VM1138

I know it really doesn't work with the team's plan, but I'd love to see a Eaves-Modano-Helm line. I think that could absolutely take over play on the ice more than Hudler-Modano-Cleary could (and I'm not bashing that third line at all).

It's going to be an interesting game, that's for sure. I agree with the sentiment that the problem is with our D. A team with Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall and Stuart (and heck, even Salei) on it should NOT be having difficulty playing defense. And yet, starting immediately after our cup win in '08 the defense has just fallen apart.

You're right, but I think it's great that there's a bit more diversity. It can only be good for the game. I also think it's cool how there are a few Asian players and I think even one from Brazil?

First off, coming up with lame insulting nicknames for athletes, politicians, etc. is REALLY stupid and annoying. Second, it's been four freaking games. Players take time to gel. And (Gasp!) if they don't work on the third line we can always shuffle the lines.

I think we should just bench Franzen for the month of October every year.

I wouldn't say he's better than Salei yet, but he definitely gives us hope for the future. Ericsson still could develop into a decent D-man but it's looking pretty unlikely, though the season is still early. Right now I'd put the depth chart at: Lidstrom Rafalski Kronwall Stuart Salei Kindl Ericsson

Even the 2002 Red Wings were down 0-2 in a series. Even the 2002 Red WIngs got blown out once in a while.

Even so, Osgood should get the next start. I'd rather have two ready goalies than a repeat of last year's debacle.

Hopefully. I'm excited but I keep hearing he's not a good skater and that kind of worries me. That will result in less production when he arrives in the NHL.

I'm one of the people who doesn't feel Flip will ever be a first liner, but he's definitely a steal for 3 million. He's sort of like Lidstrom. Doesn't do a lot that's overwhelmingly praise worthy or flashy (despite some occasional pretty plays) but he gets the job done, a lot of time without being noticed. But he's not quite star material, I don't think. That being said, he's still a really talented player and gives us exactly what we expect and deserve from him for his contract. Plus, he's a hard worker and you can never have too many of those.

Look how happy Datsyuk looks. He's been talking for years how he wanted to get tougher and now he finally did. Not many guys look excited to be in a fight, haha.

If I was getting deported unless I found a job I'd probably sign with Anaheim too. It's terrible for Lilja and all, but I'm sure he'll end up somewhere better next season. Or maybe he'll request a trade later this year. The real head-scratcher isn't why he signed with the Ducks, but why the Ducks were the only ones that wanted him.

I don't like the ads on the ice, either. When did that start? Have I just been oblivious to that in the past? Man I hate cheap consumerism.

Wow, Lilja...this is definitely a desperation move. I feel bad for the guy, we all know he wouldn't have WANTED to go there, but after turning the Wings down he didn't have much of a choice. Bright side is he'll finally get more ice time. But he better pray for a trade.

Hopefully Ozzie gets to start more consistently so that he can build off of his performance tonight and let him regain the respect he deserves. Ideally I'd like to see him start as much as every other game, but it'll probably be every third or fourth game.

I've always been fuzzy about this. It was my understanding we offered him basically what Chicago offered him, but he bolted anyway.

I didn't mean to come down on the 4th line so hard. They didn't play badly, I guess my point is that we've seen how Helm and Eaves and Miller can amaze (even if it's not scoring goals). I just meant they didn't have any ridiculously pretty plays like they usually do, though they didn't make any mistakes, either. I hope they win tonight, that'll just put the beginning of the season on a great start. Ozzie is the last question mark. Hopefully he'll experience a resurrection like the rest of the team has.

The thing that scares me is that there is no reason the Wings should lose this game. They have the confidence, the skill, the experience and the momentum. It all hinges on Osgood. The rest of the team looked like they were really having fun last night. The lines are clicking, they have confidence individually, and they're all healthy and they look 10x better on the ice than last season. Osgood is the unknown variable here. A good game will do a lot to restore his reputation. I think with the excitement and the motivation the team has right means they won't be inconsistent like last year. We'll see a lot more winning streaks and less half-ass efforts. Virtually everyone on the Wings has something to prove and we should see it.

I know you guys are pretty concerned about Datsyuk fighting because of the risk of injury, but I've got to say it was a really cool moment nonetheless. Once in a while you have to stand up for yourself, superstar or no. Plus, as in everything else he does, Datsyuk seemed pretty smart during the fight and got the better of it. I don't want him seeking fights but when a douchebag like Perry comes calling you've got to put him in his place.

So excited. Didn't see any of the pre-season so this will be the first game of the '11 season. Of course, I have to work so I'll be watching this afterward thanks to DVR.

Oh come on, guys. Everyone knows proven chokers always step up their game when more pressure is put on their shoulders. ...right?

Holland pretty much already said Maltby will get the call-up and it could be Maltby's last game.

He really looked good last year, but the Wings are just too deep right now. I'd be more than willing to use him as a call-up, but I understand it'd be hard to resign yourself to doing that. It might be better for him to retire and become the Wings pro-scout.

Meh, I like it when the Wings fly under the radar.

Souray is making 4.5? Hm... They REALLY don't want him around their team if they loaned him to the Caps AHL team.