Goaltending Not the Only Problem Detroit Will Have in the Playoffs

Detroit's coaching and management will face a few tough questions heading into the playoffs. While goaltending is the obvious one, there are a couple others that could cause problems. Here's a look at the internal problems the Red Wings face this postseason. 

Goaltending is Detroit's only major concern. With Chris Osgood playing five straight games this close to the playoffs, it seems like he will be the starter.

However, after Monday night's game against the Flames, I believe Mike Babcock may be second guessing his decision. Chris Osgood has looked shaky and almost frightened in net this year and has not been able too provide a consistent performance between the pipes. I wouldn't trust him in the playoffs!

Ty Conklin has played much better on a more consistent basis than Osgood and is clearly a better choice. Osgood has the experience in the playoffs, but that will only carry him so far. The Red Wings have been giving up three goals on 17 shots all season long and that won't work in the playoffs. Ty Conklin certainly hasn't been spectacular, but with six shutouts how can you not go with this guy?

Another problem the Wings may encounter is if one of their forwards goes down with an injury. They have Darren Helm and Darren McCarty, but an injury to one of the Wings forwards could be devastating.

This is not a major concern as the Red Wings are pretty good at avoiding injuries with the exception of Tomas Holmstrom, but Johan Franzen has done a good job of taking on that net presence Holmstrom gives.

Defense is even more of an injury concern as the replacements are less than what Detroit may like.

Chris Chelios and Derek Meech are both decent defensemen, but don't chip in on offense as well as they need too. I really don't care if Andreas Lilja or Brett Lebda get hurt because they can be replaced. However, if Nicklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski, Niklas Kronwall, or Brad Stuart gets hurt, the Wings will be in trouble because the replacement options either too young or too old.

If Lidstrom or Rafalski go down, the Wings are toast no doubt because of there goaltending. These three problems are what will keep Detroit from winning the cup.