VM1138

I'm really concerned. Do goal-scorers genuinely go through 30 game droughts, or whatever his streak is at? He's only scored in a handful of games this season, despite leading the team in scoring. Very bad year for him, hopefully he can rebound and dominate in the playoffs.

That's what I thought when it happened. The replays sure looked like his elbow didn't make contact. It was a big hit but it certainly didn't look like it took out his head or anything. But the announcers were so sure it was a blatant elbow to the head even after the replays that I just assumed I wasn't seeing the same thing. He'll probably be kicked out of the league because he's a Red Wing and they never get a chance to suspend the Wings. EDIT: Cool of Johnson to defend Bertuzzi. Sort of shows how moronic those announcers are who were so sure it was a dirty hit.

I don't play but honestly I don't see the point to a visor. It doesn't seem to cover nearly enough to make it truly useful, and the limitations on comfort and visions seem to outweigh any benefit.

My quick, rough calculations show the Wings need 103 points to clinch a playoff spot, currently they're at 97. Let's get the ball rolling toward playoffs! I'm not too scared to play Chicago in the playoffs. What I'd be worried about is THEM upsetting us in a fluke. I honestly don't think it would happen but I'd just rather not risk it with that particular team having bragging rights.

If this were any other major league sport the purse snatcher would have been the athlete.

With three games left against the Hawks it could certainly be us to put the nail in Chicago's coffin. I hope we do it.

Saginaw fan here. I haven't seen a game in many years, but I follow them on the radio and I support them as best I can while not getting to actually see them.

Why is McCollum called up? Anyone know how this works? Why wouldn't they just go with the AHL guy every time since he's clearly the better or more experienced goalie being that he's in the AHL?

I say rest him the next game, give J-Mac the start, just to be safe. The Red Wings have had terrible luck with guys thinking they were ready to come back.

Look at it this way, if we have to roll with MacDonald in the playoffs, maybe WE can be the team with the crazy hot goalie from nowhere that wins the Cup.

Yes. When you're talking about the safety of players, it doesn't matter if the offender is a star or not. But you do take track record into consideration. A suspension for a first time offender is obviously going to be lighter. But Cooke is a proven dangerous commodity and honestly expulsion from the league wouldn't be overkill.

Nashville either needs to go on a serious tear or a terrible losing streak, whatever it takes to move them out of 7th. They are one team I don't want to face until the Wings get warmed up in the first round.

I can't believe people are so upset about a 2-1 loss. Not to mention a 2-1 loss to the healthy, best team in the league while the Wings were depleted.

Best thing Ozzie could do is sign a 2-way contract, mentor the kids in GR, and then prove his way back into the lineup.

If there were enough players to justify this, state representation would be awesome. I know I always irrationally support a player from Michigan, honestly. I find out a guy is from Michigan and I keep an eye out on his career. I think that could be huge for boosting the game if people could have easier ways of connecting with specifically local guys.

Ozzie may be out for the season but I think talk about his retirement is premature. If he was so close to coming back a few weeks ago, and all he needs is 7-10 days of practicing to feel comfortable, that doesn't scream "I can't play hockey anymore!" to me. But he probably is done for the year, I doubt they throw him into the playoffs.

Honestly, why would he quit "on top?" He's so competitive, he'd probably wonder why he should quit when he's still the best in the game. I understand not wanting to overstay your welcome, but you're not going to go from best in the league to crappy 5 or 6 D-man over the course of a summer. He'd at least have one year left after I'm sure.

Most recent article, Modano doesn't sound too optimistic about coming back. "Nothing meaningful has happened to me here."

Jesus, not this again. Let's hope it doesn't spiral like it usually does. Knock on wood. Or else, lets hope they're just being rested to get ready for the playoffs. EDIT: Kind of concerned that Datsyuk isn't even skating.

Feel bad for the smaller schools. College hockey was always fun because of the different variation of competing schools from the other main college sports.

The treatment of Cujo remains one of the very few black marks in recent Red Wings history. I never could understand why he was run out of town. As for Howard, it's not irrational. The guy is more inconsistent than Osgood ever was. It's true that Detroit fans are notoriously hard on their goalies, but Howard has yet to do anything to really prove himself to us. Osgood may occasionally be a whipping boy, but he's earned his stripes and most fans love the guy for it. Howard has done a few things so far (carried the depleted team in 09-10, getting chippy with some opposing players, that save without his helmet) but until he wins when it matters most his inconsistency will necessarily be the focus.

Just imagine where we'd be if we had gone with Smith instead of Lewis. Then again, we might never have gotten Babcock, then.

Howard's inconsistency drives me nuts. I hope he doesn't start a bad streak unless he can end it before playoffs and start playing amazing for the remainder of the playoffs. In that case I say get it out of your system, Howard!

Not sure why they ended the suspension at first round. With his track history it should've been season and playoffs, period. Most people would like to see him banned from the league but I won't be too hard on them for not going that extreme. But why let him into the playoffs at all?

It took Modano nearly 20 games to get comfortable and going, and then his injury sidelined him. Therefore, it's unclear if we should consider what he's done since coming back as proof of what he brings to the table. He's got to get comfortable all over again. If he picks it up some going into the playoffs and throughout, then yeah, no brainer, if he's cheap he's a good depth signing. Just look at how Bertuzzi turned around once he came back for his second go round healthier and more comfortable.