Yesterday afternoon, I blogged about five keys to victory for the Red Wings in Game 4, as well as their keys to success going forward.  Unfortunately, the blog was never posted to the NHL section for some reason.

Nonetheless, now that Game 4 is in the books (a Red Wing victory), I thought it would be interesting to do a checklist for the five key points and see how Detroit fared in each category.

Point #1 -- Eliminate Turnovers

Earlier, I wrote the following:

Experts can talk all they want about the trap Edmonton is employing or the excellent goaltending of Dwayne Roloson, but the reason this series is currently 2-1 in the Oilers' favor is because the Red Wings have not been strong with the puck, especially in their own zone. 

In Game 2, leading 2-1 in the second period, a pair of defensive zone turnovers by Kirk Maltby and Jason Williams (just 57 seconds apart) led to the tying and go-ahead goals respectively.  From there, the Wings lost the momentum and never regained it, losing 4-2.    

In Game 3, three of the four Edmonton goals were the direct result of a turnover by Detroit in their own zone, including the game-winner in overtime by Jarret Stoll.

Detroit must do a better job of handling the Oilers' forecheck.  They have to be stronger with the puck in the corners and along the boards and they must make crisper and more accurate passes in and out of the zone.  Doing so will not only keep the puck out of their own net, but it will also help them generate speed through the neutral zone and give them better opportunities to beat the Edmonton trap.

Check

The Red Wings responded with a very strong puck possession game against the Oilers, especially in the third period.  They carried the play for the most part at even strength and were adept at moving the puck before Edmonton's forwards could get in on the forecheck.

Because of their strong puck play, Edmonton's offensive chances were few and far between when they weren't on the power play.  As a result, Detroit was able to generate some momentum through the neutral zone with their crisp passing leading to several scoring chances, including the game's only even strength goal - a Robert Lang tally in the first period.

Point #2 -- Stay Out of the Penalty Box

Earlier, I wrote:

The Detroit Red Wings were among the least penalized teams in the NHL during the regular season.  And through the first two games of the postseason, they continued that trend.  But in Game 3, Detroit took undisciplined penalties from start to finish, tallying 14:43 of penalty time and nine power play opportunities for their opponents.

Edmonton managed only one power play goal out of their nine chances, but the plethora of short-handed minutes for Detroit hindered Mike Babcock's ability to role four lines and give some of his potent scorers (i.e. Pavel Datsyuk, Brendan Shanahan and Robert Lang) the ice time needed to get into game rhythm.

The Red Wings must stay out of the penalty box in Game 4 (and for the remainder of the series) or the result will likely be the same as it was in Game 3.  Detroit is far superior to Edmonton in five-on-five situations.  But they cannot exploit that superiority by taking dumb penalties and allowing the Oilers to spend a good chunk of the game on the power play.

No Check

For the second straight game, the Red Wings spent too much time in the sin bin.  But then again, so did the Oilers.

I really can't fault the Red Wings too much for being undisciplined because this was one of the worst officiated games (on both sides) I've seen in quite some time.  Any time a stick got near an opposing player, the referee's hand went up.  It was very frustrating to watch as a fan.

I realize Gary Bettman wants obstruction out of the game and subsequently, he wants it called in the playoffs in any game situation, but there needs to be some consistency with the way it's being called.  It seems that one game the referees swallow the whistles and let them play.  The next, they call every little tug, including some phantom hooks as well.  It's an absolute joke and it must be corrected for the betterment of the game.

Point #3 -- Better Goaltending

Prior to the game, I wrote:

The play of goaltender Manny Legace hasn't been a massive chink in the Red Wings' armour thus far, but it hasn't been good either. 

In Game 3, Legace let in two relatively weak goals from Jaroslav Spacek and Ryan Smyth in the first period.  Smyth's goal was especially deflating as it came just minutes after the Wings had tied the game and stymied the Oilers' crowd and momentum; and it came on a wrap-around attempt in which Legace was too slow to react.

But the most deflating mistake Legace made was in double overtime when he found himself out of position as the puck was being jostled behind the net.  By the time it was feathered out front, Legace had no chance to stop the back-hand rebound shot by Stoll that gave Edmonton the victory.

