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I was going to put this in the "Nashville has yet to lose 2 games in a row this season" thread, but I started going off on a tangent so here seemed more appropriate... Nashville are the only team to not lose two games in a row this season, but Nashville AND Detroit are the only two teams that have not lost two games in a row in regulation this season. I think the Wings have been pretty consistent this season. Sure, their goal scoring has seen it's ups and downs but the same goes for every team. The key is, when their goal scoring has gone through it's dry spells, they have managed to keep the opposition in check, lowering their goals against. In saying that though, I do believe that Detroit are much better off trying to win games 4-3, 4-2 as opposed to 2-1, 1-0. Unlike past years, this team is capable of scoring at a higher clip, but for whatever reason, Babcock would rather play defensive hockey over offensive hockey, which clearly is not the teams strong suit... I do think Babcock is a great coach, but I think a lot (maybe all) fans get frustrated with his line combinations, ice time distribution, constant coddling of certain players, while other (better) players remain in his dog house (for reasons unexplained...). I hate when people say things like, "Detroit are lucky they're getting all these "loser points", otherwise they wouldn't be in the playoff picture". No, not at all. This "loser point" as it is so often referred, is the same thing as a point for a tie, the extra point that is handed out to the "winner" is the one that should get the negative connotation in my opinion. These teams that are racking up points in the shootout are the "lucky" ones, and the "bulls*** winner in a shootout point" needs to go in my opinion. Teams shouldn't be able to make the playoffs based on a skills competition. The Red Wings are 1-7 in the shootout, while the Islanders are 6-1. If the Red Wings had a reversed record and 6 more points, they would be first in the league with 55 points, whereas, if the Islanders had a reversed record and 5 less points, they would be a borderline playoff team instead of being tied for second in the Conference. I hate using "what ifs" but that is a pretty remarkable difference, based on an aspect of the game that should be done away with, in a lot of fans opinions... Anyway, is this team a contender? I think they are a couple pieces away from being a true contender. I just hope Holland makes the necessary moves, without mortgaging the future. The pieces are definitely there, but let's just hope he doesn't move any of the "untouchables"...

January's Calendar 2880x1800 - http://i.imgur.com/KXp1PKG.jpg 2560x1440 - http://i.imgur.com/8MmMjtL.jpg 1920x1200 - http://i.imgur.com/RRtwI6g.jpg 1920x1080 - http://i.imgur.com/Gsyljg6.jpg 1680x1050 - http://i.imgur.com/Oawr2QU.jpg 1440x900 - http://i.imgur.com/pq3LQMk.jpg 1280x800 - http://i.imgur.com/9P5iXDc.jpg 1280x720 - http://i.imgur.com/EkNGYM7.jpg

They were pretty legit penalties. USA is chasing. Hoping Larkin can step it up in the 2nd and 3rd and come back.

"Helms only good cause of his speed" "Datsyuks only good cause of his hands" "Hollands only good cause of his scouts" "Booze is only good bc it makes me feel good" Slippery slope

Domi isn't taunting the opposition with his tongue out of his mouth. He celebrates every goal that way whether its in the WJR's, the OHL or in Minor hockey. Just like I enjoyed watching Petr Mrazek celebrate stopping penalty shots by going nuts and jumping into the glass I also enjoy seeing forwards find new ways to celebrate goals, at least at this level of hockey. Let these kids have fun, most of them will have all that youthful exuberance stripped away from them when they reach the NHL. That Captain Morgan pose was hilarious.

Geeze people need to lighten up.

Anyone that questions Weiss' importance to this team, check our record with him vs without him. *drops mic*

Huge fan of Matt's wallpapers, was using them every time a new one came up and always check beginning of the month for a new one. It feels very awkward after all this time not having a Wings calendar wallpaper on my computer during the season. With some free time today, I decided to make my own and will share here as well. They aren't Matt quality of course, but they'll do. I tried to keep a similar theme that we're used to here. 2880x1800 - http://i.imgur.com/5pWxSve.jpg 2560x1440 - http://i.imgur.com/C6NFES0.jpg 1920x1200 - http://i.imgur.com/uXAfElE.jpg 1920x1080 - http://i.imgur.com/B2bHeK8.jpg 1680x1050 - http://i.imgur.com/8o0d6Pt.jpg 1440x900 - http://i.imgur.com/BhQQ2y7.jpg 1280x800 - http://i.imgur.com/UJJYns0.jpg 1280x720 - http://i.imgur.com/Dq0SzIJ.jpg Here's to hoping the lack of quality will bait Matt back into creating them!

Will update with graphics and information in the afternoon after work when the lines and starting goalies are more clear. Let's keep building off that last win in OT against the Sens. LGW!

Larkin was by far the best player for the States. Eichel didn't impress me at all, he tried to do way too much on his own. Seemed to forget that he had 4 other American players on the ice with him...

HI guys, don't very often start a new topic but been having a bit of fun watching the "Road to the Winter Classic 2014" this morning and put together this article on where the stars of the show are now. http://murdochshockeyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/winter-classic-2014-where-are-they-now.html All for a bit of fun, a lot of you are much better at photoshop etc than me (I used MS paint) though we could all come up with some more of these type of screenshots.

Yes, Boston is a clear contender, while the wings are not.

Do you not like Tatar's celebrations either? He gets pretty excited and personally I enjoy seeing it. It's cool to see him that happy. I enjoy Datsyuk's "been there done that" look too though, don't get me wrong.

No. How dare young boys celebrate huge accomplishments at a very young age.

That's a good point, veterans for sure will tell them to turn it down. Also something I've noticed us that McDavid is really uncomfortable with all the hype and attention, kid isn't even 18, just got back from an injury and the cameras are in his face all the time. Let him enjoy the tournament instead.

Well Weiss is a proven top 6 center. But since being put on the wing in Detroit on any line he has produced well. I understand not wanting to break up the sheahan line, and helm had a good game but he isn't top 6 material. He can't score on the 5 breakaway per game that he gets. Move helm to the third/fourth line, and put Weiss back where he belongs. In the top 6

Well... now that we're all clear in the knowledge that wingsfan1991 thinks that Weiss is hot garbage... the rest of us can go back to discussing why exactly it is that Weiss is not getting appropriate ice time... I just don't get it. Weiss was brought in to be a 2C. He's back in game shape, fought off minor injuries since returning from a couple major ones... and now, with limited ice time, he's putting up points... but he's not elevated in the lineup What gives? Jurco's a rookie... put him on the fourth. He shouldn't mind. Helm and Abby are energy/banger guys, rotate them onto the fourth. They'll still be effective players. Instead... No... let's let a guy who's a proven top-six winger languish on the fourth line with limited ice time. Makes sense to me... EDIT: removal of troll baiting

Now you're for sure doing this on purpose.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Weiss has 12 points in 15 games and is +2 Helm has 18 points in 38 games and is a -1 One has played with Datsyuk and Zetterberg, the other hasn't. I have no idea in what world you live in if you think Weiss is the lesser player.

3rd line yes. Top 6 no. And Weiss is much better. He's almost a point per game despite being limited to 8-12 minutes a night.

He's too young for Kenny to go after.

I keep reading it as John Scott's Butt Ends Tim Jackman's Face.

Mrazek is untouchable .... I don't think we've ever had a goaltending prospect this good , it be stupid to get rid of him Are the wings contenders? I think so ... We need to find a make ouellet a regular and add a veteran dman (not willing to give up the farm for yandle) And I think we'd need a dallas drake type forward for the playoffs , a big body who will knock guys around and make room for the kids

Don't let the terrorists win...