Jimmy Howard played well Wednesday and that’s about the only positive from the game.

The Detroit Red Wings got outplayed by far against the Chicago Blackhawks, losing 4-1.

The Blackhawks out shot the Red Wings 42-21 and dominated most of the game. The turning point was when Jimmy Howard could no longer play Superman and was scored on by Johnny Oduya about eight minutes into the third period.

The Wings looked tired and they for sure were. The defense struggled against the well-rested Blackhawks. However, no team has ever won a seven game series after game one.

For the Wings to get the win in game two, they obviously will have to play better defensively. Brendan Smith and Kyle Quincy need to step up and play to their abilities.

In addition to this, I think that a forward such as Johan Franzen and/or Todd Bertuzzi need to play better as well. They need to establish a physical presence and make a big hit or two.

But for the Wings to pull over a victory in game and the series, they must not collapse in the third period. I don’t know what it is about the third period but they just seem to fall apart.

However, they might just be plain and simple be over matched. The Blackhawks are a very good team and showed why during the regular season and so far in the postseason. They took out the Minnesota Wild in five games and continued to roll Wednesday. But keep hope Red Wings fans: If Jimmy Howard keeps playing the way he has been and the defense steps up then they could stay in the series. I am thinking the series will go to about six games but the Blackhawks will pull this one out.

What do you think? Let us know on here or on Facebook or on Twitter at @DSBloggers.