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Brunner should be on the left wing on the PP. Just like Stamkos and Ovechkin. Brunner is a goal scorer who isn't being used properly. I'll bring us back once again to his last goal assisted by Nyquist. That's his strength. They need to play to it. Run plays in practice that get him to that point to hammer it home.

I understand. I hope Bert is able to come back (at full effectiveness) soon. The Wings have sorely missed him in the top six. Abby has done surprisingly well the last month, but IMO the Wings need someone like Bert (or Abby) on each of the top 3 lines. I wish Andersson was more physical, because he would be great with Brunner and Nyquist if he had that drive in the corners, in front of the net, etc.

I really like this Danny D

Tatar would have buried it.

Great first period by Jimmy, that's about it. It feels like one of those games where Howard is going to have to stick up for himself when he gets crashed because no one else does. I'd be fine with a Wings D-man taking a penalty for crosschecking the crap out of someone after they ran into Howard.

Why can't Tatar play on that 2nd line, next to Franzen and Filppula? He's more able to do it than Cleary. You say we don't have enough talent, and yet we send down someone who showed he can score goals. Not saying Tatar is a great NHL scorer, but he's better than what we currently have in his place. Is he that big a defensive liability? I don't think so.

It's probably because the Cleary bashing here is greatly disproportionate to his actual play.

I didn't see this posted yet, thought I would spread the image. The webpage wasn't working for me but it was for others. http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http://www.sports.ru/hockey/148215182.html&act=url http://cmsimg.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C5&Date=20130411&Category=NEWS10&ArtNo=304110586&Ref=AR&MaxW=300&Border=0&Livonia-company-assists-former-Red-Wings-defenseman-s-recovery

still blows my brain why cleary still plays, he brings nothing

I always liked Tuzzi. He knows where to go to create scoring chances, great on the cycle, can pass and shoot well, is a .5 to .6 ppg player and isn't easy to get the puck from or push around. That's why he's so effective with Dats. And at least he can score in a damn shootout. He's right at the end of the line, but he'd be effective for us this year.

He fills a (desperate) need.

Who's going to tie up guys in the corners, go to the front of the net, etc on that line? The Wings need to get tougher in front of the net and in the corners. Making pretty plays on the perimeter doesn't do much to score on a goalie like Rinne.

We don't have enough skill on the top lines because we have the Best GM in the league. NHL.com said so. esteef

of course he can, he just doesn't care to be one.

Shockingly impressed with Cleary-Filppula-Franzen line. They've been able to keep it deep for the majority of their shifts. Howard is worth every dime of his upcoming $5.3M

Why is he still on the team this year? Meanwhile, Tatar is playing in the minors, despite outplaying most of our forwards this season. Yet Babcock is ranked as the best coach in the league by various websites. Go figure.

Does Nashville play this hard against everyone, or just us? We have to make every chump team look good, don't we? And Carlo Coca Cola with a penalty.

This team plays like it's against the rules to lay a body on a guy on the boards. They really don't try.

How bad of a line is Franzen - Filppula - Cleary? I have more confidence in the fourth line scoring a goal.

I completely understand realistic expectations but this thread is just to celebrate his progress. I don't think anyone was arguing that it didn't take an incredible amount of hard work from a lot of people to get him t this point. Maybe this just isn't the place to shut down people's high hopes for Vladdy with opinions on how limited he will be. Let's just admire how far he's come.

hmmm who else use to shoot it wide on purpose? his role model? smart move kid

I agree he is actually one of the hardest working guys. He just doesn't have the skill top be a top line guy. He belongs on 3rd or fourth.

I love that about this place!! I side with esteef, though. Holland's recent track record is a lot of money on a lot of mediocre players. I think most would rather see a lot of money on a few all stars. All the excuses in the world can be made for Holland, but he FAILED this past off season. Semin, Carole, Parise, and Suter went elsewhere. Pittsburgh just landed Morrow and Iginla. Dekeyser is a great free bee, but he wanted to be here. Not Kenny's play there. D- to Holland over last 3 years.

The power of the mind is a wondrous thing...this is so heartening to see. Here's to you, dear Vladdie. Your courage is amazing, and the rest of you ain't too shabby either.