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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nJ4HjLAxpfI

Last game we proved we could hang with the Hawks. As long as we remember that "could" doesn't mean "will" and keep up the intensity, I see victory in our future.

Somebody give that guy a Dr. Pepper Ten!

Because it is always important to point out when a player has attended the best university in the history of the world (Hagelin), and equally as important to point out when players come from other, subpar universities within the state of Michigan. It helps us judge people's worth as human beings. True story.

First off, you're being a tad impatient with a guy who is in his rookie season. Second, the Wings have nothing to gain by trading him for peanuts, and much to gain if he gets better---as rookies often do. Third, you haven't a clue if he's a dime-a-dozen player. If he's the same way in three years, then I'll concede the point to you. As things stand, he's a rookie.

I actually don't think the next captain is currently on the roster or in the Wings system. Who knows? Maybe the 2013 NHL draft will place somebody in the Red Wings hands.

Can't wait for him to be back. The growth our young guns have had this short year and the playoffs has been absolutely fantastic. We're going to be a powerhouse again soon, just you wait and see. And to all of those who wanted Detroit to miss the playoffs for a slightly higher draft pick, you're on crack cocaine. Experience > ZOMG WE GOT THE 15TH PICK INSTEAD OF THE 17 THAMSFMAODM

Not exactly Blackhawks-related, but since we're stuck with them for the rest of the playoffs:

Zetterberg is now a playmaker BUT can still shoot the puck. He's an elite player STILL in the NHL even if he is aging and with back problems. And I'm happy he is our captain. GO WINGS!!

Love it! And I love when Kronner goes from Euro!Style to straight up Viking come playoff season lol. That video made me miss Vladdy terribly, though. He was a nasty boy!

I don't really put any stock into that at all. I trust Mike Babcock's judgment more than a fanbase that chants "Detroit Sucks" at every chance. I actually wouldn't be opposed to Eaves either. Remember though, Cleary is actually putting up points at a decent clip in the playoffs despite the barrage of critcism. The physical part of Cleary's game has completely deteriorated, but he's still solid defensively and goes into the tough areas of the ice to retrieve pucks for his linemates. Going to the net and having pucks hit you isn't flukey either. Somebody has to do it and Cleary, along with Abdelkader, are really the only two forwards on the team willing to accept that responsibility on a consistent basis. Eaves is more of a perimeter forward that utilizes his strong shot. If Cleary is with Z and Fil and you remove him from that line, who is that presence down low then? I'm not defending Cleary because I think he is in 2009 form still. For most of the season, he was downright useless. However, in the playoffs he has battled and done just fine in the role he has been asked to play. He can't skate anymore, nor pass, but there are positives to his game that seem to consistently get overlooked lately. Again, not advocating for a new contract with the Wings this summer. The bashing of Cleary though is relentless here.

Honestly this was not that bad. He gives Hagelin a ton of compliments, "I love the guy, he does everything else well", but simply tells it like it is: "he stinks on the powerplay". He could have used other words but I like that he didn't use a lot of subtle and weak words to describe Hagelin being a bad PP guy. Also this wasn't blaming the Rangers weak PP on Hagelin, rather answering the question why Hagelin doesn't play on the PP when it's struggling so much and he's playing great. Not a huge fan of Torts but let's not make this into more than it is.

Because Michigan Rocks

Smith has made mistakes, just as any other rookie would. As many have already stated, he's getting thrown into the fire and having to take on responsibilities that normally would've never found their way to him. He's playing in the 2nd pairing, when he should be on the 3rd. He's playing against Anaheim and Chicago, and their two top lines. That's the #1 and #2 seeds in the Western conference gents. Those are top lines, especially Chicago with how deep they are. I'm sitting here pondering if any of you actually watched Smith through his junior(college)/AHL performances. He has never been that defensive guy, ever. His defense has always been brutal. The upside to him was his offensive capability. Unfortunately, he has nothing to show for that during the regular season. He needs to learn from mistakes when he can make his offensive moves. Not to mention, with this season being so hard on all the rookies, he hasn't had the luxury of pushing offensively. Babcock has had to stress defense first because of our teams capability. This is on par with the Howard = Average thread, knee-jerk wise. Yes, he makes mistakes. No, we shouldn't trade him. If we're going to allow Kindl and Ericsson to get years for their development, you better give Smitty atleast more than 1 accelerated season(he's played a total of 57 NHL games, including last season, this season, and playoffs. (an NHL season is 82...)) . Absolute knee-jerk here.

I'm in agreement with those that look at players like Kindl and Ericsson... (prime LGW whipping boys for the last few years) ...and say to those harping on Smith. PATIENCE!! Now Q's a completely different story. LOL.

the joe is not much better, but we have a crap ton of banners blocking the lights.

Really? Wow.....the kid is in his first FULL year. FIRST EVER NHL Playoff's. On a team where he is #3 defenseman as a rookie....PLUS HE JUST SCORED! He will grow into a great player, have patience...

Put this together after I read your post, hope you guys like it.

That baby has been a Hawks fan for longer than most Hawks fans