The bottom line is that the Red Wings' defense must play better in front of Legace.  But it's also the goaltender's job to provide the last line of resistence.  Dwayne Roloson has been formidable in that role for the Oilers.  Now it's time for Manny Legace to match his counterpart in net for Detroit.

Check

Going into Game 4, Legace carried an unimpressive .887 save percentage, which ranked 12th in the playoffs and third worst among goaltenders who had played at least three games.  Tonight, once again he looked shaky in the beginning. 

Legace allowed two goals on the power play.  Each one was a shot from the deep slot that found its way through Manny's legs.  But after making some crucial saves during a lengthy five-on-three short-handed situation, Legace started to find his groove.

In all, he stopped 24 of 26 shots, and along with Chris Chelios, was the best Red Wing penalty killer on the ice.

Legace now must build on this performance and continue to get better as the series progresses.

Point #4 -- Big Guns Must Step Up

Earlier, I wrote:

At the end of the regular season, the Red Wings had eight, yes eight, 20-goal scorers on their roster - including four with 28 or more.  Through three games in the playoffs, only three of those players have tallied a goal, and only one (Henrik Zetterberg-3) has scored multiple times.

Moreover, consider these numbers.  Brendan Shanahan is a minus-2 with only six shots on goal in the series.  Niklas Lidstrom, a three-time Norris Trophy winner and former Conn Smythe recipient is a minus-4.  Pavel Datsyuk has zero points in two games.  Robert Lang and Jason Williams are both minus-2.  And Tomas Holmstrom is a minus-2 with only seven shots on goal and no sustained pressure in front of the Edmonton net. 

If the Red Wings want to win Game 4 and ultimately advance, they need their stars to shine.  Whether it's flying through the neutral zone on odd-man rushes, shooting the puck from all angles and crashing the net for rebounds, or winning the physical battles along the boards, these players must step up and make significant contributions for their team.  And it must begin tonight!

Check +

The Wings guns came out firing from the start and never let up until the final buzzer.

Robert Lang scored a goal and had two assists.  Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom each scored their first goal of the series.  Lidstrom's power play goal proved to be the game-winner.  Pavel Datsyuk tallied two assists and brought the kind of energy and play-making ability that made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league during the regular season.  And even though Brendan Shanahan didn't register a point, he did pile up six shots on goal, which equaled his total for the first three games combined.

Point #5 -- Grab an Early Lead and Hold It

I wrote:

Here's an eerie stat for you.  Through three games, the Red Wings have led the Oilers a grand total of 18:17 out of 231:23 played.  That leaves 213:06 of playoff hockey where the Wings have either trailed or been tied.

Of all the statistics compiled from this series so far, this has to be the most compelling.  It's no secret that Edmonton's modified trap has foiled the Red Wings' offensive attack and has forced them to shoot from the perimeter.  But by getting out to an early one, two, or three goal lead, the Oilers will not be able to sit back and clog the neutral zone.  Instead, they'll be forced to carry the play to Detroit, thus creating even more chances for a counter attack on the Wings' behalf.

Therefore, it's imperative that Detroit survive the early on-slaught of the Oilers and their fans tonight and grab a first period lead.  From there, it's equally imperative that they score the next goal as well.  That way, they open up the ice and put the pressure on the Edmonton offense to get them back in the game.

No Check

The Red Wings fell behind 1-0 midway through the first period.  But by the end of the stanza, Detroit found itself in front 2-1. 

After a shaky second period that saw the Edmonton Oilers tie the game on Jaroslav Spacek's power play goal, the Wings responded with a dominating third period performance.  They grabbed the lead at the 6:44 mark and never looked back.

So I guess, in essence, they did what they needed to do.  They just waited until the third period to do it.  Going forward, they'll be better served to take the lead earlier and force the Oilers to play from behind.

All things considered, we'll call it three and a half out of five, which in this case was enough to garner a 4-2 victory.  Now Detroit has new life.  It's a best of three series starting Saturday afternoon at the Joe.  And this time, the Red Wings must make better use of the home ice advantage.

