After two games in San Jose the Red Wings find themselves down 2-0 and with few answers.  While they may have only lost each game by one goal the Sharks dominated them for majority of both games.  Last post-season when the Sharks eliminated the Red Wings with relative ease many pointed to the team being worn out from a long season of injuries.  However this time around the Sharks just appear to be better.  The Sharks have played stronger, smarter, faster and have given the Red Wings few opportunities to take control.

As impressive as the Red Wings looked in the first round they have looked equally unimpressive in the 2nd round.  The power play has been pathetic and they have received few quality scoring chances unless the Zetterberg and Datsyuk like has been on the ice.  All season the Red Wings have consistently relied on the ability to play four lines that could also produce quality chances and excellent shifts.  The Sharks have neutralized the Red Wings depth with their youth, speed and hunger.  The 3rd and 4th lines have been non-existence, unable to provide a spark or their usual agitation.  Not to mention they have provided little support to their goalie Jimmy Howard.

Entering the playoffs the spotlight was on Howard and whether he was up for the challenge of leading this team towards a long playoff run.  However, Howard has simply stood on his head, keeping the Red Wings in both games.

The Red Wings main issue has been making life too easy on Antti Niemi.  While he has played well, he hasn’t faced half the pressure that Howard has seen.  Against the Kings in round one (a team that scored the 4th fewest goals in the Western Conference) Niemi allowed over three goals a game and was pulled from two games for his subpar play.  There is no reason the Red Wings shouldn’t be able to get inside his head in a similar fashion.  Certainly it will take tweaking of lines, increased effort from their stars and supporting cast alike, but also a major get check.

The Red Wings have been pushed around and the Sharks clearly have their number, but without a dramatic change and this team will once again be ousted in the second round.  Despite being down 0-2 in the series the Red Wings must treat game three as a game seven, falling behind 0-3 likely makes a comeback nearly impossible.  I’d expect coach Babcock to split up Zetterberg and Datsyuk, in hopes of spreading out scoring chances and not allowing the Sharks to zero in on their other lines so easily.  Hopefully the Red Wings can get on the board early and build confidence that can make this a series.  Obviously the Red Wings will also need Howard to stay locked in, but that seems to be the one area they don’t have to worry about.

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