This Is Bida

How can you be surprised. Between the Ducks and now the Sharks they're the only 2 teams worth a damn we've played all year. The Rangers are not as good as their record would say. This better be a wake up call. Literally we're looking like the worst team in the NHL right now. Oh wait, we've barely been able to beat teams like Atlanta and LA

Gotta agree with everyone who says it's been good officiating thus far. I will say there has been 1, maybe 2 calls I think they missed on the Ducks. For instance the hit from behind from Flip was a no-brainer but RIGHT after that Kopy gets tripped and no call. There was one other I can't recall. Other than that, the Wings need to get a quick PP goal to start the 3rd and stay out of the box. Enough stupid penalties. Oh and I know it's been a couple years but I STILL hate the Ducks. That hit on Dats that knocked down him and Hossa just shows the class of this team. I really just cannot stand ANYONE on this team. If there was ever a team I wish didn't win a Cup it would be them. Don't ask me why, just can't stand any of them (except maybe Getzlaf)

Well, as some of you might have noticed from my posts on this board, I have and always have had a huge man-crush on Hossa. After watching tonights game you certainly can see the chemitry starting to shine between Dats and Hossa. Especially over the past couple games! Now not to take anything away from Hossa, but Dats is certainly showing what a world class playmaker he is yet still you can see there is something special between the line mates. What especially got me thinking of this was a couple things... First is the fact that only a couple games into the season, many people were saying Babcock should put Z back with Dats and Hossa on the second line. I can only assume all those people are singing a different tune now. The other thing is that while I'm loving the chemistry between Hossa and Dats, (I feel) you can really tell that Z is missing the playmaking abilities of Dats. Not that he's playing horrible by any means, I just think Dats was a perfect setup man for him. So all this got me thinking... Do you all miss having Z with Dats or do you like the setup now??? Me, personally, I like it the way it is. While I would love to see Babcock throw Hossa, Z & Dats out there for a few shifts a game (reminiscent of the Russian 5 maybe?) I think that Zetterberg is more of an all around player than Hossa and Hossa more or less needs that setup man to feed him pucks in the slot. Hossa is an amazing natural goal scorer, scoring goals similar to how Hull used to and of course Hull needed someone feeding him the puck. Anyways, I just thought it was an interesting topic, so... You like the old Z & Dats together or do ya like the new chemistry between Hossa & Dats? Discuss!

Perfect answers guys! (not speaking of the actual answer itself, but the simplicity of it). Thank you very much.

You guys, you guys, you guys!!! My god. I'm not asking for a complete breakdown and run through of all of our lines with a summary of every forward so far this year. Hell, I wasn't even asking about the SECOND line! (and truthfully I don't know why people are talking about Holmstrom in here). All I was asking was do you like watching Hossa & Dats together, right now... or did you like watching last year more when it was Z & Dats? It's truthfully that simple of a basic question. I probably should've been a little more clear in my original post, I'll admit. For that I'm sorry. Again, no need to get too deep into this. Just like my answer: Me, personally, I like it the way it is. While I would love to see Babcock throw Hossa, Z & Dats out there for a few shifts a game (reminiscent of the Russian 5 maybe?) I think that Zetterberg is more of an all around player than Hossa and Hossa more or less needs that setup man to feed him pucks in the slot. see, simple!

GOD do I hate having to work during so many Wings games. Looks like I'll have to DVR it. I'm very interested to see how the jerseys will look. Now if only we could get some damn ticket pricing info on the actual game!

AGH!!! I LOVE IT! Just to see how excited he got. Quote me on this, I am telling you all, Hossa is a Wing for the rest of his career. I don't think anyone truly understands the desire that he has had to play here. I certainly am glad he got that one out of the way. Hopefully those 2 can keep it rolling now. Oh, and thank GOD you posted the video. Unfortunately I had to work today being stupid Sweetest Day and all and I had my dad DVR the game. Too bad the man NEVER extends the recording time and it stopped RIGHT at the start of the overtime. I'll definitely have to stay up all night now to watch it again at 3am. I just wish I would've seen the post-game interviews they did with him. Maybe they'll show it on the replay of the game. aaahhhh, I'm super excited for Hossa. NOW, if we can just get the Wings a nice kick in the a$$ to get them playing how they should be. Truthfully, Im hoping that after seeing Hossa so excited, maybe it'll give the Wings a wake up call that playing on this team is the opportunity of a lifetime that many players could only dream of. Best to make the most of the time here boys! Lets get back to playing the way the REAL Red Wings should be playing. Edit: Whoa Whoa Whoa! Back this train UP! Let's not forget even for as much as I love Hossa, Dats has always been my favorite player. I just saw the OT and I must say what a SICK OT by Dats. First to steal from Gomez. Hangs on to it, lil pass to Raffy, right back... End to end. Pulls up and makes Redden look STUPID!. Beautiful pass to Hossa. This is a thing of beauty from both Dats and Hossa for getting to the right spot. More of this to come. Hopefully this was JUST the start.

