It’s like Christmas morning – the latest issue of Michigan Hockey showed up at the office this morning. And I say like Christmas morning because we have a Christmas tree on the cover.
Quick hits
Wednesday was another quiet day around the Mitten, in terms of Michigan’s top teams. The Grand Rapids Griffins were the lone team to play – the Wings’ AHL affiliate played a rare afternoon tilt at Van Andel Arena. The Griffins lost 5-3 to the Rockford IceHogs in their 11th annual matinee game. Doug Janik, Louis-Marc Aubry, and Jamie Johnson scored for the Griffins, while Jordan Pearce made 29 saves in goal.
Highlight reel
Now that the latest issue of Michigan Hockey has arrived from the printers, it’s going to be a relaxing night for me. And I’m thinking about watching this movie again. I recommend checking it out.
Outside the Mitten
“It’s like a chess match out there.”
That’s one of those cliches that people love to toss around when they’re talking about sports. But it was taken to a whole new level last night in Tampa Bay – to the extent where it looked like one of the coaches got up from the table and forgot to make his move. During the Tampa Bay/Philadelphia game, Lightning coach Guy Boucher instructed his players to run a 1-3-1 forecheck with absolutely no pressure on the Flyers defense during their breakout. The Flyers’ defensemen responded by literally standing still with the puck in their own zone. Refs had to blow the play dead multiple times. Both benches were yelling at each other. It was quite the unexpected twist on the drama surrounding that evil word – ‘the trap.’
Check it out
The Red Wings had their 12th annual ‘Toast of Hockeytown’ last night at Joe Louis Arena.
Next up
Another whirlwind weekend of hockey is almost upon us. I’m getting my Red Bull and coffee ready.