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It actually works out to around a 51 point pace, doesn't it? Saying he's awful (even if he says it about himself) needs a big asterisk after it, as in awful *for Pavel Datsyuk. But I don't think linemates are much of an excuse. Last season people were talking about how he's the best player in the world. Linemates shouldn't have that big of an impact when you're dealing with a star player, which Datsyuk is. And it's not like he's had a bunch of great feeds that don't get converted. Sure that's happened on occasion, but more than points, he just doesn't look like himself this season. He doesn't have the puck on a string like he used to. And he's had a lot of turnovers (for him). Hopefully it's just a funk and he'll break out of it very, very soon.

that's arguable. suter is definitely better defensively.

I have always had a deep faith in him...I know he'll come out of this. It's just a matter of time and patience. Keep working, Pasha, and don't give up working. It will eventually right itself. I believe in you. I always have. I always will.

I'd try this... Filppula-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Cleary-Zetterberg-Franzen Basically switch Fil and Cleary. It's always seemed like Cleary plays better with Z than Pavel. The two were dominant along with Mule in the '09 playoffs. And Filppula should give Pavel a guy with speed who can handle the puck too.

Dats need better line mates, you got homer who sits infront of the net and cleary who cant do anything anymore playing with him. swap huds and clears

Looks like Smith might be in for him tomorrow.

He's making 2.875 million to Ericsson's 3.25 million, so $375,000 less than E. Not $1.6 million less.

You'll get there Pavel!

You totally need to trademark "Shanaban". 3 games is fair, considering that he had no priors.

Im actually starting to feel bad for Pavel now and Im also starting to think bad things about Babcock...He tries everything to jump start lines trying endless options to the point of head scratching results but wont touch the line of Cleary-Datsyuk-Holmstrom?? Makes no sence at all to me. It also (like Aussie wing stated) makes no sence at all to break up Flip, Z and Mule those guys are money. At this point I think our bottom six will work with any number of combos, and they have proven it. All Babs has to do is remove Cleary (in my mind anyway) and put him down to line three or four. My though of Cleary (I do love him) ...IMO if Cleary is going to get 20 goals he's getting them from hard work and grinding down his opponents, like the way you play on a line three or four not finishing highlight reel plays on line one with Pasha.

Personally, I would love to see Patty, hell anyone really, bring some speed and energy on Pavs' wing so we don't continue to see Pavs having to enter the offensive zone with no other Wing close to him, try to stick handle around 4 players, lose the puck, & have it come right back out of the zone. Getting soooooo sick of seeing that happen multiple times a game.

Here is my problem with the Wings, and this will ultimately spell their success or failure this season. They a re 8-0 when Franzen and Filpulla get poiints in a game. That should not be the case... the case should be us saying the Wings are successful when Datsyuk and Zetterberg are getting points, leading us to wins. That is not the case, and ultimately, that is the problem. Mike Babcock is just as much to blame for this as Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Zetterberg has at least at linemates to play with this season that have potential (whether its been Pavs, or Franzen and Fil). Meanwhile, Pavs has been stuck with Cleary for way too long, and has not been able to get going. Babcock should have realized, like 5 games ago, that Cleary deserves nothing but a seat in the press box with his play this season, but yet he continues to play with our best forward. If the Red Wings are to be successful this season, it is the job of Mike Babcock to do all he can to do what it takes to get Pavs and Hank going, so changes need to be made. In my opinion, during the slump, even though the Wings were not scoring, Pavs and Hank were still playing well with each other and have since then looked un-interested at times. To get them playing at the level they should be, Babs should put them back together and, in the process, call them out and tell them that they need to be as good as expected. The lines should be: Zetterberg- Datsyuk- Homer (For reasons said above, and Homer has played hard and given it his all every game- deserves top line minutes) Franzen- Filpulla- Hudler (Hudler has played way harder than Cleary all season and has not made even close to the amount of mistakes) Abdelkator- Helm- Brunnstrom(I love Helmer with Abs, and I think Brunnstrom should be given a good chance to play and I think he could add a nice threat to this line.) Eaves- Emmerton- Cleary (Cleary probably should be scratched a few games, but I think he would do fine and this would be a good 4th line)

And a huge part of the reason for that, and why no other team claimed him on waivers, was the ridiculous contract Columbus signed him to. At the price Kenny signed him for, I think there would be a pretty good chance some team would claim him at least on re-entry waivers seeing as how they would only be on the hook for 50% of his salary. I'm pretty sure there are enough teams out there who need help on the blue line that would take a chance on Commodore on re-entry waivers for $500k.

Just for reference everyone, Brendan Smith was watching the game from the press box as he served the final game of his suspension. With White out he'll probably get into some games before he goes back down.

You realize he was injured during the first part of the season, right? That may be part of why he didn't play those games >.>

"We brought him in because.." He's a pretty convenient whipping boy and following every loss there needs to be someone to hang for it.

Blame our top guns like Zetterberg, Datsyuk, or Franzen for the loss? Nah, lets blame Mike Commodore.

Hard to blame a guy that's just trying to get acclimated to the team, when our so-called "star" players are playing like dogs***. Pin this loss on the top players.

As well as provide a first hand account of a meeting with players, GM's, and coaches which showed concern for the topic we're all discussing. Pretty good stuff if you ask me.

Agreed. I think we got a pretty good deal on him. They even mentioned in the game the other night the the Sharks were pretty surprised by the contract amount White signed here, and one of the reasons they didn't try to re-sign him themselves was because they thought he was going to want a lot more than he signed here for.

I wish we'd gotten Souray instead, with all due respect to Ian White. He's playing well in Dallas, is a big physical defenseman that we don't have, and has a rocket from the point. I know he's not a right handed shot, but we did fine when Lidstrom and Schneider quarterbacked the powerplay. Getting Souray was a gamble not many were GM's were willing to take, but Dallas's GM did it and it's paid off so far. That's what good GM's do. Holland has had a few signings like that in the past, but this time I give the nod to Dallas. Only problem is that Souray has been hurt a lot, so it remains to be seen whether he can hold it up. But it looks like a great move so far for them. I forgot to mention. The ladies in the water cooler section would love him.

none whatsoever. he's making like half of what ericsson is. and he's probably our third best defenseman. his play has slipped during the losing streak, but so has everyone elses.

Need less Cleary and Holmstrom.

I can't stay mad at him.

Look, AGAIN, it's not so much about Commodore, it’s about Commodore vs Smith, the current, the future, everything. I'd argue we'd be a lot better having Smith up permanently with this team learning off the best, rather than having a sto-gap otpion who barely plays. Wow, this forum really is retarded. Do people here actually have the ability to, you know, read?