Yes, I am jumping the gun! For all we know Hossa might not gel with this team and might just not be the right piece to the puzzle. I know this can happen. On the other hand he could be absolutely GREAT for the Wings organization too. So lets just stick with the hopes that he plays wonderfully here is Detroit, loves the team and the organization and wants to stay... Now the reason I made this topic was because I've seen an interview they did with Babcock about the signing of Hossa (they've showed it a few times on FSN) and in this interview Babs says something along the lines of "Give Holland 6 months to see where you fit in (speaking of Hossa) salary-wise. So far we've never lost a player we wanted to keep, and I don't see him (Hossa) going anywhere either." So, I'm just more asking this question to you number-crunchers out there. I'm not asking for a debate of what Z might/should make next year. I'm not asking for a debate of what Franzen might/should make next year. I'm more asking that if we sign Z for basically the exact same number as Lidstrom, and kept the other core guys in place, what's the most that we could offer Hossa to keep him around? You can come up with some kind of number for Franzen cause I'm not too sure what numbers he should be getting next year if he has a good season. Anyone wanna help me out? Thanks in advance. *Just to clarify... I'm a Hossa fanboy (if you will). I love the idea that he took less money to come here. To me, it shows he's a true athlete who will do whatever it takes to win the Cup. I'm not saying he is Stevie Y, but it reminds me of that winning dedication that Stevie had. Now, to ME, I don't see this as a "one year window" for Hossa to win the Cup. I truthfully believe he came here knowing that they very well might not win it this year, but knowing that they have the best chance of any team to win the Cup in the next FEW years. Quote it if you want, but I have a feeling that Hossa might take another huge paycut at the end of the year (if the Wings don't win it) to stay with the organization in hopes they'll win it within the next couple of years. Soooo, because of this, I'm very curious what the max amount we could spend on him without getting rid of any of our key guys. (oh, and also, other than Z and the Mule, who's contracts are up after this year that could help with the resigning of Hossa? Hudler, Samuelsson? The type of players that you'd rather have Hossa for) Again, sorry to jump ahead, I'm still very much excited for this season and more excited to see what Hossa is capable of. Here's to an amazing Wings season and a career year for Hossa (hopefully)

See, I personally would be happy to give up Huds, Sammy and Flip for Hossa (resulting in more playing time/a roster spot for Helm and Leino). Welp... Make it happy Kenny!

As long as the logo stayed the same I have always loved the idea of a black jersey for our 3rd jersey. Honestly, I understand that the logo itself should never be messed with, I totally agree with people on this. HOWEVER, there is zero reason for not coming out with a black 3rd jersey. It wouldn't kill our heritage or any crap like that. Logo should always ALWAYS stay the same though!

Sorry I have to correct you here but if you're referring to the video where Shanny *sort of* looks like he's bowing down... He's not. He's stretching. It kind of, sort of, a little bit looks like he might be bowing down the Stevie. but he's not!

He's basically training on his own time right now and using the Rangers rink (MSG) to skate on his own. Seems the Rangers just don't have any room for him and now that they're off to a 5-0 start I don't see them resigning him. From what I have read he's basically digging his own grave because he's said he only wants to play for the Rangers. Seems most Rangers fans are glad to see him gone too and would rather give the younger guys a chance. Kind of sad to see him go out like this but... maybe he shouldn't be so stubborn. That or he mine as well retire. Lord knows he's a shell of the player he used to be. Edit: (kelsey) Grammar

I personally have never understood what so many people see in DiPietro. I will admit I had high hopes for him but he just doesn't seem to be the next Marty B or Bobby Lou by any means. I don't even know if I'd fit him in my top 15

I'm sorry but I really just don't think Howard is what the Wings (or myself) expected. While I agree with some people that goalies take longer to develop he just hasn't had any consistency in even the AHL. From what I have seen of Conklin (and especially what he showcased last night) I would much rather keep him as our backup for even next year. I was really hoping that Howard would come into his own and be the Ryan Miller of the Red Wings but I just don't see it and truthfully I don't think the Wings organization does either. Who knows, I very well could be wrong but I'm hoping they keep Osgood/Conklin together until Larsson is ready.

Thats funny you say that (not only because its the truth) but because when they were interviewing Hossa, they asked him what the difference between playing with Dats compared to Crosby was (or something along those lines). He said that Crosby was a strong skater that went full speed the whole time. Where as Dats doesn't always skate full speed so he can read the plays (which is does better than almost anyone in the NHL. Definitely a perk of learning from Larionov). Funny thing is I've sometimes been called lazy cause I'm not always going at full-speed. I'm more emulating what Datsyuk does and reading the play. Best believe Dats is a faster skater than anyone on this board would EVER think.

GFT! Hossa and Dats are looking better and better together. Personally, I would love to see Babs throw Z, Dats and Hossa out there for a period or two. Unfortunately with putting Holmer and Franzen on the same line is you have two people who crash the net on the same line. Then again, I haven't seen Franzen using his big body to crash the net too much thus far. Regardless, Hossa deserves to be with Dats. Hossa is a natural goal scorer who needs a great setup man like Dats. It's been 3 games and they're already starting to gel. Just wait until 10 or so games in. I can almost guarantee that Hossa and Dats will be playing beautifully together. Again though, I know it won't happen but I would love for the first line to be Z, Dats and Hossa.

