It can be argued that Jimmy Howard outplayed Ilya Bryzgalov on Wednesday night, and that his play could be what sparked the Detroit Red Wings to a Game 1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes in their Western Conference Quarterfinal. Either way, if Bryzgalov does not clearly outplay Howard in today's Game 2 at Joe Louis Arena, the Coyotes will be heading back to Glendale facing a 2-0 series deficit.
Coyotes vs. Red Wings, Game 2: Phoenix Looks To Get Even With Detroit
The news remains the same for Detroit. Henrik Zetterberg will once again be absent. They got four goals and four assists on Wednesday night from seven different players, with only Johan Franzen scoring a crooked number with one of each. The Red Wings will need that sort of balanced scoring to extend their lead over Phoenix. Howard will once again be in goal. Safe to say, if he plays like he did Wednesday, the game will be winnable for the Wings.
As for Phoenix, they have to look at what made the first period, which the Coyotes got out of with a 1-0 lead, so successful. Hopefully, their power play can improve. A missed 5-on-3 while still ahead in the game could have been what knocked the momentum out of them, or at least back in Detroit’s favor. Obviously, Bryzgalov must be better, and may have to steal this one.
Join us all afternoon for coverage of this one. Also check out the local blogs, Winging it in Motown and Five For Howling for more.
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