STL 3, Red Wings 2
STL 3, Red Wings 2: 1) This game had some old-fashioned dislike to it. Gritty, physical, with an edge to it. The Wings stood up well to it. But at the same time, I give the Blues credit. Having lost 4 in a row and needing a victory badly, they earned this one in a variety of ways. 2) Babcock said after the game he's optimistic Holmstrom's right knee injury isn't severe but Babcock wasn't going to say anything definite until the Wings doctors take a look at it. I'd be surprised if Holmstrom plays Sat. in Minny. The way Homer went down, wasn't very promising, but the way he skated off was good, he didn't go off gingerly. We'll just have to wait and see until Friday. 3) It may sound like sour grapes, but it's true what the Wings said. On the Stempniak goal which won it for the Blues, Osgood was interfered with by Backes in the crease. If that was Holmstrom on the same exact play, chances are the Wings get penalized. You know that's true. 4) Don't look now but Filppula is playing outstanding hockey. He's found himself offensively with 5 goals in the last 7 games. This is the type of production and all-around play the Wings envisioned. 5) Hockey has been reborn in St. Louis. This was a dreary stop the last few seasons because of how bad the team was. But give the front office and coach Andy Murray credit, because this team is much better and the fans are noticing. Even with the Rams playing down the street, they had a good 18,000 fans in here. This is a good sports town, and back in the day, this rink was fun to be in when the Blues and Wings played. It's getting that way again.
