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Mrazek Loves Puppies

Kicking tires for Kenny, that lazy bum.

While it's true that D take longer to mature and 24 is fairly young, Fowler's actually been in the league for six years. I think it's pretty rare someone that's been in the league that long making that significant a step up in their game. Dubnyk maybe, but changing goaltending techniques is a different matter. I guess you could count Kronwall as an example since he expanded his game when he became a 1st pair after 6 years of being a second pair guy, though I think that was more of a change than getting better. I think it's a little ironic that you're the one making this argument since you often write how others shouldn't count the potential of certain players.

Well it was still the Soviet Union when he was born. Fun Fact (Or Not So Fun): His hometown, Yekaterinburg, is where the Tsar Nicholas II and his family (including the now infamous Anastasia) were exiled and later executed. Damn, that series had some of the best fan signs I've ever seen just due to their intentional banal nature. "STAMKOS WEARS SOCKS WITH SANDALS"

Most would say no to that deal as Red Wings fans but I think it's pretty realistic considering all Winnepeg really needs is a goalie. It would be a tough decision for sure but I might pull the trigger on this deal if I was Holland. Wings have done well in the past without elite goaltending and goalie prices are going to skyrocket by the time Mrazek wants to be paid if he's a top 10 goalie

Hopefully this is a similar situation we are seeing with Kronwall. Not 100%, so opting out of the tournament to be ready to go opening night for the Wings... Regardless, if it wasn't already crystal clear to management and the coaching staff that Zetterberg's and Kronwall's minutes / roles need to be significantly reduced, hopefully this will prove that...

You mean the puppy on the side of the mask? I think it's from that sign that said "Mrzaek loves puppies" sign lol.

Love Gordie and Stevie being incorporated into the farewell season at the Joe themed mask. All around maybe my favorite goalie mask yet. Love it!

So...Fowler at 24 will improve and is worth the gamble, while Tatar at 25 and Nyquist at 26 will always be stuck at the same level? ...or familiarity breed contempt and lets check out the grass on the other side.

Mrazek's new mask by @artofDave Mrazek loves puppies

Saw this from the Red Wings facebook page, and thought I'd post it here. Newsworthy enough since we're in the offseason doldrums... (Because Mrazek hates and/or loves puppies)

great contribution to our general knowledge, I saw your avatar and couldn't help but read it like: "I don't always talk history, but when I do..."

Haha, does that sign say "Datsyuk is a communist"??

I'd like to throw an uppercut for Alexey Marchenko, a silent sleeper here. He is on the Russian national team, a hard thing to accomplish. He could, and possibly should crack our top 4 defensive lineup next season. Something to keep a close eye on in the world cup of hockey.

Trouba means "pipe" in Russian. Kinda funny.

That's harsh. You're already in mid season form.

I have to say no to that. Mrazek was playing Vezina level hockey up until February last year, Trouba has never even sniffed Norris level hockey. I dont look at Mrazek in the same category as AA or Mantha, he isn't a guy that has "potential", he has played high level hockey for more then a few games here or there, and he has done it in the NHL not the minors. I know some like to put down every prospect and young player we have due to others putting them on a pedestal, but Mrazek and Larkin IMO are the kids we need to build around and unless we are getting a legit superstar back (Toruba is not that), I'm not trading them. I wonder if a package like AA or Mantha, Howard, and Marchenko for Trouba and Pavlec would interest them? There are always people over hyping prospects, that will never change. The key is identifying the true gems and not making stupid moves when you have them. I get what you are saying with Fowler as he would likely be our #2 guy, but when you have played in the NHL for 6 years, its unlikely that you are going to go from a second pairing guy on an elite team to a elite guy on an above average team. He will just be miscast on Detroit and start to show his weaknesses.

Datsyuk got hurt last year before the season too. What is it with our offseason program? Either that or Zetterberg just doesn't want to play and needed an excuse. Even The Undertaker is in better shape than him.

FWIW, Friedman on a potential Trouba trade: https://www.nhl.com/video/nhl-tonight-elliotte-friedman/t-277774708/c-44602403?tag=program&tagValue=NHL%20Tonight The bolded has pretty much been expected all along but it makes sense that (sort of) winning the draft lottery changed things a bit. I still hope he gets traded (hopefully to Detroit).. the guy should be a top two d man sooner rather than later and it doesn't seem like the jets feel the same way.

I'm with you man, what a sweet show.

well he's the best, a non bender taking on the Fire Nation just with his space sword and his boomer...aang. I'm just geeking out now

I think a big consideration for Datsyuk not being captain is language. His English just wasn't good enough to talk to referees, let alone doing all the extra press coverage that is expected out of a captain. Anyway, Pav seemed to like being left alone and fly under the radar while he was here.

I just got my season ticket package and am pumped for the home opener!

I forget how many Wings fans have never been to the Joe. I hope everyone is able to get to at least one game before it's history

Thanks, I'm planning on buying tickets for two games, I'd like one of them to be centere ice and as close to the glass as possible. So I'd shell out some big bucks on one game and for the other I wouldn't mind seating in the upper area, not nosebleed though. Anyone in the know of what are the prices this year?