VM1138

I much prefer non-NBC games simply because on the national games, it feels like they're not adding color to the game, they're marketing to you. And marketing is getting more and more obvious an amateurish and I get tired of it. At least the local broadcasts talk about what is actually going on in the game.

Last year. But I was thinking a Boston-Detroit WC would be awesome, too. The Winter Classic is basically a showcase for a select few teams anyways. Especially since my money is on a Boston-Detroit Cup final.

I can't believe people WANT to see a Detroit-Minnesota game. Virtually every Wings fan (in the past) has agreed that Minnesota games are snooze-fests. I'd like to see an Original 6 matchup, but since they refuse to do Canadian teams that limits the options some. I don't see how a Toronto-Detroit game wouldn't sell out the Big House, though.

I think we're okay on defense for this season. White is doing well. The only thing that worries me is the semi-frequent scoring slumps we go into, which is why I'd want a bona-fide scorer to be added to this team. With our defense and Howard we're a top defensive team, and defense wins championships. But you also can't win if you can't score, so let's double down on that for now.

Yeah, let's not be greedy. I wouldn't be upset with an OT win for the Wings. They could use the practice at tight games, and then Yzerman's Tampa can get a point.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=603351 Interesting but short article. Apparently Foligno got elbowed in the head by Crosby (I didn't see the play) and called him out for it. Foligno felt Crosby was being hypocritical about talking about headshots throughout the summer and then going and doing just that. I don't know how serious it was and I'm not trying to single Crosby out so much as I am the Penguins' response. Bylsma basically said it was Foligno's fault for agitating Crosby and that he expects his players to play physical. So apparently headshots are only a big deal when they're targeted at Crosby? Bylsma's response is fitting for a fight or something, or a big hit, but considering the high profile nature of head-shots...I get that he won't call Crosby out, but at least try to bury it, not defend it. Thoughts?

Guy Lafleur was also nicknamed "The Flower". I would hide behind him anytime. I think he was more of a man than Fleury. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Lafleur" Touche. Although, if we try to make some sense of rationalization of this, The Flower implies that he's important. Like he's the only Flower that matters. So there's an intimidation factor there. Flowers just makes me think of a field of daisies.

Is it just me, or is there a lot more smack talk this season than usual?

You don't think Shanahan has been pretty consistent? He's made a few mistakes, but I think overall, in the grand scheme of things, he's been remarkably consistent.

Sorry, Stevie, but I hope the Wings light your team up.

Who cares if he's not having a blistering year so far? The guy has been in the league 6 years (plus games this season). Four of those he's had over 60 points. Except for his first year (understandable) and last year, when he was injured most of the season. He's an 80 point getter and he'd be a great pickup. Depending what happens to Cleary or Bertuzzi, Sammy would be an acceptable replacement for a third liner who can fill in on the second line, though he's not high on anyone's list, I don't think. He's not the solution but he'd be a good replacement if we lose someone.

First choice is obviously Parise. In his prime, impact player. Can be an integral part of the team in the future. Second choice is Iginla. The guy can still snipe like crazy, but he's getting old and is not someone likely to be part of the core in upcoming seasons.. Therefore, only get him if he can be got cheap (which may be likely if Iginla wants out and he's only willing to go to a handful of teams). But due to his age and his assured status as a rental, he's only on my list because there's no one else other than Parise on my radar right now.

First choice is obviously Parise. In his prime, impact player. Can be an integral part of the team in the future. Second choice is Iginla. The guy can still snipe like crazy, but he's getting old and is not someone likely to be part of the core in upcoming seasons.. Therefore, only get him if he can be got cheap (which may be likely if Iginla wants out and he's only willing to go to a handful of teams). But due to his age and his assured status as a rental, he's only on my list because there's no one else other than Parise on my radar right now.

A goalie named "Flowers" no less. How big of a pansy can you be?

Having the top two lines including Franzen-Datsyuk and Parise-Zetterberg would be insane.

