The Secret

I think it was in the third period when the puck took a strange bounce of Osgood's shoulder and rolled across the top of the net and over the back edge and Murphy's cleaver comment was something like: "It looked like the puck stopped for a drink of water from that bottle" My girlfriend, who is crumby Canadiens fan, look at me shook her head and said "where do they find these guys? Can't they find better announcers?" Go Murph

I wasn't a Murphy fan when he played and am even less of a fan of him calling the games. True enough that he knows the game but that does not mean he is good a calling it, he is as exciting and witty as a tomato. In fact its like having Ron Howards mutant brother calling the game. I hope they liven the televised games up by retiring our current crew (or at least Redmond and Murphy)and hiring some new knowledgable and exciting commentators.

Kopecky hasn't really impressed me much and I can see where you are coming from. I have to say I have seen Kopecky dish and receive punishment that I don't think Mac can handle anymore. In McCarty's last few seasons with us he spent more time on the shelf then on the ice, and his time on the ice he didn't do a whole lot either. My hopes are that McCarty can be back mentally and physically... he's always been there in Spirit for us, thats for sure.

My hope would be Samuelsson, but I think he will competing for Downey's place on the bench... I'm really pulling for DMac to be revived in Detroit!

I agree with you, the game has changed drastically and so has the way each position is played and studied! More science then art is right! I prefer the days of old, it was much more fun to watch for many many reasons! The goalies were each very unique in style and play... remember Grant Fuhr, Billy Smith, Ron Hextall, Pelle Lindburgh (My all time fav!!!). Now they all look and play too much alike, pretty boring in comparison. Regardless, the equipment should definately be sized to the player to start!

I have to agree with Hank. Goalies are way to big with equipment then ever before. Remember watching Fuhr doing cartwheels for Edmonton back in the day? Not to take away on the skills of goalies today but come on... pads are for protection, the goalies are for making the saves. Now comes the arguement about the players being bigger and shooting harder so the goalies need all the padding they can get... I say B.S. tell that to the cop who wears a vest under his uniform that stops bullets. Goalie's gear HAS to be "brought back down to size". Have you seen Giggy without equipment? Sure he's tall but he built like Olive Oil! Kipper in Calgary is a goalie that is usually fun to watch because he is athletic and makes some saves that require more then just being in position. I also am one who respects the defensive play of teams but much prefer to watch the excitment of a high powered offence over a smothering D. UFC was becoming boring to most because it was there was more and more grappling, which is boring compared to to guys slugging it out, because of the lack of action. Now they have made rules to cut down what was boring and make it more exciting for all.

I'm liking Stuart already and think he will only get better. I would like him to stay, if the price is right, and hopefully he can be a replacement for Lilja. But with the way Meech has stood out and how Ericsson looks to be coming along I would not be surprised if both Lilja and Stuart are not asked back.

He's just a Tool!

To me even his best efforts are useless. I do not like him one bit! He has a good shot but can't seems to use it properly, His one head fake deke move never fools anyone, and his attempt a being physical...well, at least he's trying. I will not be sad when he goes.... See ya!

Nice thread! I have thought Kronwall has been a good addition to the team from the start and he seems to get better and better. He does seem to be injury prone but he is a warrior when he is healthy. As Wings fans we get spoiled with watching great hockey most of the time. With so much great talent It may be that we take certain things for granted. Its wasnt a fun February with all the injuries and poor play, but how noticable is it to get the first of 4 pieces back?! Kronwall, has stood out for me since his return and is showing clearly what he brings to the table. Its nice to get a decent win, its nice to get Kronwall and Hasek back, and I am liking Stuart so far as well. It can only get better for here! GO WINGS!

Hahaha, How about making a For Sale sign?! I for one found this stolen car story hilarious... there were no injuries and Dion "The Douchebag" was the butt of the joke. Classic! I'd have went mud bogging with it and left a special present or two inside when I was done.

The end cost for a possible temporary fix was too great and I agree with not dumping too much to see if it works. Look at what Pitsburgh gave up for Hossa, who is not guarantee'd to stay after this year. I live in Montreal and got to hear all the angry Canadiens fans when they got rid of Huet and did not get Hossa. Gainey's reasons for not having aquired Hossa was because the asking price was too heavfty for them as well. Why trade 3 to 4 players that are currently in the roster for 1 possible rental.... and it not like they would be 3 - 4 of the worst player in the current roster leaving. The current roster was what got us here, and if they can get healthy again, they still have as good a chance as anyone else to finish. If our roster is softer this year, my opinion is because its also more european, and looks to be continuing to become even moreso. I think we need alot more North American player for the type of hockey we all want to watch. Bottom line is North American hockey is different the European!

