First West Coast Swing

So last night was the real beginning of the hockey season. We experienced our first west coast trip. Today was our first day working on lack of sleep because of a hockey game. And let me just say, IT FEELS GREAT! Wings fans all know they shouldn’t stay up, and they shouldn’t watch the game because they have to get up early, but for some reason we just can’t go to bed. I’m proud to say that I stayed up and was fortunate enough to sleep for four hours. I got up, went to school (with the help of caffeine), and made it through the day, and also went out and partied tonight, and I’m still able to sit and write this. Last night was a good game. Steve Yzerman played a meaningful game for the first time in three hundred and some odd games, and unlike his last game, this one finished with a better outcome. This marked the beginning of his 22nd season in the NHL. The new NHL seems to benefit the Red Wings more than anyone thought it would. They are a disciplined team and don’t take many stupid penalties. That definitely helps, plus they have two of the best power play/penalty killers in the league, in Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby. These two guys are definitely major players in the league and without them this team could be very different. Jason Williams seems to be stepping up, even though he has yet to score a goal, he has been involved in six goals this year and gotten a point for each one of them. I really think Jason is going to be a big name guy in the league in a few years. Plus he’s popular with the girls :-D Anyhow, as of right now, even with Chris Osgood out, goaltending doesn’t seem to be a problem like some people suggested. Manny Legace has been playing really well. Don’t get me wrong, I know we’re only five games into the season, but this team does look very good. One of the keys is NO injuries this year, yes that is a key for any team, but I think if the right guys go down, this season could go down the tubes. I didn’t see much of the game last night…I did have to listen to most of it on the radio (to avoid the wrath of the parents) but Steve Yzerman looked good. For a guy who’s like forty and hasn’t played since he was 38, he looked good. I think as long as he isn’t plagued by injuries he’ll be in for a great season, but let me see another game or two with him playing, then I’ll make a real judgment. Kris Draper is in for a big year (like I’ve already said) and I think Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg are going to play a big part in this year. The recent addition of Jason Woolley on defense will also help. With the loss of Nicklas Kronwall to another unfortunate injury, a defenseman was needed. I also think that this Samuelson kid (well he’s not technically a kid and I guess I shouldn’t be calling him a kid since he’s older than me, but anyhow) I think he’s going to be good, Johan Franzen, and Dan Cleary too. It looks like this team is solid. I’m very excited for this year and I have high expectations for this team.  There will be more to come. I promise, things have just gotten crazy with school and everything, so please check back frequently for updates. If you would like to comment on anything feel free to leave a comment. Thanks!