VM1138

And plays bigger than his size.

We just don't get those second chances. One shot, rebound goes to the other team. Just like last year.

Bertuzzi's done exactly what we wanted and expected of him. I really don't have a problem with him in the lineup. Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi is a real-gud line.

My mistake, I came in when it was 3-0 and saw some quick replays of the earlier goals. Didn't see it was Howard to start. EDIT: And the replay they showed was an angle that didn't even show Datsyuk in the center, which is why I thought Smith made the mistake.

The replay really emphasizes Smith standing there watching Spezza score on the bounce. Ack. Why isn't Gus pulled? Not saying they're all on him, but he looks totally rattled.

Bertuzzi has played well. Let's save our veteran bashing for those who deserve it. I'm looking at you, Sammy.

Babs didn't criticize any aspect of Tatar I don't think. He's got to have earned a spot now, which will help our offense. I think part of the disappearing offense was the focus on defense. Clearly they went into that game with a focus on playing not to lose. They were simply cautious I bet, so they could support the defense.

And all of a sudden the team looks more dangerous. I hope Babcock goes with this.

I don't think DeKeyser is slated to have any noticeable offensive output. He's always been a stay-at-home guy, I think. Nice to dream about, though. He'd compliment Kronwall well.

In his previous games he always played bigger than he is, which is why I dislike people saying he's too small.

This is not what you want to see. Oh, Lord.

Ericsson would have great stretches offset by worst-timed stupidity that cost the team games. Thus far, Smith hasn't had great stretches. Ericsson worked out but there's nothing to make is expect Smith to work out. Smith lacks confidence and as a result is always jumpy. I don't remember a lack of confidence being a flaw of Ericsson's. He worked to fix things and they got fixed. Smith says he will work on things but he continues to look totally shaken at all times. That being said, he should be given more time.

What I want to know is why Alfredsson can be put on the third but not Franzen. It's never even been tried. Notice the second line for years has been lackluster and he is the common denominator. What about: Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi Tatar-Weiss-Alfredsson Franzen-Andersson-Abdelkader Tootoo-Glendening-Miller Tatar can provide Franzen like offense, and his defensive lapses will he offset by Weiss and Alfredsson. It also puts two finishers on the second line. Franzen could open up on the third line and be forced to play more aggressively. I know Tatar isn't necessarily ready for second line duties, but it's worth a shot early in the season.

Smith's "dive" was probably just to draw attention to the fact he was hurt. As maddening as it was, he needs to stop the play and without flopping the refs wouldn't have noticed his pain. Like others have said, there was no reason to fake an injury at that point.

With regards to Cleary, he's still a heart and soul guy, and has a role in the bottom 6, but we have to be realistic like we were about Draper and Maltby. How many times have you heard "and the puck is just too hit for Cleary to handle" or "Cleary just misses the puck" or see Cleary fall down with no one around him? Hint: you'd die if it was a drinking game.

He's been fantastic. This team feels more like the teams of old, a great improvement in every category over the last three years.

You guys are being too harsh. He's been key to several really good plays. The points will follow.

Making lines is harder this year than ever. So many players... We know the first line works really well. The second line is hit and miss, per usual. But you basically have to have France and Weiss on it. I'd say give Tatar a chance on it. Sure, he has to earn a spot, but his skill set doesn't work on the fourth line. Use his aggression and speed and hard work with Weiss. Or else, bump Alfredsson back up and hope his output continues. Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi Franzen-Weiss-Tatar/Alfredsson Samuelsson/Tatar-Helm-Cleary Tatar/Miller-Andersson-Tootoo Shesh, Helm coming back is great news, but I don't envy Holland.

I didn't really notice the bad reffing. It's definitely not the worst we've ever seen. Boston should've had a few, but there's nothing egregious I can think of that the refs missed. You have to admit, some of those Wings penalties were stupid of them to take.

Oh yeah, I won't say anything too critical, because he has been really good, but does he look to be struggling with positioning? A few times he wobbled or struggled to get himself moving. Not as graceful as Howard.

Wow, Cleary, for once you falling down was a good thing!

Haha, earlier I was watching #11 make some great plays, breaking up Boston's line, and I thought "God, Cleary actually looks pretty good out there." I had actually relapsed and forgotten he picked a new number. Oh boy.

Of course Tatar isn't perfect. How will he get better sitting on the pine? Sitting a kid with raw potential in favor of veterans who will not learn any new tricks and just drag the team down isn't smart. But I have to believe Babs knows what he's doing.

Babcock isn't dumb. As frustrating as it is sometimes, I think he's just trying out the vets. It's early, less is at stake. He played Nyquist over Sammy and Bertuzzi even when they were healthy last year. I'm sure the third line we all want to see will be what we get eventually, but now is the time to see if any of Bertuzzi or Sammy still have anything in the tank.

Don't hold your breath on Helm coming back so soon, guys. We've been down this road before.