Okay, I lied!  I'm at least mildly impressed.  I mean, after all, the guy did manage to score the second most points in NBA history for one game.  That, in itself, deserves props.  But a further look inside the numbers reveals what most knew already... today's Kobe Bryant is all about the man, and not the team.

Bryant shot 28-for-47 from the floor (including 7-for-14 from 3 pt. range) and made 18 of 20 free throws.  The other eight players in a Laker uniform who saw action in their 122-104 home victory over the hapless Toronto Raptors combined to shoot 14-for-42 from the field and 10-for-13 from the line.  That's right!  One player took more shots, both from the field and from the line, than his entire team!  To me, that doesn't say much about the LA Lakers as a basketball team.  All you have to do is compare the two shooting percentages (in addition to the obvious shot attempts) to clearly see that.

Now I guess I should give credit where credit is due.  Kobe's recent play has ignited a charge that has vaulted the Lakers from Western Conference obscurity to the seventh position in the Western standings where they currently reside.  But if they do happen to make the postseason in their current incarnation, what will happen in a seven-game series when their opponents decide to roll an extra defender Kobe's way wherever he goes?  Will Lamar Odom or Chris Mihm be ready and willing to take a big shot?  I highly doubt it.  And therein lies the problem.  Unless Kobe plans on averaging 50-plus a night from here on out, the Lakers won't be a factor in the chase for the Big Gold Ball this year, or any other year for that matter. 

So for the present, I say congratulations Kobe!  You proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are truly one of the game's most gifted players.  But for the forseeable future, I say shame on you Mr. Bryant!  Because your propensity to ball-hog shows what many of us already knew -- that you're one of the most selfish individuals to ever lace up the sneakers.  And while you're image as a media mogul will continue to soar, you're team will suffer the consequences in the long run.

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By the way, it just occured to me.  You know what would happen if Chauncey Billups took 47 shots in one game?  Yep, you guessed it ........ Hell would've truly frozen over!!! 

I can't believe I'm doing this.  I swore I would never post something on my blog that did not at least somewhat relate to sports.  But I've seen too much, read too much, and I can't stand to hold my tongue any longer.   So here goes...

1) Finalists who refuse to adapt their style in accordance with the judge's assignment

I'll preface this by saying that of the assignment blogs I've read so far (like 10-12), only two have strayed from the actual principle.  I also realize that the judges allowed for creative freedom with this assignment so I won't bash those who chose a slightly different angle than what would be considered the norm.  However, choosing a different angle and totally refusing to follow through with what constitutes a "game preview" are two completely separate issues.  Unlike other critics (or should I say, critic?), I don't have a problem with incorporating pop culture references and a little humor within a preview.  But at some point, the writer should bring the piece back to its premise --- previewing the game.  In my view, refusing to conform is not only a disservice to the writer, but it's a slap in the face to every other aspiring sportswriter who was slighted by the judges and feels like he/she could've excelled at this assignment (self included).

2) Non-finalists who piss and moan because they were not chosen by the judges

This has calmed down recently, but I must say after all the 'sour grapes' posts in the judges' blog as well as their own, I found myself ashamed to be associated with this entire ordeal.  The fact is, there are literally hundreds of outstanding writers in this blogging contest.  Everyone knew going into the final week that their chances of being chosen as one of the final 16 were extremely remote at best.  Now I'm not saying it's not okay to be disappointed.  Hell, I was disappointed.  That's just the competitor in me.  When I enter into anything like this, I always strive to put my best foot forward, and I always expect to win.  That's just who I am.  But again, there's a huge difference between being a competitor and being a sore loser.  I saw no reason for people to go into the judges' blog and post comments like... "Such-and-such was robbed"... "I can't believe some of the choices here".... or, "this was nothing more than a popularity contest, not a sportswriting contest".  Of course, these are all ad-libs but you get the picture. 

When it's all said and done, a person's heart and determination always come to the forefront when they win, and their arrogance OR humility is revealed in the way they handle it.  But a person's character (or lack thereof) truly comes to light when they lose.  Needless to say, there are some people here with some serious character flaws.

