VM1138

Williams is the odd man out now. Which gives us a bargaining chip if need be. Williams + Lebda for a 3rd pairing defender? I could see that, it's at least a way of adding value to getting rid of Lebda. Williams is still attractive to many teams I bet as a role player. But certainly there's no reason to split up Leino-Zetterberg-Cleary. When Flip comes back he simply will be 3rd line. He has been developing nicely but we're deep, that's the price you pay. If he's a great player he'll make things happen like Hudler did with limited ice time.

The poster talking about it balancing out in the end is right. It may be an anomaly, but in all reality, including the 9 and 7 goal games is correct because it brings the team average to right about where it really is. Some could argue that the low scoring initially was the fluke, because the offense seems to get better and better each game. So the trend could also balance out the anomalies.

Awesome, I hate seeing sad kids at what should be exciting, so that guy was really classy.

I don't know about stats, but from watching them up close, when it matters (the Finals, crucial games, etc.) it always seems to be Malkin carrying the team. Crosby seems to disappear, especially when playing the Wings. I'd say the three most dangerous non-Wings players in the league are Ovechkin, Malkin and Getzlaf. So yes, I would choose to build a team around Malkin instead of Crosby, in all seriousness, Crosby annoyances ignored.

Last night's game was really a duel of Anaheim's top line vs Detroit's top two lines. Our 3rd was out there once in a while, but when rolling three lines compared to their one is enough, why risk it with the 4th line, even if the players aren't bad?

Unbelievable game. No matter how bad Anaheim sucks, they always bring their A game when they play the Wings. I can't think of another matchup that is so consistently entertaining. I don't remember a single boring game between these two teams since 2007. And finally, a hat trick! I had doubts that they could keep this up, given their track record this season, but now with so many games under the teams' belt, it's clear to see their pattern has been always trending up. This season could turn out great if they keep this up!

Lebda: "Hm. I just received the puck, an Anaheim player is RIGHT ON TOP OF ME....let me try to slap shot it." Lebda. Sucks.

Is it just me or does Stuart seem to be carrying the puck down low into the net a lot more than anyone else?

I used to go around 4 times a year, but I haven't gone at all the last two years. Between classes, work, and money, it's not just feasible for me. I live two hours away, so I've got to have 4 extra hours to spare in order to go to a game.

Eaves gets better and better each game. He's doing everything we hoped he would do. He's even bringing his physical game now.

I didn't see him on the ice a single time. Of course, I missed the first period (listened on the radio) and only caught the rest on crappy quality, jerky stream. Oh, and then half the 3rd the stream dropped out.

I love how he angrily whips everything out except for the last two items, he just nonchalantly tosses them over the side. Great!

Only 1 point behind Chicago for Central Division lead and #3 in the West!

We're in the playoff race now!

Vancouver's announcers said Z didn't do anything all game. Erm...he's the only player with 2 points. Wow! Barely made it across!

Lots of stoppage in this game.

Damn, the feed is frozen. No Wings for me now, I guess. I miss the days when you could at least get the radio broadcasts from NHL.com.

Yeah, I'm watching the stream from Vancouver and they initially said it was Lidstrom. I posted before it became clear it was Cleary and yeah, that was Cleary's fault.

What the hell is wrong with these refs tonight?

Bertuzzi! What a play! Too bad a no-goal.

Vancouver announcers talking about the "Murphy dump." Wow. EDIT: Wait, there are actually at least two people with those old 'Nucks jerseys? I don't see how those EVER looked good, even in the gaudy days.

I know this gets asked every game, but I haven't been happy with ADthe's feed. Does anyone know of a place that will be streaming the game that maybe won't suffer from extreme lag and freezing? I know Justintv is the other big one, btu that one usually has lag, I think.

Sammy's logo shots are going to create a lot of juicy rebounds since Howard can't seem to actually hold the puck. Defense better be on their game tonight. I'd really like to see Larsson, but I hope we don't because that would mean the game isn't going so well. Here's to a crucial win tonight, we'll be in the playoff running then! EDIT: Now we can add Larsson to the list of AHL callups. Not fair to say Holland is ignoring Grand Rapids.

Most likely he'll just break up the 4th line for games when we absolutely need May. Then he can just jumble the lines to keep Helm-Draper-Eaves together if necessary during the game.

4 points in 9 games? That's good for a minor role player, especially considering he's been much better than his initial start with the team. Like others, I didn't think he worked really well at first, but boy he's really earned a full-time spot. I think he can do some great things for his career with this team and I hope he continues on an upward trend. That line is so fast!