Most Red Wings fans would rather have seen this type of performance a few weeks earlier, but many Wings are playing outstanding hockey at the World Championships.
Playing in Stockholm, before their hometown fans, forwards Henrik Zetterberg (six points) and Johan Franzen (five points) have led Sweden to a pair of easy victories.
Helsinki is a co-tournament host, and forward Valtteri Filppula has been one of Finland’s best players in a 3-0 start for the team.
Goalie Jimmy Howard has been one of the United States’ best players, and forward Tomas Tatar has been impressive for Slovakia.
There’s no question this is a tournament filled with fine hockey and is important in Europe. But for North American fans, this time of year, it’s extremely difficult to get motivated with the NHL playoffs raging right now.
Not to mention the start times, because of the obvious time difference, make it difficult to watch.
The only negative for the Wings in this tournament has been a back injury to defenseman Jonathan Ericsson which will apparently keep Ericsson out of the tournament, according to general manager Ken Holland.
Too bad, because Ericsson was looking forward to play in front of his family and friends in Sweden.
Detroit Red Wings
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