GoWings1905

Actually, this could be a decent fit for Darko. Although, I think it is evident by now he will probably never amount to anything more than a role player. Memphis has some nice young pieces to work with, especially *** and Conley. If they decide to hang on to Gasol, that could turn out to be very beneficial to Darko's progress. If all else fails, Memphis plays no defense whatsoever, so Darko should at least fit in with that regard.

To finish your thought, Franzen was responsible for the failed clearing attempt. I'm really surprised at how many people still rip Lilja for that giveaway. It's part of the game, could have just as easily been Lidstrom that did it. Plus, Lilja was so terrific in the playoffs, and that one play in no way diminished that, at least in my perspective. Lilja's mishap did not cost the Red Wings the series.

I really like Kyle Quincey, and think he will be a great defenseman in the future. I would assume everyone can say they were impressed by Quincey stepping in during the playoffs, with minimal experience, and providing a very solid effort. That being said, Lebda is the better player right now, although I do think Quincey has more of a ceiling than Lebda does. If Lilja returns to his former non-playoff self, then Quincey may find himself playing more anyways. Quincey just needs some time to develop before we can ultimately judge what type of player he will be.

Good. Please, Yashin go to Russia and never come back. There is a reason the offers aren't improving there genius - you aren't worth it. I would pay for a one-way ticket to send Yashin to Russia.

The Red Wings played Montreal last January at JLA and won 2-0. It was a Monday night game on Versus. Anyways, I couldn't think of a better way to open the season. Schneider and Bertuzzi coming back with the team that ended the Wings playoff run. October 3rd cannot get here fast enough...

I don't think it will happen either, but it's basically the same scenario as 2005 and nobody gave them a prayer of winning that game either. Yes I do agree, at this point, Cal has the best shot of beating USC. However, that game is in November and I'm fairly certain Carroll has never lost in November at USC.

Not to get off topic here, but I'm having trouble comprehending how you could say Lilja cost us the Ducks series. If you are talking about the giveaway in Game 5, that could have happened to anyone. Tough break. You do realize who scored the only goal in that game for the Red Wings right?

I would be shocked if anyone comes close to beating USC next season. Their defense is going to be the best ever during the Pete Carroll era, and they are loaded with firepower on offense. The depth chart they have at running back is absolutely lethal. If they do lose, I sure hope it is on October 20th.

Good for Shanny. Best of luck to one of my favorite players ever.

I'm going to guess Drake ends up wearing number 20. Although, maybe they should stop passing out that number in memory of the great Robert Lang.

Dallas doesn't suck, they just lack any offensive firepower whatsoever. Anaheim has multiple players and lines that can put the puck in the net, and you can't really say the same about the Stars. Still, even with their meager offense they managed over 100 points. This signing won't address the scoring woes, but it sure makes them tougher to play against.

Fair enough, you make a compelling argument for Yashin and I respect that, but I am completely content with the roster the Red Wings have right now. I guess I would rather wait to see what happens this season, instead of signing players just to make a move. There's always the potential to add a player if necessary at the trade deadline. IMO, sometimes the best move is the one you don't make. I'm just more excited at seeing guys like Filppula, Hudler, and Grigorenko get a chance to play now, instead of pushing them aside for someone like Yashin or Forsberg.

First off, I think most people would put Forsberg in the washed-up category. Yashin has a bigger problem than injuries anyways - it's called chronic laziness and a total lack of work ethic. Putting on a Red Wings uniform doesn't magically change someone. There is a reason the Islanders bought him out, and it's the same reason no other team has signed him as a free agent to this point. No one wants to pay for a lazy, unmotivated player with diminishing skills. You can claim I don't know anything, but I have faith that Holland feels the same way I do about Yashin. My favorite day of free agency will be when Forsberg and Yashin either retire or sign in any place not called Detroit.

Exactly. We just got rid of Robert Lang, and now people want to bring in a guy (Yashin) that has the exact same bad qualities that Lang had. Sure Yashin has some decent career totals, but like you mentioned that doesn't hide his horrid work ethic. The logic for anyone to honestly want Yashin to come play here blows my mind.

I've been excited since May 22nd...

What is your fascination with signing washed-up hockey players? You always come back with that rock-solid on pace argument, which is no indication ever of what the players actually do. I'm glad Lindros, Yashin, and Forsberg were all on pace for those point totals, but did any of the three get there? No, and they won't playing in Detroit either. Chris Shelton was on pace to hit 120 home runs last season, and how did that work out for him? Also, I have no idea whether Markov will re-sign here, but most indications are that he has no intention of doing so.

Thank You

Without a doubt, it will be Samuelsson. It might have been somewhat close if Lilja had not put together a superb playoff run. Sammy will garner most of the abuse around here now.

The Tigers play 17 of their next 20 games on the road. Just the opposite, the Indians play 16 of 20 at home. If the Tigers can get through this stretch and maintain the division lead or keep the gap with the Indians close, they have a great shot at winning the Central Division. Not to mention Zumaya should be coming back here relatively soon, which makes everything even better. It should be an exciting second half of baseball. Go Tigers!

I thought Ville Nieminen was responsible for the hit on Lebda in that game back in March. I'm also confused as to the hit everyone is referring to about Drake.

Have you watched any Red Wings games for the past two seasons? You do realize Maltby is still one of the premier penalty killers in the league? He also is a great agitator, which results in opponents taking bad penalties. You are right that Maltby's skills have diminished over the years, but to call him completely ineffective is far from the truth.

I would say it's pretty certain that Markov does not want to and will not come back to the Red Wings. Also, we do not need Yashin and/or Forsberg to have a team next year. This group of guys can do pretty darn well, without adding either of those has-beens to the roster.

I doubt the Red Wings would sign Maltby to a three-year extension to then turn around and trade him. Most teams would probably like to have Maltby maybe for one season, not three. I'm thrilled Malts will be here for three more years, but I highly doubt there are many other teams begging Holland to acquire Maltby for three years. I could see Hudler possibly getting moved at some point, but Maltby is not going to get traded.

I highly doubt the Red Wings signed Dallas Drake to play in Grand Rapids. Are they looking for a top six forward still? Yes, I would say they are. However, Drake was brought here to play for the Red Wings every night. I fully expect Dallas to be in the line-up when the season starts.

I like this signing very much. Maybe this will end all of the Yashin and Lindros junk we have been hearing. I had a feeling when St. Louis released Drake that he might end up back here in Detroit. Nothing spectacular about Drake anymore, but as mentioned he plays hard and can provide some grit and additional effort to the team. Welcome back to the Red Wings Dallas! Oh, and special props to Holland for this move. Well done.