Wow... seriously I don't know how much more I can add at this point after that mess we all just watched. The quotes were all negative as you could imagine after the game. Mike Modano called this loss "a buzz kill," considering how much better the Stars were feeling about themselves before they got to Detroit. So much for all that. Steve Ott said it was "embarrassing," and, oh boy, the Stars play the Wings twice more this month. Anyway, Tippett said this:
"That wasn’t the way I envisioned this game going, that’s for sure. They made some good plays, but our execution was poor. That game wasn’t even close. (Points) were valuable tonight, but we weren’t even close. Our group didn’t play well, from the goaltender on out. (Stephane Robidas) was in the box how many times, (James) Neal in the box how many times. Right through the group. there weren’t a lot of positives tonight."
OK, now my tidbits:
Mike Ribeiro is supposed to be a top center. Well, a top center would've gotten off a better shot or three in all those juicy scoring chances early in this one. How many did he have? Where are the Stars in this one if he gets one or two of those? I know he's got skill, but he needs a quick release in moments like this.
Brad Richards needed to be better, too. No. 1 guy all that cash. It's a difficult contract to live up to, for sure. But that outing was bad.
Stephane Robidas was very uncharacteristic tonight with his penalties. You're not used to seeing him take those type of infractions. Hooks and holds, the ones that annoy coaches to no end. The "lazy" penalties, as they call them. Not a good night for him, but a rarity.
Marty, Marty, Marty... Detroit is just a big ol' mindblock for him. Just rough once again for him. He needs to shake this quick, because the Stars need him.
OK, kids, it's off to Phoenix. See you from a much warmer climate tomorrow.
I think this season Ribs is really a second line center. The development of the chemistry between Eriksson and Richards should allow us to consider them the 1st line (at least with Morrow out).
You're right, it would be nice for Ribs to convert on more of his chances, but it seems he really relies on a scoring winger.
They just got out classed in this game. They need all of their cylinders going to compete with Detroit. Presumably that means Morrow, a healthy Zubov, and Marty playing well. Oh well... I guess Christmas is over...
Posted by: rev0lver19 | January 09, 2009 at 01:42 AM