If there’s one thing that really stood out about how the Phoenix Coyotes ultimately handled the Red Wings, it was their physical play. While some may question a number of the hits laid out by Shane Doan in the contest -- and there were a number of borderline hits -- there’s no doubting that after a shaky first period the Coyotes used some physical intimidation to take control of the game.
Per Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun, the Coyotes are expecting the Red Wings to dish it right back at them.
The Phoenix Coyotes know that there’s a good chance their opponent will try to play the bully in Friday’s Game 2 of the Western Conference semi-final.
And to that they say: “Bring it on.”
Rob makes it out to sound like the Red Wings will be out for blood, when in fact the team and the coach have harped on playing with more intensity. There’s better ways to counter a physical team, and going toe to toe and hit for hit isn’t exactly it. Sure, I’d expect the Red Wings to play more physical, but that’s not the game they play.
The Red Wings need to play with more intensity, but to do so with a much cleaner game with better execution and a more balanced attack. They need more Pavel Datsyuk to look concerned in the third period.
Justin Abdelkader will take the ice tonight, perhaps he can help with that.
