After the first three games the Red Wings were left for dead, the Sharks made them appear old, slow and simply not good enough.  However things have slowly changed for the Red Wings and they have come alive the past three games.  They have chipped away at the Sharks, and eventually found chinks in their armor.  Despite being outplayed for large chunks of games four and five the Red Wings found ways to win the little battles, and eventually created their own opportunities.  Tonight the Red Wings applied pressure early and often, refusing to go down without a fight.

In order to win in the playoffs a team needs contributions from up and down the roster.  The first three games the Red Wings had little help from anyone, but the previous three games everyone seems faster, more aggressive and eager to do whatever it takes to win.  It’s been amazing to see how much better the entire team has played, refusing to give in to another early playoff exit.  However the two Red WIngs that have stood out the most have been Niklas Kronwall and Jimmy Howard.

When Kronwall hasn’t been delivering bone crushing hits he has been joining the rush creating and capitalizing on excellent scoring chances.  He has also made the little plays and stayed within his game not forcing the issue.  Often times he has been held back by always looking for the big play, but his steady effort has made a huge difference on both ends of the ice.  Meanwhile Jimmy Howard has established himself as an elite goaltender this series.  Howard has silenced any doubt regarding his ability to carry this team, and has done everything possible to keep the Red Wings in every game in this series, whether they deserved to be or not.  Without Howard the Red Wings could have easily been swept, instead of heading to San Jose for game seven.

While it’s certainly no surprise to see this series going seven games, it has been great to see the Red Wings respond when they had few reasons to believe.  This team has relied heavily on experience, determination and confidence in themselves.  While coach Babcock may not come across as an active leader or a voice for the team to rally around they sure have taken to heart his words of wisdom after game three:

‎”I believe in being positive. That’s how I live my life. That’s how I deal with my family. That’s how I deal with every game. In other words, I just think that I’m going to disarm the bomb. I’ve always thought that. That’s how a coach thinks. Whether that’s selective memory, whether that’s being hard-headed or that’s just not being that smart … whatever you want to call it, I’m just a believer.”

Game 7 is Thursday night at 9pm and will once again be on Versus and Fox Sports Detroit.

« »