From an outsider's perspective, not having been in the locker room or knowing the players relationships personally, Kronwall and Zetterberg are best poised to be captains. We all know it will be Zetterberg, but even he I don't see laying into people. Kronwall I do. I'm not jumping off the Z bandwagon, he's going to be a force come the second half of the season and playoffs.

There's nothing wrong with sitting him for a few games. It wouldn't be a "benching" but clearly he's hurting or distracted out there. He needs some time off and the team is doing well enough that we can afford to have him sit out a couple of games. Just let him clear his head or heal or condition or whatever. Didn't the Wings do this with Osgood a few years ago? Then he can come back fresh. Better than grinding the crap out of him now only to have him useless come playoff time from exhaustion or injury.

I don't think so. The Wings right now are just a couple points out of 1st in the conference, and only a loss or two away from something like 13th. I think they'll want to get Howard out there to get us another win to build a bit more of a cushion, and then next game play Conklin, because a loss wouldn't be quite as devastating.

I hate this forced rivalry stuff. It's happening in every league. Rivalries sell tickets, so apparently every game is a huge rivalry game nowadays. Playing a team 8 times a year does not create rivalries. Playing teams when it matters creates rivalries. Detroit's biggest rivalries were not with Chicago, Nashville, Columbus or St. Louis the past 5 years or so. They were with Pittsburgh, Anaheim, and San Jose. Those rivalries might intensify if the Wings go East, because each game would matter that much more. Rivalries happen because something sparks a rivalry, not just playing each other a lot. They need to drop that idea, but since it's a business decision they won't.

What a weird 24 hours or so. First they couldn't figure out who was injured, then they send Brunner down and keep Smith, now they send down Smith and call up Brunner? What the hell is going on?

Are they playing today or tomorrow? NHL.com says tomorrow....but why would there be a 1pm game on a Friday? EDIT: And I've heard some people mention they play today. EDIT 2: I see, the confusion being the strange start time, the calling it a Thanksgiving Classic despite not being played on Thanksgiving. Kind of sloppy on the part of the NHL.

They'll give Smith a few more games to see if his performances were flukes. If he can keep his confidence out there, make the bold play, put himself in positions to score, or keep making passes up the ice, Commie will be sent down. But if Smith stumbles they'll send him down. But right now 2 points in 2 games isn't anything to sneeze at. I'm most impressed with how he handles the puck. He doesn't make that fatal hesitation most rookies make before making the pass.

I'd gladly give up Ferraro. Nothing against the kid but I just don't seem him actually playing for the Wings. The second round pick, though...isn't Turris the one that hasn't done jack squat, is weak on the puck and just sort of floats around? Do we really need another reclamation project? So far we've done a handful and none has worked for the past handful of years, since Cleary and Schneider. We do have a few expendable players on the roster though, namely Emmerton. I'd hate to lose Kindl but I suppose if they really think Turris could turn into a top 6 reliable scorer then I'd do it.

I agree. Stuart and Kronwall will have to be separated. The good news, though, is that there's enough talent spread around on D that we can roll three pairings with similar minutes should Babs want to, like he did last year. As the season progresses I anticipate he will cut Lidstrom's ice time. Ericsson on forward is an interesting idea, just to see it done, but we've already got a logjam up front. I'm still not sure exactly what Ericsson brings that nobody else on defense does. Smith has shown a desire to hit, make bold plays and he has a history of fighting in the AHL, too, right?

The kid showed he had more upside than E or Kindl (and I like Kindl). He just played so well, and what's more he looked much more confidence than Kindl has, as good as Kindl has played. Smith, in my mind, is starting at basically where Kindl is operating at right now. At this point it's best to leave him up with the big squad, small minutes or not. Let him get used to the NHL level. Ideally we could run: Lidstrom-White Kronwall-Smith Stuart-Kindl Send Commodore down to the AHL, and Ericsson can be a scratch.