GoWings1905

Friday: Montreal @ Philadelphia Los Angeles @ Detroit Pittsburgh @ Chicago Minnesota @ Calgary Tampa Bay @ Vancouver Saturday: Washington @ Boston Florida @ New Jersey Anaheim @ Dallas San Jose @ Montreal Toronto @ Ottawa Buffalo @ NY Islanders Colorado @ NY Rangers Carolina @ Atlanta Detroit @ Nashville St Louis @ Phoenix Minnesota @ Edmonton Sunday: Philadelphia @ New Jersey Florida @ Washington Los Angeles @ Chicago Pittsburgh @ Dallas Tampa Bay @ Calgary Columbus @ Vancouver

The five game point streak wasn't impressive? If Cleary wasn't playing that well, don't you think Babcock would have pulled him off the top line by now? Cleary was awesome tonight especially from a physical standpoint. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but what exactly hasn't impressed you from Cleary?

Agreed. Fil looks completely lost right now.

That was the best game the Red Wings have played this season. They were focused, physical and very good on defense. If those are the Red Wings that are going to show up come playoff time, there isn't a team in the league that can beat them four times. The energy level was incredible and the guys were all determined to rise to the challenge and make a statement. I know it's just a regular season game, but I also think it's a glimpse of what the Red Wings are capable of doing when they want to. I thought Nik Kronwall was the best player on the ice tonight. Darren Helm may not have the points to show, but he brings a completely different element to the team. The fourth line had a terrific game. This should be the end of Tomas Kopecky. I don't know who else sits when Homer comes back, but Helm and Leino deserve their roster spots for the playoffs. Great win Red Wings and get well soon Hossa!

Man, I am excited for this game. I think the defending champs come out and make a statement tonight. Let's Go Red Wings!

I don't know how accurate the report is, but someone in another thread mentioned the asking price for Havelid might be Cory Emmerton and a draft pick.

Havelid plays 20 minutes per game for Atlanta, although they clearly are much weaker on defense than the Red Wings. I think the Red Wings defense can be great even without Havelid, but they have yet to play with any consistency this season and we are approaching a month from the playoffs. I would feel better with another depth addition, especially with Stuart recovering from an injury. If the Red Wings defense decides to plays like last season, then Havelid is by no means necessary. I just don't feel very safe with this current defensive unit come playoff time.

My feeling is Havelid for depth on defense. I wouldn't mind seeing a Neil or Armstrong at the deadline, but with the way Helm and Leino have played, it seems unlikely for Holland to add another forward. I would be very satisfied with Havelid - I think he would be of great help to the defense.

Saturday: Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia Chicago @ Dallas Ottawa @ Montreal Phoenix @ Los Angeles Atlanta @ San Jose NY Rangers @ Buffalo Vancouver @ Toronto New Jersey @ NY Islanders Boston @ Florida Anaheim @ Columbus Detroit @ Minnesota Nashville @ St Louis Calgary @ Edmonton Sunday: Pittsburgh @ Washington Colorado @ Carolina Boston @ Tampa Bay Minnesota @ Chicago Toronto @ NY Rangers

Toronto has nothing to play for. The Red Wings are playing to win another championship. Goaltending for "cheap" has produced four championships in 11 years. What exactly are you complaining about?

The walk-off homerun by Maggs to win the ALCS gives me chills every time I watch it. I guess for me that was the best moment recently in Detroit sports just because it was actually something good happening to the Tigers. The Red Wings win all of the time - we come to expect it as fans and probably take it for granted. Being able to experience the Maggs homerun as a fan was so special because the Tigers don't do things like that very often (or ever in my lifetime). By the way, great thread. It sure as hell is much better than all of the negative crap lately.

One thing that is really bothering me lately regarding the penalty kill is Babcock using Kopecky and Maltby so much as a tandem. On a team with Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Hossa, Cleary, Filppula, Franzen, Draper and now Helm - there is no reason to have Maltby and Kopecky killing penalties. I understand maybe not wanting to overuse some of the forwards during the regular season with extensive PK time, but this team is so deep with defensive forwards. Just one of Babcock's quirks that I don't quite understand.

How does that trade benefit Florida at all?

You clearly hate Ozzie dude. All of us really, really get it by now. Do you ever make one single post not related to Ozzie?

Hudler also played at even strength on a line with Helm and McCarty throughout the playoffs. Should we really hold that against him for only producing on the power play?

Or the Red Wings tell Mule goodbye and keep Hudler. Ya know, since Hudler is a better player and all despite your disdain for him.

I am actually OK with no penalty being called. It was just unfortunate Lebda was in a position to get injured on the play. They call enough crap in hockey games. I don't even know what they could have called on Clutterbuck, maybe interference or charging at best. Lebda's hit on Clutterbuck was nice, but that could have just as easily been called interference as well. IMO, it turned out to be two fair non-calls in both directions.

Friday: Boston @ New Jersey Detroit @ Columbus San Jose @ Buffalo NY Rangers @ Florida Chicago @ St Louis Vancouver @ Dallas Montreal @ Colorado Saturday: NY Islanders @ Philadelphia Edmonton @ Los Angeles Pittsburgh @ Toronto Columbus @ Carolina Washington @ Tampa Bay Boston @ Nashville Ottawa @ Minnesota Dallas @ Chicago Calgary @ Phoenix Sunday: Philadelphia @ NY Rangers San Jose @ New Jersey Washington @ Florida Colorado @ Detroit Carolina @ Buffalo Atlanta @ Anaheim Montreal @ Vancouver

I understand the Pistons claim 22,062, but that figure is hardly accurate to the actual attendance. I guess my point is that although it appears the Pistons aren't struggling with attendance, the Palace looks half-empty for most games. The economy is really hurting both Detroit teams. Having been to both venues, I think ACTUAL attendance is probably better for the Red Wings than the Pistons.

I have many other thoughts to post when I have more time, but Sheff isn't really going to bat cleanup right?

I'm rather biased, but if I had to choose one it would easily be Cleary. Franzen does have size, good hands, and he is a better goal scorer. I really like Mule and he put on a show in the playoffs last season. However, Cleary beings so much to the Red Wings that might not show up on the scoresheet. Cleary is versatile - he can play on the top line with Pav and Z or even down on the third line in more of a checking role. Dan is a decent scorer, very solid defensively, and great on the penalty kill. The part I love most about Cleary is his relentless work ethic. Nobody outworks him. He goes out and plays his heart out every night. I had no idea a training camp invite would turn into my favorite player, but I couldn't be more thankful Cleary is part of the Red Wings organization.

I am a Pistons fan, but their attendance figures for this season are very misleading. The upper bowl has whole rows in sections without people. I went to a Friday night home game in January and the upper bowl was maybe half capacity at best. The season ticket holders aren't showing up either. Of course, the team's play might have a major effect on attendance this season, but I think the economy is hitting the Pistons just as hard as the Red Wings now. I know the Joe usually has some empty seats, but honestly it is nothing compared to a typical game at the Palace.

You want to get rid of Sammy, but you are OK with keeping Kopecky? I can't quite grasp that one.

Probably true, but even moreso disappointed that Fil is still around and potentially Franzen and Hudler are not.