Day of Reckoning

So here we stand, two of the most crucial games of the year for Detroit sports, not too mention a fairly important 'statement' series double header in Beantown. Yes, all converging on this otherwise normal Thursday in mid-May is an elimination game for the Pistons, a death grip on the series game for the Wings, and two, who's king of the AL, games for the Tigers.

Just another day.

For the Pistons the game plan is simple. Show up with some energy and avoid falling into that manhole they've so desperately have been trying to climb out of in the 2nd half of Game's 3-5. Get Sheed involved early down low. Play the two man game with C-Webb and RIP early and often to: establish motion in the offense, get both players on track, and most importantly, make the Bulls work on defense. It's time to move the ball, again, and force the Bulls to exert some energy. On defense, keep them guessing with a steady combination and trapping, zone, and man to man. These Bulls will gladly turn the ball over if you force them to make quick decisions.

Tonight, for the Pistons, the series and a trip to the ECF is there for the taking. The United Center, nor its fair weather crowd, will not bother them as the road appears to be their home away from home. Lest I remind you of:

Game 6 vs. New Jersey in 2004
Game 5 vs. Indiana in 2004
Game 7 vs. Miami in 2005
Game 6 vs. San Antonio in 2005
Game 6 vs. Cleveland in 2006

With the exception of the Indiana game, the rest were all close out games for the opposition and all were played on the road. Hopefully, that makes some of you hold down food a little easier today.

The Red Wings have a golden opportunity tonight with the Ducks best player, Chris Pronger, out of the line-up serving a one game suspension for his cowardly hit on Tomas Holmstrom. With this HUGE void in the Ducks defense, Babock needs to employ the strategy that was so successful in Game 3, separate Zetteburg and Datsyuk while keeping those lines changing. Put the Ducks on their heels and inhibit their ability to match lines with the Wings. With Pronger out of the line-up and Babock's line moving success in Game 3, it could prove to be a deadly combination for the Wings to put a stranglehold on this series heading back to Motown.

Oh, and let's not forget that we still have that 42 year old wall in the net who is undoubtedly in the Ducks head right about now.

And for the Tigers, not much can be made of baseball games in May. But wouldn't it be something to at least split the double header and the series today with the Red Sox and complete a brutal 7 game road trip with a 4-3 record while remaining on top of the AL Central? And all this without Rogers, as well as Zumuya and Bonderman for the past couple of weeks!

When all is said and done, this is undoubtedly and statement day for Detroit sports. Maybe the biggest the city has ever experienced on a single day......well, at least until next week.