VM1138

People are really turning on Datsyuk. But frankly, Zetterberg is disappointing too. I would be on their case more, but the whole team seems snakebitten. But seriously, after all the talk about how Datsyuk and Zetterberg were among the best in the world, what the hell happened? Both are still solid defensively, but just aren't getting it done like superstars on other teams, even crappy ones. I don't buy that Datsyuk is "getting old." He's still dangling and pulling crazy moves, and he's not that old. Just some fans seem to think after 30 you magically start sucking. Plenty of players stay in their prime well into their mid-30s. He, like everyone else, just seems to have forgotten how to time his shots and keep up the pressure. They all seem hesitant with the puck. Bizarre theory: Has Babcock's focus on making forwards defensive somehow made them forget how to score? EDIT: Holland CAN"T make a trade. Unless he gave up someone like Helm, Abdlekdaer, etc. And even then no one would take much for rookies. Face it, we're stuck with this until summer.

Bertuzzi isn't worse than anyone else right now. None of them have any timing. It's like the (quality) shooting instinct has been drilled right out of them.

Nobody on this team has good shot timing anymore. They all seem so hesitant and unsure. God that 5 on 3 was bad.

Does anyone get thrown out of the circle more than Zetterberg in the league?

Come on guys, now is time to score. 5 on 3. Yet somehow my hopes aren't up.

I don't like that follow through rule. I can't think of many other rules that allow exceptions for accidents.

Yeah, what was up with that? Then seconds later WE get a penalty for hooking? It's not that the hooking wasn't a penalty but that if they let an egregious thing go that results in blood, and then call a chintzy thing, this is retarded. The nongoal made me mad at first, but I guess I see their point. The rule is stupid, though. All players on the ice keep playing until they hear the whistle blow. Conks obviously didn't have control of it. Players chip away at prostrate goalies pads on the goal line all the time and it counts, I don't really see what was so bad about this.

Isn't there some sort of GM code of conduct regarding waivers where they won't go after certain players for some reason?

Wow, tonight's game will give Howard as many games as Osgood. I don't think anyone expected this to happen. Not only that, but Howard's numbers are better. Not astronomically so, but enough to make one wonder. Cue goalie fight thread.

Have the Wings ever won more than three games in a row all year? This is not a team that can keep a streak going. Last years Wings' team could throw a streak together like that, but this team can't decide whether it wants to show up every night or not. So we'll see. Hope for the best, though!

Eaves COULD be that guy if given the chance and time. He's got a really underrated shot.

Yeah, just missing the playoffs would be the worst thing that could happen to this team. Not only would you miss the playoffs, but you wouldn't suck bad enough to actually get anyone good enough to be one of these immediate star sensations. Either tank it or go all the way, baby. No middle ground.

I know I'm stating the obvious but no combination of Lebda/Meech/Draft Pick will bring us anyone in return. Even a 4th line grinder. The other team knows they are getting nothing in return. We just have to wait until Lebda and Meech are off the books.

Yeah, I've seen the Bertuzzi hit before, but watching it now, it just doesn't look THAT bad. I mean, that's a pretty huge fluke to do that much damage on a hit like that. It's cheap, and unsportsmanlike for sure. Suspension worthy yes, but it's not like Bertuzzi TRIED to end his career.

No need for changes, it destroys the history of the game. I can see additions. Like someone else mentioned, an Orr trophy for offensive defenseman makes sense. Trophies that focus on an aspect of the game that tends to be neglected are okay with me.

Colorado and Phoenix will fizzle. Only LA is for real, and even they only make second round.

I agree. Athletes (even when they say they do) often don't feel a huge attachmen tto a team. After all, it's not their hometown, and it's just a job. They can be happy where they are but like any job, it's not necessarily a part of them. Draper has been one of the guys to BE a Red Wing since the '50s. He virtually defines what a Red Wing is and I think he genuinely feels proud of being one. I think this city and team mean a lot to Draper and it's good to see an athlete really put their heart and soul into a team.

Kronwall will be the number 1 guy. He's only gotten better with each year and he's really becoming an anchor for the team defensively when Lidstrom isn't out there. Remember, he's looking good on a team where has to compete with Lidstrom and Rafalski, two of the biggest names in defense. On any other team Kronwall would be a #1 or #2, and a good one at that.

Probably just a mistake, though usually someone catches it and they correct mistakes later on. Maybe it's because Williams doesn't count as a real player. So yeah, they probably just forgot Flip.

Helm-Draper-Eaves isn't a third line. It's scoring line B. These guys are great together and they totally rejuvinated Draper. Amazing.

Yes, Howard easily first. Zetterberg was huge, too. As usual our forwards provide excellent defense, but our bottom pairing Defensemen don't. Ah well, at least the team won. Good for Howard, good for Datsyuk, good for Cleary, good for everybody!

Draper! Haha, beautiful effort. He NAILED that sucker into the net! Salt in the wound!

I want Z or Datsyuk to get this goal. I want them to keep racking up points.

He was REALLY excited!

BOOM!