You, my friend, seem like someone who has played the game and completely understand the game of hockey. Much like myself (which is probably why I always agree with your comments). Unfortunately, I really think many of the people here just do not understand the game of hockey. Considering how the Wings rarely ever get into fights, it baffles me why all these "Wings fans" want a team full of enforcers?

This team is too experienced, has too many veterans and players who have been there before to experience any kind of "hangover". If we have a lackluster season it'll be because players (as mentioned above) just don't want it enough. On the contrary this Wings Club is just way too professional to let that happen to themselves. While I know it won't happen, I would love to see this team set records this year, blow away teams and run through the playoffs without a stumble just to prove that the "Cup hangover" is nothing but an excuse teams make for not putting out to their full potential the season after.

Thank you for literally repeating everything that I said before you. Probably should read through the whole thread before posting.

Ummm, the Lions went... what? Like 4-0 in preseason, right? Goes to show what the PREseason matters. Not trying to be a fanboy and completely defend the guy but do you guys see Z or Dats skating to their full potential? Yea not so much. It's preseason. I could care less WHAT he does in preseason. I'd rather him not play all together.

All this does is show how ridiculously overpayed "analyst" are when, to become one, you really don't have to know much about any sport. All you really need to know what to do is read a teleprompter. Besides, I'm happy with the Wings not being the top pick and everyone saying "Wings will win no matter what" cause that's just not the case and not even the Wings wanna carry that burden. Besides, Linda Cohn has probably never watched a hockey game in her life!

AGGHHH GOD! That reminds me of back in my Junior and Senior years (somewhere around then) when they had the Barry Smith hockey camp for kids at the Joe Louis. Not real sure how we ended up getting hooked up with the job but me and my buddy from my high school team were counselors for the kids. We took them around everywhere and went on the ice and helped out during the camps. It was an AMAZING time, we literally went everywhere around the JLA and did it for 2 weeks each year. My biggest disappointment was not really appreciating it that much back then. I was in high school, figured I'd play college somewhere and would see the Joe again. Stupid me! It was definitely the opportunity of a lifetime. Just wish I would have taken it all in a little more and maybe taken some pics. Anyways, I'm sure you had a great time if it was anything like what I experienced. Try and get those pictures too. P.S. As a hockey player... I just gotta say, and I'm sure all you hockey players would appreciate this as much as I do, but skating on the Joe's ice is like a freakin' dream come true. The ice is so smooth, so fast. It's truly unbelievable. You literally feel like you're flying out there the ice is so fast. I'm sure a few of you have experienced it and know what I'm talking about.

Oh my god... Seriously! People... please please read this post. Truer words have never been spoken. Other than that, I just gotta say, first and foremost this Hossa deal is in NO WAY similar to what went down with Fedorov. The Wings and Fedorov had a long history together and over that time Fedorov had become a fan favorite only to leave a club that had a legitimate chance of winning the Cup to a team that had no chance. Basically... It's complete opposites. Fedorov was a longtime Wing and fan-favorite. Hossa played in Pitt for a couple months, not long enough to grow any ties to their fans. Fedorov left a Cup contender to play for some crap team for MORE money. Hossa left a Pens team that was losing players to come to a gauranteed Cup contender for LESS money! I just find it all so funny because everyone sees a sell-out like Fedorov who only wants the paycheck and doesn't care about winning the Cup and they rag on him (which is very well how it should be) yet when you see a true sportsman like Hossa who will take a paycut in hopes of hoisting the beloved Cup he is deemed a 'backstabber' or 'traitor'. Such a freakin' joke! The only comparison I can think of is if Stuart would have left Detroit after this season. Too many people sat here and called him yet but I'm sorry, he had no choice in coming here at the trade deadline and if he decided to go back to Cali to be with his family (with a ring to boot) I happily would have wished him farewell and 'thank you' for helping us hoist the Cup. I mean, are you guys gonna be mad if we don't win the Cup next year and we don't have the money to resign Hossa and he bails? I truly hope no Wings fan gets as upset as any of these Pens fans, thats for sure! Sorry, but all these Pens fans are joking themselves if they think Hossa owed them ANYTHING! GET OVER IT! Go cry about Conklin if you're gonna cry about Hossa!

I'm sorry but I just gotta think that for as hard as it is to sell out the freakin' Joe Louis in the playoffs it might be a little hard to sell out a place like the Big House with ticket prices being what they will be. And yes, I understand that people from all over would come to fill up the Big House (or where ever here in Detroit) I would just have a hard time being embarassed and only seeing half the stadium filled. Who knows? Hopefully I'm wrong and my lack of faith in true Wings fans is not right... Just a thought.

Isn't that absolutely freaking amazing... All I've heard all day is how classless the Pens fans were for booing Hank and when the Wings were hoisting the Cup, and I agreed. Then I listen to the CBC video's and it seemed like they were as classy as can be. Cheering and applauding the Red Wings. I'm really confused on where the two TOTALLY DIFFERENT sounds are coming from?