Babcock is not thrilled with Red Wings’ offense

After watching tape of Detroit’s 2-1 victory over the Ducks in Game 1, Red Wings Coach Mike Babcock was pleased with the effort he received from his players, but not their offensive execution.

“I thought we battled hard without the puck, and I thought our goalie was good,” Babcock said about the Red Wings, who were outshot, 32-19, Friday. “But I didn’t think we did much with the puck, and I didn’t think we attacked or put any pressure on them like we should have ... five on five, they controlled.”

What the Red Wings did do well in Game 1 was score power-play goals, reaching the net twice in four man-advantage situations. Henrik Zetterberg scored one power-play goal and Tomas Holmstrom had a game winner in the third period.

“Special teams are always big, but we have to do a little bit more skating and make better decisions,” said Zetterberg, who had a team-high six shots on goal in Game 1.

“Most of the goals in the playoffs are off of rebounds and deflections. That’s the way it is. All we can do is keep trying to get the puck to the net and get traffic in front.”

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Although each team finished with 22 hits Friday, the Ducks seemed to be more aggressive, which has been the case for much of the playoffs.

“Hitting works even when you don’t always hit their defensemen because when you miss and hit the boards hard, they know that you’re coming,” Ducks forward Dustin Penner said.

But the Red Wings, who defeated two physical teams in Calgary and San Jose to reach the Western Conference finals, know how to play the physical game.

“It’s tough because they are a very good team in drawing penalties that way,” Penner said.

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Babcock decided that Saturday’s practice would be optional for his players, but Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek, 42, exercised his option and put on his gear with about 10 teammates.

Hasek, coming off a 31-save performance on Friday, said he felt more energized after stopping some shots and getting his blood flowing.

“When you get older a little bit, you need consistency, so I like practice,” Hasek said. “I don’t have to stay long on the ice, but I like to go on the ice a little bit every day and get a good sweat, and I’m feeling much better.”

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The Ducks practiced Saturday without forwards Chris Kunitz and Samuel Pahlsson, who were both given the option to take the day off, according to team officials.

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lonnie.white@latimes.com

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