Even when the 'Wings lose (Nashville) they have been outplaying the other team. Preds got a crazy bounce to win that game. I have much more confidence in this year's team than last year's team. They can actually keep the puck out of the net. Wings are 2nd in the conference in goals against. Last year they finished 12th in goals against. Defense rules in the playoffs.

Great defense and the offense, with 27 goals in the last 5 games, is looking top notch. I did not expect this at the beginning of the year. I almost did not order Center ICE this year (I'm stuck in <s>purgatory</s> central Illinois) but it has been well worth it.