VM1138

Seems like Kindl has improved faster than Ericsson did, at least once he hit the NHL. I like this signing.

I've never been the type to overly value draft picks. It's so hit and miss that I'd value number over rank. I can't imagine the difference between 18th and 50th or whatver being so huge as to preclude trading the first round pick for more 2nd round or a player who can contribute right now. It helps that our prospect pool is stacked.

With the way he works on his game all the time, his scoring ability (even if he stagnates at the level of a third line scorer, 2.5 for 5 years is a no brainer. Chances are he develops into a really good scoring forward, thus making him a steal. Even if he doesn't develop, you're not really overpaying that much for third line talent.

They are hurting themselves long term. Great, you get your big contract. But if circumstances go downhill you will never be able to sign with another team. You will be another overpriced has been who fades away. But I guess they get their money.

They are so close talent-wise. It comes down to Tatar's aggressive goal scoring and playing much bigger than he is against Nyquist's superior playmaking and better defense. I'm not too worried about having Brunner, Tatar, and Nyquist. Tatar doesn't play small, Nyquist has a well rounded game and Brunner is dedicated to improve his game in every area.

He's average. He doesn't create matchup problems. I've never heard a coach worry about who is going to faceoff against Filppula. He is good defensively, but we can replace that. He is not a dominant player. He can't lead a scoring line.He was fine while he was cheap, but at that price we can find a hungrier, more reliable forward. And I dont think Helm is injure frequently. I could be wrong, but hasn't he only been hurt twice? It's just that this injury is a long one. Compared with Sammy who gets hurt pectorals and slips on banana peels.

Is it just me, or does this final seem like it's taking forever? The NBA just finished a 7 game final in the time it took the NHL to get through Game 4?

I have to disagree. Flip is a semi-talented playmaker, but that's it. He literally kills offense most of the time because he tries to pass the puck on a breakaway. He never developed past his 2nd-3rd line tweener status. He was serviceable, but he wasn't good. His talent isn't great enough to contribute on the top two lines consistently, and he's not creative enough to be a difference maker. I'm not going to say he's terrible, but he doesn't really add anything that can't be replaced.

Flip wasn't failing because he didn't have a 40 goal scorer, Flip failed because he's timid and is literally scared of shooting the puck. A change of scenery won't help him.

Agreed. I would love a hockey name, like the Howe. If not a person, then a cool nickname. Anything but a corporate name, please! And the reduced seats might be because of the corporate boxes. Probably will be the same number of seats for us average folks.

Easy fix: 10 seconds to make one shot of any kind. No restrictions or super technical rules. Or, get rid of the shootout.

When I first read that Flip wanted 5.5 for 7 or 8 years, I chuckled out loud. The only team that would pay him that much is Florida or the Islanders or some other team that needs to reach the cap floor. EDIT: For those who didn't read it, Holland also said we're rolling with 14 forwards this year, which mean at least three have to go.

Weiss wouldn't be an answer to our offensive woes, but he wouldn't hurt. Somebody has to replace Flip, right? Might as well be a guy who can put up more points. I don't get the anti-Weiss attitude. If he's our big acquisition I agree, it's not going to hand us the Cup, but he prevents us from getting worse and makes us a little more consistent up front.

I think a short-term contract is in the best interest of everyone involved. Holland would want a short contract because of the uncertainty. Did he plateau? Or is he really progressing? Was it just a weird lockout season? Those sorts of questions might make him hesitant to go long-term. And Brunner, who is probably itching for his big money contract, has bought into the Wings system. He's changing his style of play and I imagine working with the team staff to better himself. He may want his big money now, but if he realizes he can't get a lifetime contract, a one year or two year deal might appeal to him. Get a chance to prove he's worth that money and not have to risk hurting his development somewhere else.

At this point, does this series matter? Chicago is going to get steam-rolled by Boston, I think.

Would have been better without the dorky "D" in the middle of the star. But I give them props for bringing color back. Black vs. white and Red vs. White in almost every game in the NHL was getting old.

If Iginla is available, I'd pursue him. Especially if Pittsburgh doesn't win the Cup.

Boston or LA. Reason is really petty, too. Chicago and Pittsburgh already get so much play and love from the media that if one of them wins, they'll be relentlessly hailed as the greatest teams ever to touch the ice for the next 5 years. If Boston or LA wins it won't be nearly as nauseating and the media will probably talk only about how Chicago or Pittsburgh was better.

I'm a good sport, but that's not one of the funnier ones. Although, he's right about his criticisms, we complain relentlessly about 10pm start times (although I think it is legitimate to do so), constantly throw "How many Cups have you won?" into any argument, and overstate our importance financially to other teams in the West, etc., etc. But it's just a testament to how amazing this franchise is that in this article, it never attacks the hockey team. It's all about the city, people being old, etc., etc. The Wings are just that good. Go read the Toronto Maple Leafs one to see what I mean. The one thing I learned during the Chicago series is something I don't get: other fans think the Wings are coddled by the refs, and think everyone on the Wings are cheap-shot artists. I try not to be a homer, but I don't remember anyone (except Bertuzzi) ever doing anything really cheap. We don't even dive (except in sellable situations by the net, unlike teams who pretend to be shot when someone skates by them open ice). I just don't get the accusations that Detroit is somehow a team that does nothing but commit interference and spear people's faces.

Yeah, I'm tired of talking about Flip's potential. That made sense in previous seasons, but sooner or later you have to realize that it's highly unlikely he'll ever really break out. He had a high point output one year, and he appears to be just another one-hit wonder.

Which would have put us over the top against Chicago? Or helped us beat Anaheim faster? A prick or a goal scorer?I thought we were decently gritty. Not the toughest but we are far from pushovers anymore.

Most of us like Miller. But some bodies have to leave, even ones who contribute. I'd like him to stay, personally, if there is room. The 'youth movement' is done. So many kids will be up full time next year there will be few call ups. Interesting that Holland wants more supporting players. We have enough already. Gritty ones, fast ones, defensive ones, offensive ones. We need big guns, Holland!

That's the thing. Abby is the type of player we need up there, but he isn't the player we need. Does that make sense? We need his style of play, but in the form of a player who scores.

I came right here when I saw it on Facebook. That's right, folks, he said years. Plural. No one year contracts!

That is going to make the Griffs even more dangerous.