Lightning/NHL

Wings don't miss a beat

By TOM JONES
Published April 16, 2006

The Lightning has been in a dogfight to make the playoffs all season. Recent champions such as New Jersey and Colorado needed late pushes to secure a playoff spot.

Meantime, the Detroit Red Wings keep rolling along. Is there any doubt this is the premier franchise in the NHL? They've racked up an incredible 10 consecutive 100-point seasons, including the league's best point total this season. And wasn't this supposed to be the season they fell apart because of the salary cap?

Entering the weekend, the Red Wings hadn't lost in regulation since March7, a span of 18 games (15-0-3). From Jan. 12, they went a staggering 28-3-5 over 36 games. They've won 30 road games, a league record.

"We've used all of our assets this year," veteran Brendan Shanahan said. "Our new guys have contributed big. The old guard has contributed. The young guys have stepped up in their roles. The coaching staff has put a lot of pressure on us to compete every day and every night. We've had a good goaltending tandem for most of the season. Chalk it up to everybody."

Their longest losing streak this season was four and that included a shootout loss. They've lost back-to-back games five times, but that includes two times when one loss was by shootout.

"They push themselves," coach Mike Babcock said. "They're proud guys. They want to win. They want to be the best. But we all know the best isn't measured now. You don't get that big silver thing (the Stanley Cup) for setting records. You get it for winning the marathon in the spring. That's what we want to do."

They appear well on their way.

BURNING UP: While the Lightning has struggled for consistency, the other 2004 Stanley Cup finalist has done just fine. The Flames stumbled a bit early, but rallied to win the Northwest Division. They have established themselves as ... an established team.

"During some of the lean years when we were rebuilding ... there were some tough times," veteran Jarome Iginla said. "At this time of year, when you're ready to pack your bags up, it feels like you've failed. But at the same time, you're growing as a team. Now, to win the division ... it feels good. It's a huge step. I'm happy I got to see this side of it, too. It's a pretty cool feeling, just to see the crowd, the whole energy of the building but all year."

NOT GIVING UP: When it was announced Nashville goalie Tomas Vokoun was done for the season because of a blood disorder, most assumed the Predators' chances at a playoff run were finished.

But goalie Chris Mason was 4-1 with two shutouts, a 1.50 goals-against average and a .941 save percentage in his first six starts after Vokoun went down.

"I don't know who would have doubted him, but I know we never did," Nashville defenseman Shea Weber said. "We see him every day in practice. We know how competitive he is and we know he could probably be a starter for almost any other team in the league."

WILD STUFF: Star Marian Gaborik is not happy in Minnesota. He's ticked about playing time (he ranks 80th among NHL forwards) and disappointed Wild management has not surrounded him with more talent. Plus, he is knocking heads with coach Jacques Lemaire over playing defense.

"I don't get away with anything here," Gaborik said. "That's how it's been since Day1. Hopefully, it's going to change."

The Wild wants to re-sign Gaborik, but he might elect to go to arbitration, then become a 25-year-old unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2007.

"I like it here, but I have my options," Gaborik said. "We'll see what happens."

MOVING VAN(COUVER): Look for big changes in Vancouver now that the Canucks missed the playoffs.

Don't be surprised if Todd Bertuzzi and Brendan Morrison are gone next season, but the guess is coach Marc Crawford will be back.

"I don't know what's going to happen with this group," forward Markus Naslund said. "But there are quality players and quality people here."

WHO IS IN GOAL? Buffalo is trying to figure out whether to play Ryan Miller, 25, or Martin Biron, 28, in the playoffs. Miller has played better of late, but there's a concern about his inexperience.

"There's a great unknown in dealing with a young goaltender," coach Lindy Ruff said. "I think that a lot of teams are faced with that going into the playoffs, not just us. But we have more of an insurance policy with Marty, who has more experience. He may be the guy that's going to play."

ICE CHIPS: Ottawa coach Bryan Murray is hinting that Ray Emery and not Dominik Hasek (groin) will be the starting goalie when the playoffs begin. ... Though Cristobal Huet's numbers are better, the Canadiens, if they make the playoffs, likely will go with David Aebischer in goal. Aebischer has only 11 games of postseason experience, but Huet has none. ... Look for Jose Theodore to be the Avs goalie in the postseason.

Information from the Detroit News, St. Paul Pioneer-Press, Calgary Herald, the Tennessean, Vancouver Province and Buffalo News was used in this report.

[Last modified April 16, 2006, 00:42:15]