GoWings1905

That's about as good of a rule as the trapezoid and puck over the glass.

He has no points in 17 games and anything defensively would have been an improvement from those two games. I still wouldn't call him reliable or steady on defense. Certainly not someone you give up a first rounder to acquire.

Maybe that will inspire him to play better, or decent at all would be a start. White has been terrible this season and was lost without Nick during his injury last year too. I'm surprised White is scratched over Kindl, but it's basically a wash in my opinion. Kindl has been a little better lately I suppose. I would prefer Huskins because of his style of play over either White or Kindl. However, having Smith returning is a huge boost to the defense.

Why would Holland get in on a player with no goals? Hell, Cleary looks like Crosby compared to Gagne.

Getting away from their fans and Chelsea Dagger alone makes me love this realignment idea.

Most exciting and best win of the season for the Red Wings. Loved their effort and determination on the second night of a back-to-back against a real quality opponent. Special teams seem to be improving lately, which is positive going forward. Tatar and Andersson have to stay. That third line right now with Eaves is fun to watch. I know they probably won't once the healthy bodies start coming back, but I think they have both proven to be NHL ready and productive no less. Brunner just shoots from everywhere, something the team has lacked since Hossa really. He's blowing my expectations completely out of the water so far. Nice to see that natural goal-scorer wearing red and white. This team is a roller coaster, but the highs have been quite entertaining so far. They can compete with anyone when they want to.

This has been the most exciting game of the season so far. Red Wings are buzzing. Great energy having played yesterday. Kill off the penalty and keep on them in the third. The officiating is horrible.

No way that stands. Love the energy in this game.

That was not remotely close to being covered. No excuse there because he was in position to see the puck.

I don't think Babcock iced the puck.

Yes, definitely agree. I thought Lashoff was great last night and has been very steady overall. Can't even tell he's a rookie most games. Unfortunately, since he can go to Grand Rapids, that will likely be his destination when/if the healthy bodies come back. Disappointing because I think Lashoff is more valuable than Kindl or Colaiacovo. I like Huskins, but would prefer Lashoff over him too.

Thrilled Smith is coming back. Indifferent about Colaiacovo as I would rather have Lashoff keep playing and he seems like the odd man out.

To prove the uselessness of that stat, Jonathan Ericsson is just +2 on the season and he has easily been the Wings best d-man. Kindl, who can't hold down a regular spot in the lineup, is also +6. Quincey has improved his play slightly since the first game against the Blues, but he still hasn't been good. He's an offensive minded defenseman with no points in 17 games.

How have they played better as a team without Franzen? This is the first game they have won. No Franzen means Cleary and Abdelkader in the top-six and in no way are they better suited for the role than Franzen. I'm by no means a huge Franzen fan, though I think he was actually playing well before the injury. The Red Wings really need him back soon.

I love this. Wish they would just swap Detroit and Winnipeg to keep it balanced between east/west, but geographically it makes sense to move Columbus as well. Not really fair to the divisions with eight teams compared to seven. However, Toronto, Boston and Montreal is a beautiful thing. How can any Red Wings fan not like that over Nashville and Columbus?

Yes, E was with Kronwall. Lashoff and White, then Huskins/Kindl were the other pairings.

Very nice win to end the losing streak. Played 60 minutes and held onto the lead. Jimmy was excellent, especially in the first. Tatar, Lashoff and Kronner also had strong nights. It feels great to see a victory. Gotta be a relief for the guys too.

Cleary doing the dirty work and gets rewarded. He's responsible for that goal directly and really Kronner's too as his screen took Rinne's sight line away. Not an easy job and one of the few on the team willing/able to stand in front of the net.

Kindl's days are numbered. He just hasn't developed at all. On the opposite end, Tatar is here to stay. Sick hands there to tuck that puck in. Tatar, Andersson and Eaves have been really good as a line in their few games together.

Oops, wrong thread.

This might be a minority opinion, but I would love Clowe as a member of the Red Wings. Same with Backes, though he has more skill to his game than Clowe does.

It is, but it isn't if you know what I mean. As for the trade deadline, I think the Red Wings will be quiet. If there's a decent d-man to be had, I could see Holland making a play but otherwise I'm not expecting much. In all honesty, that's fine because the Red Wings aren't a piece or two away from legitimate contention and anything significant will cost a ton. I just don't want any of the major prospects dealt for some random player (ala Kyle Quincey) that won't make an immediate impact to the team's short-term success. This is largely a patchwork roster anyways, so unless the return can help the team for years to come, then it's not worth it to me. I'm sure some tires will get kicked and the stable of seven guys injured coming back will be our acquisition. Using injuries as an excuse to stand pat again this summer isn't acceptable though.

Is Franzen on IR? He's the only forward I think that is close to coming back from what I've seen. Maybe a permanent spot for Nyquist? Or haven't we haven't hit overripe there yet?

If anything, we need more guys like Tootoo. It's not like the Red Wings are overwhelming teams with skill these days.

Derek Dorsett calling another hockey player irrelevant is hilarious. He's such a clown.