VM1138

Schneider is underrated. Fans here have a love-hate relationship with him, but he'll perform ably out there. Of course, with Pronger probably getting suspended for more games next year, is he capable of carrying the defense? Maybe not. And as for my comment about the lack of good goaltending, I meant consistentcy. There are no 'great's' or even 'good' goalies out there. I can't think of a single goalie other than Hasek and Brodeur who is consistently good. Giguere? He's only ever truly performed well in two playoffs, and I'm not going to undercut him there. But regular season? Hardly someone to build your team around. There may be some young prospects, but without greats to learn from, do we really dare expect them to develop into constently great netminders? EDIT: I forgot Kiprusoff. He's generally consistent.

There really aren't any great goaltenders out there anymore. It really does seem like there's a huge sagging in quality of defensemen and goalies. Some amazing forwards are breaking into the league, but not much else.

But will they be contenders, do you think? In my opinion, they'll be better, but I think the impact of their signings is a little overstated.

Let's not be cocky about winning the Division. The Wings' season last year was a little rocky, and now we've downgraded on defense. Nashville still has a solid core, Columbus and St. Louis both had stellar final halves this season, and Chicago....well, they could always be that one year wonder. So no, we don't have anything locked up yet. And with the defense Anaheim now has, I'm not as optimistic about the future as I was. I really didn't expect Schneider to go to Anaheim, and then leave us with very few good defensive replacement options.

People are overreacting (but I guess that's what fans do). I think if he signed with any other team it would have been about the money, but as stated, he lives in LA, he's going to the defending champions, and it's very possible Neids will stick around another year now that they have a virtually uncrackable defense, just for the fun of it. Of course, that would hurt Anaheim financially, but it'd be a hell of a team. Let's not bash Nieds too much. There was obviously more than money involved in this. I wish Schneider luck (but not too much, as we'll probably be facing Anaheim in the future playoffs) in his new endeavor.

I think it's funny. Prior to this everyone was well prepared. Everyone acknowledged that the Wings won't be aggressive, and everyone seemed to be OK with that. Everyone knew Holland would sit back and wait for the smoke to clear. Then, a player we all knew was leaving goes, and everyone starts freaking out attacking Holland. Amusing.

Bleh, I'm tired of waiting. Nothing is happening so I'm going to go get out and live my day. Maybe there'll be some news later tonight.

I wonder if they could talk Rafalski down to around 5.5 million? Probably not. I only have audio, too.

Briere has narrowed it down to five they think.

Rafalski would be amazing in Detroit. Only problem is, he's commanding more than even Schneider is asking for, isn't he?

I was listening in the background, but I think I overheard someone saying Barrett Jackman has just resigned with St. Louis. 19th team to make a serious offer to Smyth. Wow. He's extremely popular. Drury is meeting with LA Kings?!

I hate to join the "Get er done, Kenny!" crowd, but I wish Rafalski wasn't after so much money...He would do well here.

Talk about anti-climactic.

That sounds more correct.

That was only his second playoffs? Boston's made playoffs before in recent years...

Yeah, quite a few people decided to repeat the news over and over.

I don't know. Thornton is a good player, but isn't he a chronic underachiever in the playoffs? I guess it's smart, they just need to lose Guerin. I just have a bad feeling he'll be coming to Detroit...

I'm getting used to the idea of losing Markov and Schneider, but I really thought Bertuzzi would re-up with us. We better keep Bert and Hasek. By the way, does anyone know the fate of Kyle Calder? I know he was on his way out, but then we lost Lang, and will probably lose Schneider and Markov, so is he sticking around? The live feed mentioned Vancouver would be interested in Calder. UPDATE: Thornton just re-signed with San Jose, long term contract. 7.2 million per season.