota. The game still has not slowed down for him.

i missed tonights game so im not going to comment on tonight, but I think Leino has looked like he has belonged when he has played so far this year. He now has 3 goals, 3 assists and a +5 rating in 10 games.

**lordstanley** · 02-21-2009, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

lord: You think the Wild can somehow get the fifth seed?

No. They won't catch Dallas or Vancouver and I like Columbus. But I expect the Wild to squeak into the playoffs, edging out Edmonton, the Kings and Anaheim.

**Timberwolf** · 02-21-2009, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by moonwatcher

I decided to miss this game because I wouldn't pay to see Jimmy Howard in goal. Could've gone either way. Happy I stayed home.

Did you really expected the Wild to win tonight?

Wings always kill the Wild no matter who is the goaltender.

**Timberwolf** · 02-21-2009, 10:46 PM

I just hope they win tomorrow night.

**Johnny Mac** · 02-21-2009, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Did you really expected the Wild to win tonight?

Wings always kill the Wild no matter who is the goaltender.

after playing the night before and having an AHL goalie and the Wild had more to play for, I was not surprised at all when I saw the final score.

**Timberwolf** · 02-21-2009, 10:56 PM

I guess. I expected a loss tonight.

Detroit has owned the Wild since the Wild were born.

I figure anyone can beat the Wild.

Tonight was a big win for them, but they need to win tomorrow in the worst way.

**whitesox901** · 02-21-2009, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

I just hope they win tomorrow night.

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

but they need to win tomorrow

good luck with that

**lesgoblu02** · 02-22-2009, 10:26 AM

Goodbye Jimmy Howard!

02/22/2009 Joe Callahan (D) Bridgeport ADD Returned on loan from N.Y. Islanders (NHL)
02/22/2009 Jimmy Howard (G) Grand Rapids ADD Returned on loan from Detroit (NHL)
02/22/2009 Kirk MacDonald (RW) Providence ADD Signed to PTO
02/21/2009 Benoit Doucet (LW) Binghamton DEL Released from PTO

**Shinma** · 02-22-2009, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

Goodbye Jimmy Howard!

Hello Daniel Larsson? Unless Babs is just going to start Conklin until Ozzie comes back...

**lordstanley** · 02-22-2009, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

Goodbye Jimmy Howard!

Unless Howard is going back down to play in a Grand Rapids game before the next Wings game, or they're calling up Larsson, this move doesn't really make sense. I'm not a Howard fan, but this isn't about Howard, this is about giving Ozzie a 10-day mental breather. Can't really get a mental breather if you're still sitting on the bench as backup.

**lesgoblu02** · 02-22-2009, 10:50 AM

Grand Rapids' only game before wednesday (vs. SJ) is this afternoon against my SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE!

But I digress, I imagine it's more of a case of wanting an able backup in GR, I suppose.

**detroitdan** · 02-22-2009, 11:36 AM

I thought Howard was only supposed to be up for the weekend anyway

**Johnny Mac** · 02-22-2009, 11:59 AM

Well they said ozzie was going to get 10 days off. I guess they will just start Conklin the rest of those games and hope he doesnt need to be pulled

**tys-spikes84** · 02-22-2009, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by Johnny Mac

i missed tonights game so im not going to comment on tonight, but I think Leino has looked like he has belonged when he has played so far this year. He now has 3 goals, 3 assists and a +5 rating in 10 games.

I'm not saying he doesn't belong, it's just that I can tell he hasn't settled in yet.

**stevie-y** · 02-22-2009, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by Johnny Mac

Well they said ozzie was going to get 10 days off. I guess they will just start Conklin the rest of those games and hope he doesnt need to be pulled

There's no way they don't dress a back-up. If Conklin was the only goalie and got hurt, Detroit would have to either suit up a defensemen to play in net, or forfeit. I don't think those are valid options.

**Johnny Mac** · 02-22-2009, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by stevie-y

There's no way they don't dress a back-up. If Conklin was the only goalie and got hurt, Detroit would have to either suit up a defensemen to play in net, or forfeit. I don't think those are valid options.

ozzie could be an emergency backup just in case something horrible goes wrong. He isnt injured and could physically if it was necessary.