GoWings1905

It isn't solely about that obviously. You can't get experience by coaching in the minors forever. Blashill deserves a shot eventually and he seems to be an ideal transition given the Wings current roster makeup and his ability to develop young players. I'm not going to be irate if Babs comes back because he's a great coach overall, but I won't be weeping if he decides to leave either. Sometimes you just need a fresh voice.

I almost think it might be the best for both parties to move on and I'm not drawing that conclusion solely from this recent poor stretch. Babs is a wonderful coach, but ten years in one place is an eternity for coaches these days. If the Wings are committed to continue developing from within and embracing the wave of young players already here and coming soon, I think it's the perfect time to give Blashill the job. He's the one that has really set the foundation for players seemingly smoothly transitioning from Grand Rapids to Detroit when called upon. If the Wings were a true contender, I don't know how you walk away from Babs if you feel like the team could win it all soon. I just think the current situation is the opportunity for Blashill to take over. Because he's going to be an NHL coach before long.

Might be a little late to embrace rebuilding 70 games into a mostly successful season (before this recent skid).

It was depressing to see how easy the Lightning forwards sustained a forecheck tonight and the Wings forwards just all looked so small and slow in comparison. Usually the Wings skate pretty well as a group, but their lack of size is painfully obvious. Same issue as last season in the Boston series.

You would be the first to let us know, I'm sure.

This is some serious reeling right now. Nothing is going well for the Wings. No home ice for sure, but they gotta turn this around real quick or it won't matter who and where they play. Babs not moving Helm back to center is just stupid. Using Andersson on the third line in a scoring slump is ridiculous.

Andersson is on the ice but Pulkkinen isn't? That seems logical.

Yes, but they weren't exactly on track with him either. Problems go well beyond just missing Pav.

Except for four plus months of the season, the Wings have been better than both those teams.

Is Nyquist intoxicated?

As always. Babs still running them out there against Stamkos though despite the fact they haven't left their own zone in any of their shifts.

The Wings have had the puck for approximately seven seconds this period.

Why would you start the third period of a tie game with the s***ty 4th line? Strap them all to the bench.

Never makes a big save, though.

They went 4-1-1 out west less than a month ago. Long season of highs and lows and they are struggling right now for sure.

I agree overall, but the recent play doesn't inspire much confidence of "getting hot." Plenty of time left to finish strong, though.

That's a ridiculous call. Killed any chance of a comeback. What a boring game. The Wings weren't awful, but obviously need to be better against a desperate team. Didn't like the first and third goals from Mrazek, though he kept the team in it during the first period when Florida controlled play. Tomorrow is a must-win if they want any shot at home ice.

By having six more points playing three more games? Hardly a significant difference. Especially since most people considered Tampa Bay one of the best teams in the East before the season.

What is that, four posts total now? They really need a win tonight. Lose here and in Tampa tomorrow and that eight point spread is basically too much.

How is Joakim Andersson centering the third line in a playoff race?

Hopefully. I don't mind Cole with Z, but I like Gus there more. I think it balances out the lines pretty nicely that way.

All the momentum until the 4th line took a shift.

Funny how all the Pens have adopted the attitude of their captain. Whiny d-bags all the way thru.

Man, this team is still a bunch of d-bags. They take offense to Comeau bouncing off Z, but the elbow to Z's head was nothing? What were they even upset about? Comeau just fell to the ice.

Pulk! Those right-handed shots looking good. Love that third line today with Jurco there.