VM1138

If not for Mrazek in the first half of the year we would be at the bottom of the standings, I'm fairly certain. This isn't a good team.

Love your first statement. Datsyuk is not going to just drop off and suck. His style of game will enable him to play past forty, and he's going to be able to take over games. Is he scoring less than before? I believe he's still close to a point per game, isn't he? On a team that offense has just given up on. He's going to be effective, not some broken down mule who can't contribute. You sign him.

Putting a scorer in each line unfortunately does not make each line a scoring line. It just reduces the ability of said scorer.

Not re-signing Datsyuk is a dumb idea. I'm sorry, but it is. He doesn't take minutes away from kids, he makes them better.

We definitely need Stamkos, whatever the cost. I doubt we'll get him, but Holland can't afford to be stingy. Dump some players, sign Stamkos, and finagle a top 2 defenseman from another team (easier said than done) and we're a playoff team again.

Five goals for this team is a bold prediction. Even bolder than a win prediction. I say they win 2-1, but don't score until the final five minutes.

I don't think Blash is THE problem. His system doesn't work with the players we have. Get him the right players and it'll work like a charm. Sure it's easier to replace the coach but we already know we don't have the players to win in any system. Babcock couldn't even do it. So might as well keep Blashill and see what he can do with an actual NHL defensive corps. I don't think Blash is THE problem. His system doesn't work with the players we have. Get him the right players and it'll work like a charm. Sure it's easier to replace the coach but we already know we don't have the players to win in any system. Babcock couldn't even do it. So might as well keep Blashill and see what he can do with an actual NHL defensive corps.

Athanasiou is one of the only guys generating offense. Scratching him would be retarded. Judging defensive lapses in a game where everybody decided to play with their heads up their rears is also stupid.

An expansion draft would be amazing. Unload some chaff we couldn't get rid of otherwise.

I do look forward to the housecleaning this offseason, though.

I'm not sure why the "pressure to keep the streak alive" would affect them. Their goal should always be to make playoffs. To win. You keep the streak alive by winning, which they should be trying to do anyway.

Datsyuk is a man possessed tonight. Aggressive, emoting, he's in it to win this but nobody is following his lead.

Tie it up, lose in OT or SO.

Well, at least we know Tatar-Datsyuk-Mantha works. Edit: Nevermind, that was Abby out there with them, not Mantha.

I agree, but this game is clearly a mindscrew for the team. Nothing's going to go in no matter what that would make a difference. They're the only bright spot and in a new game they might do something. There aren't any better line combos.

Even with no scoring, our top two lines look good. Everyone else is a dumpster fire. But I say keep the top two lines together for a while.

Haaaaave you met our power play?

If we replaced every defensemen with someone from GR, they wouldn't even be any worse. That's insane.

Our defensemen are a special kind f stupid.

5-6 games is better than zero. It doesn't make logical sense to say it's better to not have a good pick or playoff experience. That doesn't do anything to change the team. Holland already knows we need a major overhaul.

Missing playoffs would be disastrous. We wouldn't pick high enough to improve the team, and would miss out on playoff experience for the kids. They have to make playoffs or it's a totally wasted year.

What the hell are you on about?

This team just isn't very good, sadly. If they miss playoffs because of games like this I'm going to be pissed.

Not anymore, apparently. There's a couple posters here who suddenly think Smith is the savior we need.

It's the same questions every year now. It's old hat. As a history buff I'm excited for a centennial celebration, and outdoor games are still cool, but it's hardly a big marquee event for me anymore. I'll watch it, and maybe even look forward to it, but not as much as I used to.