union drone

....a GM on crack, perhaps? Considering all that we'd have to give up, it's not worth it.

Whether you or I see the greatness is irrelevant. The organization needs to decide on a direction for the future when it comes to goaltending. So far, the indication has been that Howard is the future. If so, he'd better start seeing NHL pucks being shot his way while we still have other options available. If he goes from being AHL starter to NHL starter overnight, you can expect some real headaches! Now if the organization has no real plans for Howard, but instead will trade for a starting goalie at some point, then everything I've said above is meaningless. This is almost what I expect to happen anyway.

Methinks I've found him!! I hope he's doing well. I wish him the best.

Although it's hard to knock Dom (despite his slow start and injury), I think that a Ozzie/Howard combo might be better for the long term future of the Wings. Think about it...if Howard only ever gets to see the NHL from a bench (and then only if Dom is injured) how the hell is he ever supposed to develop into a starter?! If we used Howard as a legit backup who plays 20-30 games, we would actually see Howard become more (maybe) than an AHL player.

Imagine Fish and Pain Train paired on D. Too bad it will probably never happen.

Alright, a serious answer here: 1) high quality scouting 2) a management team that is committed to acquiring high quality scouts and acting on the information given to them 3) high quality players 4) a management that is committed to signing and holding on to the top quality players that are available without ruining the long term prospects of the team 5) high quality coaching 6) a management team that is willing to assemble a top-notch coaching staff, and see to it that they have the players and resources available to win 7) high quality management 8) a management team that actually gives a damn about winning and is willing to do something about it So, I guess that it boils down to management. **compare with Blackhawks and Lions of the last decade, prior to this season**

One word: gerbils That's the answer that one of my good friends would give to every deep question.

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

You know that life is good for the winged-wheel when fans are complaining that a guy scoring roughly a point per game on a team that is 10-2-1 gets singled out as "disappointing". Yeah, sure, his goal total is less than where you'd expect it to be, but last time i checked Dats is tied for 16th in scoring (13GP, 2G, 12A) and could still step it up a notch or two. Relax!

My prediction: Calgary plays well at home, it will be see-saw battle, but the wings come out on top with a clutch third period GWG. Detroit: 3 (Sammy, Homer, Lids) Calgary: 2 (Huselius, Iginla) I think that this will be a tough game. Calgary at home, playing a bit better of late, having a score to settle, Wings perhaps looking forward to a long break.

I think that Hossa and Perry should play on the same team. That way when Hossa doesn't feel "it", Perry can give him some help. *cue reel from last years Wings vs Ducks series* Seriously, though, I can't really see the Wings getting Hossa. Even if Atlanta shops him around, they will want a franchise player in return (or possibly an ensemble of good players with some upside). If they expect to lose him as an UFA, then they might expect a lot less for him, but he likely becomes a rental for us...which means that if the Wings don't win the cup with him and don't resign him, we threw some prospects out the window for nothing. Hossa is a very good player, but I just don't see it happening unless there is a strong indication that Hossa wants to sign a reasonably-priced long term contract. But then again who knows what Holland has up his sleave...

No Sammy??

I say give the kid his due. He plays hard and has some skill. Who knows, he just might be this years surprise scoring threat.

Kane and Toews are already showing signs of brilliance on a fairly regular basis. Give these kids a couple years and a supporting cast that doesn't suck, and they will be a force to be reckoned with. Hawks' fans just better hope that the front office doesn't pull some Islander-esque trades.

A bit disappointing. I thought that Markov was a solid veteran defensive D-man. He could've been a big help to the team, if they just could have arrived at a mutually agreeable price tag.

Considering last spring's very successful photoshop threads during the playoff run, I think that perhaps a new photoshop thread is in order. Since Bettman is the object (and source) of many people's frustration (esp. Chelios), I think that we should have an official Bettman photoshop thread. Feel free to add any and all photoshopped images of Bettman, being sure to make fun of what a loser and bane to hockey he has been. My entry: Touching the holy chalice of Lord Stanley has revealed the beast's true identity!

New article describes how Homer is getting some special attention, in a bad way! Here's the link: Refs vs Homer Personally, from seeing the disallowed Wings' goal against Phoenix, and then the 'Yotes goal that was allowed, I think that a double standard clearly exists.

The coaches are part of the action...on ice! Nice find, GS&T!

Damn Farber, giving away Wings' secrets like that... In a post salary cap era, the way to stay on top is to get the best scouts that money can buy.

Assuming that Lidstrom re-signs and plays at least a couple more season, and also assuming that there is no major change in the Wings' lineup (i.e. picking up a big name player with both skill and leadership), Zetterberg will more than likely follow Lids to the captaincy. Other possibilities are unlikely: Chelios doesn't even have the "A" and will probably retire sooner than Lidstrom, Drapes is a great choice for "A" but his best years are behind him, Dats doesn't seem to have the personality for a major leadership role, other players are unlikely to be as ready for the role as Z. Of course a major signing, or failure to re-sign Z will change everything.

Well, conspiracy is a pretty strong word. I wouldn't go so far as to call it that. However, I think that refs are on the lookout for certain players in certain situations and have their whistles primed for action when these players are in their sights. Food for thought: Homer already has 20 PIM through nine games. Last year he had 58 PIM through 77 games. Already this season three goals have been disallowed while Homer was near the front of the net. On two of them he was called for goalie interference. Somebody's getting some special attention.

^ lol, you're reading my mind!

Bad call? Definately. But maybe it is part of something bigger... The refs have probably been told to look for goalie interference from certain "trouble" players. I am sure that Homer is near the top of that list. I wouldn't be surprised to see a trend of bad or marginal interference calls go against him while he is anywhere near the crease or low slot area. BTW, here's another article about this topic. I love Dom's comments. Haha, Dom could see that his feet were out from his own net?!? Wow, Dom, those are some eyes you got there! Homer link

Of course, the circumstances weren't exactly the same. When are they ever? Actually the goals are different in the way that they were scored. In the case of Homer, he was moving around the edge of the crease trying to plant his butt in the goalies face. Both his feet were out and no contact was made. Ref says no goal. Look here: highlights

I know that Homer does walk a fine line at times, and the 'Yotes goal should stand. My point was that the disallowed goal was pretty much the same kind of play as the allowed one.