3) Bloggers who only comment on other blogs to get them to come to their blog

I'm sure many of you have seen this in your comment section.  "Great post!  Check out my blog on blah, blah, blah.  I think you'll like it." 

Now I have no problem whatsoever with a little self-promotion.  After all, if you can't talk yourself up, you'll never get recognized by anyone in this world, and subsequently, you'll never get anywhere.  But don't come to my blog and half-heartedly skim through an article just so you can take the opportunity to promote your blog without even so much as offering one honest criticism or line of praise.  And no, "great post" is not a line of praise without at least telling me what you thought was great about it.

Again, I have no problem asking for others to check out your blog.  Lord knows I've been guilty of it a time or two.  But at least have the common courtesy to offer some serious feedback on mine first.  Otherwise, I'm not going to give you the time of day since it's pretty obvious you didn't give it to me.

4) Posters who garner attention by ripping other posters

This one probably annoys me the most.  What possibly could be gained by going on your blog and ridiculing fellow bloggers?  I'll answer that real quick... nothing!  In fact, the only thing it accomplishes is that it exposes the slanderer as a bitter Betty who has nothing better to do with their time than cut others down in order to build themselves up (at least in their own minds).  So here's a newsflash to those select few (actually two that I've read but I'm not going to name names) who are guilty of doing this -- if your writing can't speak for itself than your blog probably doesn't deserve any attention to begin with.

And before I get inundated with comments saying that I am the proverbial pot calling the kettle(s) black, I haven't called out ANYONE specifically with this post, and I haven't publicly torn down ANYONE's writing.  So save your fingertips the trouble of typing it!

Finally, I'd just like to say that the culprits in these four areas are few and far between.  Those who fit each description know who they are, that's why I didn't bother providing any specific names.  And it should be noted that those who fit each description (well, the first 3 for sure) have a lot to offer in their postings.  This was simply something that has been boiling for awhile and I had to get it off my chest.

Best of luck to the finalists and to everyone else who endeavors to write about their true passion in life! 

You may now begin to bury me with negative commentary...LOL!

P.S. ... Texas 41 USC 38 -- Too much Vince Young and not enough Trojans on the field to stop him!  Great job Horns!! 

Hey, lookie there... got me a sports reference in there after all.

Okay, I was going to take a little break from the blog and let my batteries recharge.  But before I do, I need some advice from other fantasy football fanatics out there.  I'd really appreciate feedback from Ty (Quick Slants) on this one since he penned most of his articles on the subject.  But any and all feedback would most definitely be appreciated. 

So here's the problem...

For the first time since I've been on the league, our league is converting to a one-man keeper.  Because of this (and the fact that every self-proclaimed expert predicted big things from him), I drafted RB Julius Jones in the first round.  Needless to say, his ankle injury and subsequent lack of production for much of the season made him a huge bust.  However, he did show signs of recovery last week in a win over Carolina by posting a season high 194 yards and 2 TD's.  Despite that terrific performance, one great game does not reverse an entire season of ineptness.  Therefore, I'm not sure if I want him on my roster in 2006.

My other top keeper candidates include RB Ronnie Brown and WR Marvin Harrison.  Now Brown would be a nice keeper option if Miami decides to deal Ricky Williams in the off-season.  Unfortunately, Williams started producing the type of numbers close to the Ricky of old late in the season and it now appears that Nick Saban will likely utilize both backs once again next year.  As for Harrison, he's always a consistent fantasy contributor.  But I'm hesitant to keep him for the mere fact that Indy has so many other weapons at their disposal and his numbers could be hit and miss (kind of like they were this year early in the season).

So I come to you, fellow bloggers, for help on this mind-boggling decision.  Of course, I have until August to make this decision, but I thought if I could get some early help on this while football is still fresh in our minds, it might make the decision a little easier.

