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I just got back from my trip to Traverse City and other parts of Michigan. I was able to catch the Prospects Tournament on Friday, but I didn't go on Saturday due to other plans (I got engaged). I strongly recommend attending the tournament. We planned our trip around seeing the Wings, and the game was one of the best parts of the trip. Below are some short impressions from the game. The play was a little sloppy- most of the players haven't played together- and players who hustled and were hard on the puck were most noticeable. Mantha- Had two excellent goals. The first was a nice snipe, and the second was batted in from mid air. He seemed very composed, made few mistakes, and controlled the play well. He was the Wings' best forward, and I'm excited to see him in preseason. From what I saw he didn't look NHL ready, but he was also playing with new teammates. Athanasiou- Dangerous. He has great speed and an excellent shot, and was exciting each time he touched the puck. He played a little recklessly, and was hit hard a few times throughout the game. The raw talent is there, and I am excited to see how he can put his shot, speed, and tenacity together. IMO he was more exciting to watch than Mantha. Frk- Fast, hustles, and has a great work ethic. I am hoping he can continue to improve in GR this season. Turgeon- Always seemed to be in the right place to make a play, offensively and defensively. We always noted his hustle and energy. I wasn't a big fan of the pick originally, but I am now convinced. Bert- Much smaller than I expected, both in size and how he plays the game. He made a few bad plays, but managed to assist on the last goal in regulation. IMO he needs to get stronger to be a physical player at the NHL/AHL level. I expected a better game from him- hopefully I caught him on an off night. Sproul- Solid play and a great shot to send the game to OT. I expected him to be the Wings' best D, and he was by far. Hicketts- I was impressed. Solid play and scored the GWG in OT. Was very smart with the puck, always seemed to be in the right position, and made a few good checks. His size didn't seem to be an issue in the game, but will likely hinder him getting an NHL contract. IMO if he were 2-3 inches taller, the Wings would/should sign him. Nedomlel- Formed a solid pairing with Hicketts. Used his size well and was positionally sound. He didn't hesitate to challenge a Blues player to a fight that boarded Athanasiou. I think he has the ability to be a McQuaid type player. McNulty- Has all of the tools, but needs a lot of improvement. He had some great offensive rushes, and was able to use his size to physically dominate play in the corners and in front of the net. He made some bad decisions, and was benched in OT along with Wheaton. Babcock- Scowling as usual, but I saw him smile during the first intermission. Chelios- Looks like he's in shape and ready to play.

I understand why Helm gets no benefit of the doubt on here, I really do. That being said, 'tender' groins in training camp are like Kardashians on the internet: mostly unavoidable

*runs into thread* DID SOMEONE SAY HAMPUS MELEN?! That's it he's a superstar. Everyone on the Hampus wagon!

& Melen watch 2014 begins!!

Where's BottleofSmoke? Just found this little nuggest barried in Malik's most recent drivel... #Europe: Melén 1+0, +1 & 1 SOG in a 2-1 loss. http://stats.swehockey.se/Game/Reports/208695 … #RedWings 11:39 AM - 13 Sep 2014 Hampus is Back Baby!

Sign Up is CLOSED for the FREE LGW.com Fantasy Hockey League! It's registration time for the free LetsGoWings.com Fantasy Hockey League as we get ready to tackle the 2014-15 NHL season! This is a 12-team, head-to-head league hosted by Yahoo. Scoring and draft information is below: Draft: Saturday, October 4th @ 6:00pm ET Starting Positions: 2 Center, 2 LW, 2 RW, 4 D, 1 Util, 2 G (6 Bench, 1 IR) Scoring Categories: G, A, PTS, +/-, PIM, PPP, SHP, GWG, W, GAA, SV%, SHO ___________________________________________________________________________ Interested in Joining? We currently have just two spots currently left unclaimed from last year's competitive season. If you're interested in joining, PM me here and use the subject line to indicate that you're interested in the FREE league. Invitations are handed out on a first come, first serve basis and these spots will be filled very quickly. Attendance is REQUIRED for the Saturday, October 4th (@ 6:00pm ET) LIVE DRAFT. If you cannot make the draft, do not request an invitation! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! Team availability will be updated as the remaining spots are filled.

I had to double Czech the line: You may be right.

That second line could be a formidable Czeching line if I'm not mistaken.

id put vlady on the ice

Apparently at my house.

One theory thrown out by Malik, which I guess can understand, is that exhibition games can get a bit chippy. Makes sense to have someone watching over the kids during pre-season games. I highly doubt you'll see Rome actually get a deal - if they wanted someone permanent, they'd likely sign Evans to an AHL deal.

I highly recommend Matt's LGW Fantasy buy-in league. I had an absolute blast in my first year last year and happened to claim my first championship. I look forward to defending it to any LGWers looking to challenge. Hope to see some of you there!

After we drafted Frk I made sure to watch him at juniors. He was BEASTLY. Very physical and dynamic. Was extremely underwhelmed and disappointed with him after his first season with us. If anyone can turn it around it's him.

It seems like Nosek was the best thing to happen to Frks career with us. Almost like he was brought in to push Frk. I think the two should remain together.

Hits like crazy. As dynamic as Crosby. Plays point on the PP. I actually think he is one of the more multi-dimensional forwards in the league. He's been lazy on the back check lately, but that's really the only blemish on his record. Kovalchuk was never the media and fan icon that Ovechkin is. I think Ovi stays in NA for longer than you think.

Left shoe on the right wing. Another leftie on the right side in Detroit, nothing changes.

I love Mrazek. But right now he's a top AHL goalie, not an NHL one. Tons of potential yes, but until he's Howie's backup and is putting up Corey Schneider like numbers then I'll be more excited. Didn't stop me from getting his rookie card tho....

I hope Mantha can make the jump to nhl this year, excited to see this big kid in a Wings uniform playing with Datsyuk and Zetterberg!