Wings need to wake up

Sloppy. That's what it was. No ifs, ands, or buts. No question about it. The Wings played flat out terrible in game 4.

Now the series is tied 2-2. These aren't the same Penguins that were lining up to get the Wings's autographs las year. They are capable of taking this series. To prevent that, the Wings must pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and go back to playing good hockey. Two other things would also be crucial.

Utilize Datsyuk

Enough of this confusion. If he's healthy, then play him. The Wings need Pav. In games 1, 2, and arguably 3, Henrik Zetterberg was able to fill in well. But by now he's spent; Datsyuk needs to give him a breather.

We all miss the skilled, humorous Russian. Throughout the season, Pavel has been the heart and soul of the squad.

Crosby and Datsyuk have been killing us. If it isn't one, it's the other. The problem the Wings have had is not being able to shadow them both. Well, now they can. Should Datsyuk return, he could shadow one while Zetterberg takes care of the other.

Give Draper more minutes

Come on, Mike Babcock. Can't you tell that the man's been playing his heart out? The Wings were mostly sloppy in game 4, but Kris Draper actually looked pretty good. Draper is extremely good at winning face-offs. Possession was a problem in game 4. Possession is often gained by winning face-offs. Am I noticing a pattern there?

Draper can play defense. In game 4, odd-man rushes did the Wings in. Odd-man rushes result from sloppy defense. Wow, there's another pattern. Go figure.

And Draper can skate. In game 4, the Wings seemed to be playing at half the speed that Pittsburgh was playing.

Patterns, patterns, patterns.

One thing is for sure. The Wings sure could use a good one.