Z and D for the C

Stupid as it is, it only count's regulation losses. OT losses create a black hole.

I like.

I don't want to get too tiring or anything, so I'm not going to mention that Filppula's goal was #3 on the best goals of the week on NHL.com. Seriously.

At least Filppula didn't get knocked out in a fight and then get a concussion from said fight and not play for 12 months.

Both. He is Pavel Datsyuk so even when he's not playing well he looks pretty damn good, but for all of this season Datsyuk just hasn't looked motivated. I'm not saying he is lazy and he sucks but there has been times during games where he does look like he is just coasting out there. Again, he doesn't look bad, but he isn't playing like he should and after him nearly being a 100 point player for 2 seasons, being unlucky doesn't explain him not producing at at least a point per game. Don't think that I think Filppula having as many points as Datsyuk is a good thing. It's what I've expected out of Filppula but Datsyuk only producing at that level is bad. It's bad for him and more importantly the team. Datsyuk needs to be better and it's more than luck and bounces he needs.

For the record, I'm not saying Datsyuk is playing poorly, but he's not playing anywhere near his level. And I was thinking last game that Zetterberg looks slower, so maybe he does have some nagging lower body injury.

Best news by far is Lilja. If he could get back before the Olympics (or maybe just after would be better for him) he could be good to go for the playoffs which would be spectacular.

Then what does Lebda have to do with that? But yeah Leino definitely has potential and I'm not saying trade him just for the sake of trading him, but I think that even as a rental Modano would be worth losing Leino as Modano would make our lineup incredibly strong. But if we can stay cap compliant and only trade a couple picks for Modano I'm all for it, but then again we might have trouble making room for Leino. Zetterberg Datsyuk Homer Franzen Filppula Bert Cleary Modano Williams Helm Draper Eaves That's cup winning depth.

Absolutely. This would be a great deal. Even ship Leino for him if need be (though who knows if anyone would even want him)

If we can get him similar the Stuart deal (2nd + 4th pick) and it's cap possible, you have a perfect third line center so Helm can stay with Drapes and Eaves on the fourth line. I'd do it in a second.

OH GOD NEXT I GOT COREY PERRY

Marleau.

Oh absolutely. That's just what gcom thinks.

Interesting data, didn't think Lidstrom would have that many points (but 7 (seven!) of those are secondary assists. so according to gcom those don't even count right? /s). I'm happy to be wrong. But a few things with your ending points. - I'm not looking only at scoring and points. Even more so a .03 difference in ppg is just unworthy to even mention. - Honestly, I don't think datsyuk having 1 more goal is very consequential. If he had 5 or 6 goals to Fil's 2 then you have something, but again the difference is so small it doesn't change anything. - No argument against +/-, but, and though it's minor, according to Datsyuk's stats page he only +6. Again a minor detail but I'll still mention it. - I'm not sure what the relevance there is. Cleary gets the same PP time and the same minutes as Flip, and Datsyuk gets more minutes and is on the first line. And Flip's second line still isn't even quite a legit NHL second line. And I am talking about forwards here.

Hudler is off in Russia. For this threads purposes he may as well not exist. gcom, if you want to link all the vidoes from each of filppula's and datsyuk's points since Flip has been back, I'd love to watch them. Leino was benched to send a message because he wasn't putting forth any effort. Why should datsyuk be excused? Flip's play has more than warranted a game playing on the first line and a message needs to be sent. Is it radical? Yes. But more of the same isn't doing anything. And this has nothing to due with the loss tonight. Edit: Actually I took a quick look at all of Datsyuk's and Filppula's points since you're so into that stuff, and datsyuk actually has 2 secondary assists to Filppula's 1. OMG! Listen, you're right. Datsyuk's points have been marginally more "flashy". There is no denying Datsyuk is much more skilled than Filppula but the fact is a point still counts as a point regardless of how hip or cool he looked while doing it, and both Datsyuk and Filppula have the same amount.

Respectfully, no. Filppula had a 17 point rookie season in 72 games. Even at 82 games (which he won't get) he only gets 14 points given his current pace. I could go on and on but you're a smart guy Drake so I don't think I'll have to. But Filppula was a better rookie than Leino is now, the evidence is irrefutable and I can bring it out if you need me to. PS Leino will never have a better season than Filppula.

I know you don't think he'll get 50 points and I know your focus was on Leino. I agree with you about Leino. But the fact is no way in hell has Leino shown to be more likely this season to get 50 points than Filppula, which is what you said is the reality. That's my point.

Yeah, much too good to be true, especially so sudden. I would expect that even if Lilja's headaches stopped today, he still wouldn't play by the end of the season.

So you really don't think you've been proven wrong given that Leino is on pace for 14 points over 82 games (Filppula's point toal at 26 games) and Filppula is currently on pace for 49 points over 82 games? Even if Flip doesn't end up at a 50 point pace (which I think he will, and then some) by the end of the season, it's beyond crazy to think that Lieno had a better shot at 50 than Filppula. But I'm sure you'll stand by that.

But Flip scor- Even more than that, I would enjoy pointing out everytime those things to every other player on the wings. How often has Datsyuk tried a move that completely fails? You think that Flip is the only one who doesn't connect 100% of his passes?

Interesting quote.

Lebda?

No one has worked harder while looking better and performing better. Helm is close and has definitely been one of our best forwards but not as good as Flip. Maybe I am over-rating his play lately but it's not like I'm completely off the reservation. Flip has been one of our hardest workers and if you don't admit that then you've just surpassed some of the Hasek haters from a couple years ago.

Definitely not saying he did, but he needs to be better.

Do you have his address!? If not get it from Lilja on your next date with him.