...your right we suck, time to take up another sport! Ken Holland was voted the number 1 GM in the league for a reason. Although he has made some questionable moves IMO (and I have been quite pissed with him at times too), I think he made the right desicions this year. All in all, he does a great job and is well respected around the league. Think about it, it would be a very hard task to build the team we have with the draft picks we end up with from finishing high in the standings year after year. Alot more homework has to be done not having the luxury of high draft picks... I think we are doing well. I'd only ask that Kenny start to find some good strapping young Canadian drafts soon. PS. No I am not predjudiced or a racist... I am Canadian!

Just quickly looked through the first few responces and it seems that there is alot of support for Howard as a regular. I for one don't care for his play much. I think its crazy for poeple to say to let Hasek go and let Howard play... I would let Hasek play for as long as he can. Hasek's numbers throughout his entire career speak for themselves and so long as he can play I say let him. Hasek, even playing half season, always puts up competitive numbers. If Hasek were to retire my feeling would be to bring in a new #1 goalie... I don't think either Osgood or Howard, nor the combo have what it takes for more of a role.

My vote is in for Kingsville although this was hard for me to do. See, I am originally from Windsor, home of the one and only Jamieson Spineless Jellyfish... Anyway, I worked with a guy from Kingsville. He was, how shall I say, well he was a tad bit obnoxious and smelled horribly bad but he was also a big Wings fan and a good father. I think his name was Farmer Henry!? Anyway, here's to a new rink for the Kingsville Stinky Henry's.

I looked at some trade rumours this morning to see what people are thinking Detroit might do... I saw things like getting Forsberg and/or Sundin and my opinion is to pass on both. In my browsings I saw that Raffi Torres from Edmonton may be moved and I was very intrigued by that. I hate Torres more every single time we play Edmonton and that is what makes me think he would be great in Detroit. I hate him becuase he is doing his job as a gritty in your face type of player, kind of like how I used to hate Cheli when he played in Chicago. I'm thinking that Torres' style might blossom here and could play a big role, as Cleary is. I like this idea and wondered what you all think about it and what it would likely take to get him here?!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I'm not a Drake hater nor a fan. He is old and thoroughly washed. Sitting Drake and playing Tito Torres would be sweet.... if he came cheap enough of course. When asked who i would sit from Cleary-Huds-Filp... I'm not entirely sure but what would be wrong with a 4th competing for a 2nd line spot?

Lidstrom is my vote, he is filling in for the greatest captain ever with style! A mannequin would look good in net on this team and our D is the reason. Both our G-Men are playing great but the D has been the key to that!

I personally root for only one team, Red Wings. When they are no longer an option I root for no-one! I will watch the final but I won't really care who wins it!

Great year, great season! Lots of positives came out of this year. A few little tweaks next year and we are running for the cup again next year... Good show from all but let's give an extra loud and proud hand for our players who are too old to play anymore.... Standing Ovation from me to Chelios, Hasek and Lidstrom! Bring 'em all back for another year!

I had to get a few things off my chest with regard to Todd Bertuzzi - his past, present and future. In the past Bert had great success in Vancouver, a team that he played on for years and built chemistry with & that he eventually went on to have great success with! Its totally not fair to expect him to produce like he did in Vancouver after missing 3/4's of the regular season for having Back Surgery, being traded to a new team and expect him to be 100% playoff ready!? I personally think he is doing a fantastic job considering! He is only going to get better and IMO he is what we have been needing for a while now! Give him a break and wait and see what he will do after a full healthy season. A few years back Hatcher was expected to be the second coming and was cricified on his site for not recovering to 100% over night and single handedly bringing us to a Cup final.... I'd much rather have Bertuzzi then Hatcher. Any of you that don't think Bert is fitting in or doing well.... let me break your back, move you to a new city and a new job and expect you to produce the same results as you do in your current position! Second, How long is Bertuzzi going to be labelled a murderous Frankenstein? His actions on Steve Moore were stupid and he deserved hard punishment but had Moore not fallen awkwardly and his neck not been injured no-one would talk about this. IMO, Pronger's filthy hit on Holmer was just as bad if not worse but because Holmer only walked away with a KO and 13 stitches and not something serious Pronger walks free of being labelled. Lemieux's hit on Drapes was way worse and yet he wasn't put on death row. Bertuzzi's actions were stupid, agree'd, but I honestly don't believe he intended on breaking Moore's neck nor any serious injury. He's served his time now let him move on! I hope Bertuzzi's future is with the Wings as I like what he's brought to our team and look forward to what he will bring to our team in the future with a healthy season. If you agree with me sign my petition of support to free Bertuzzi ;P Thats my opinion.... GO WINGS!