After Game 1
Immediate thoughts after a highly entertaining Game 1 between the Red Wings and Avalanche. 1) I wonder how good the Avalanche can/will be if Forsberg and Wolski return and play? If those guys play, and Theodore regains his level of play (we'll blame this on his flu-like symptoms) this should be a fantastic series. That was fun hockey to watch. 2) That save by Osgood at the end...that'll be talked about for a while. Liles went shortside on Osgood earlier in the game and Osgood said he remembered that. That goalie switch by Babcock still looking good. 3) Babcock, on the goalies: "Both our goalies seem to have that ability, when the game's on the line they make good saves for us, and that's what you have to have." 4) Franzen was the Wings' best player, but Babcock felt the entire line (with Filppula and Samuelsson) were real good. Said Babcock: "We said it last round, that if that line could get going for us we're going to be a pretty good team, just because with Sammie and Fil being hurt and even Cleary getting a goal tonight, we knew it was going to take some time and we thought if we could get through the first round our team would get better." 5) Forsberg evidently pulled his groin at the morning skate. It seems the Avs have learned to adapt to Forsberg's situation - whenever he's healthy and available, great, it's like a bonus. BUT HE'S SO RARELY HEALTHY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. That's why the Wings should never, ever go after this guy. He's simply not worth the gamble. You place so much hope he's going to play...then doesn't. 6) Ryan Smyth was pretty darn good for the Avs, though. As he usually is against the Wings. 7)Speaking of Smyth, here he is speaking: "You've got to overcome all situations. We're professionals here. If you're in the lineup you have to handle yourself with a great deal of pride and come out and play for your teammates." 8) And a good quote from Dan Cleary: "It's the time of year nobody goes away. You really have to keep your foot on the pedal, keep putting them down. They came back. Once it's 4-2, they make it 4-3, it was a nice play on the 3-on-2 rush. I thought that we did a good job trying to limit their chances on their shots. (Peter) Budaj made some good saves to keep within one. But we'll take the victory tonight." 9) Darren Helm didn't play as much, and wasn't quite as noticeable tonight, but gee whiz can he fly. 10) This is going to be a fun, high-qualty series.