Here is my entire roster as it stands at the end of the season:

QB's:  Trent Green & Brad Johnson

RB's:  Julius Jones, Ronnie Brown, Warrick Dunn & Marion Barber

WR's:  Marvin Harrison, Roy Williams, Deion Branch, Eddie Kennison & Ashlie Lelie

TE's:  Randy McMichael & Steve Heiden

K's:  Neil Rackers & Jason Elam

D/ST's:  Atlanta Falcons & Minnesota Vikings

Now obviously, most of these guys aren't even considerable, but I figured I'd post all my players just to give you all a basis from which I have to choose.  Amazingly enough, I actually made it to my league's semifinals with this group of misfits.  Go figure!

So now it's your turn guys and gals.  Who should I keep for 2006? 

Thanks in advance for the wonderful advice I'm sure I'll receive!

EDIT:  Forgot to mention this, but I can only keep one player.

As the NGS judges sequester for their final deliberations, I thought I'd take the opportunity to slip in one final, pre-selection post.  Now originally, I had planned to pen a long, emotional essay about why sports are so important to me and why winning this contest would be my only saving grace in life.  But then I thought, why not give others a chance?

So instead, I thought I'd share some more underlying, light-hearted reasons for entering this contest.  I'll also tag on a few New Year's resolutions as they pertain to sports.  Finally, I'll provide a list of 11 things that will make me a happy man in 2006.  Why 11 you ask?  Well, it's simple.  Doing lists of 10 has become so mundane and besides, I'm an odd guy who prefers odd numbers... so there!

Without further adieu...

Madman's reasons for entering the NGS contest

- I got kicked off of every message board related to sports and this was the only place left to go where my voice could be heard.

- It gave me another reason to put off Christmas shopping.

- I hate my day job!

- I could use the $5,000 to help erase debts incurred with my loan shar... err.... student loans (yeah, that's the ticket).

- Writing helps me ignore the voices in my head... *shut up!  I'm trying to win a contest here*

- It was either this or rehab again (just kidding judges!).  I passed rehab a long time ago........on my way to the bar!

- It gave me an excellent forum to bitch about Matt Millen.

- It provided me an opportunity to prove to all my friends and family that I use my PC for other things besides looking at porn.

- It gave me an excellent forum to bitch about Lloyd Carr.

- Contist give me oppertoonty to sho off my righting skeels!

- It gave me an excellent forum to bitch about message boards.

- Did I mention rehab yet?

- It was the only way I would ever find out what a 'blog' was.

- I knew it would be the closest I'd ever get to starring in a reality television series.

- And finally, all kidding aside (and yes, I really was kidding about rehab), it gave me the chance to interact with other intelligent sports fans all across the country.

Madman's sporty New Year's resolutions

* I resolve not to get angry and throw glass bottles at my television when Matt Millen picks ANOTHER FRICKIN' WIDE RECEIVER in the first round of the NFL draft this year.

* I resolve to never again get angry after a bad round of golf.  After all, there's plenty of beer in the clubhouse that will make the pain go away.  (Am I blowing my credibility right out of the water with all these rehab jokes?)

* I resolve to be on my best behavior at Comerica Park this year, even if I see Kenny Rogers punch out a camera man from the TV station that I used to work for.

* I resolve not to say "I told you so" to every misguided knucklehead who picked either Miami or Indiana to come out of the East this year.

* And finally, I resolve to not waste my hard-earned money on any Lions' tickets for 2006.  It's hard enough watching them on TV for free.

Last, but not least...

11 things that will make the motorcitymadman a motorcity"glad"man in 2006

1) NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups leads a chorus of 22,000 in the singing of "We Are the Champions".

2) The once proud University of Michigan basketball program reaches the NCAA Tournament for the first time in eight years.

3) The still proud University of Michigan football program rebounds by running the table in '06, including a double-digit victory in Columbus.

4) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman hands the Stanley Cup over to Stevie Y. one last time.

5) Jim Leyland brings the Detroit Tigers back to respectability for the first time in 18 years.

6) I break par at least five times on the links this summer.

7) Everyone I know and love is still happy and healthy come December 31, 2006.

8) The winner of this contest goes on to become a Pulitzer Prize winning sportswriter.

9) The person from #8 is yours truly.

10) No matter who wins the contest, we all continue blogging on foxsports.com.

11) Everyone reading this has a happy, safe and prosperous New Year!

Take care everyone ... and good luck to all!