Z and D for the C

I think you could argue that anyone of Lidstrom, Kronwall and Stuart are the best defenseman defensively. At the very least, it's not as clear cut as it was in the recent past.

I should have added a qualifier. For his first NHL game, Smith looked great.

Trading doesn't mean a contract. It's not a for sure thing obviously, but signing one or both is a definitely a possibility.

On the bright side, Smith looked great. He'd better play the rest of the season, bar injury. I don't care what anyone says, Lidstrom's defensive play is slipping big. I'm not sure he's the best defensive defenseman on this team right now, let alone the league.

Why would we have to? They're both UFAs after this season.

Franzen and Filppula have been our best forwards, but they can't be leaned on every game to score every game. If Datsyuk and Zetterberg don't start scoring at a PPG pace like they should be (or holy s***, a least a point every OTHER game for Zetterberg), then this team won't make the playoffs. As good as both Franzen and Filppula are, they can't carry the team.

Get better players.

This team is thoroughly mediocre.

So freaking close.

Abdelkader looking great so far on the top line. I bet he gets a point tonight.

I think he's looked excellent this season and he's developing as an offensive player. He sure as hell can't be worse than Cleary.

Filppula Datsyuk Holmstrom Lidstrom - Stuart Abdelkader Zetterberg Franzen Kronwall - Hudler

I can't stay mad at him.

Nope.

Saw the Blues scoring on that PP before it was even called. Despite being tied 1-1, a pretty s***ty period.

Um, this is a joke, right? Or do you mean like Franzen and Cleary will have to be their personal slaves?

Guys. The Joe didn't have any Filppula jerseys. Even worse, when I asked for a large 51, the guy was like, "Whose that?".

Guys, I'm pretty much a TV star. You can totally see my back/head after Filppula's goal.

Does Cleary even know he's playing a ******* HOCKEY GAME RIGHT NOW?

Attention, Henrick Zetterberg, attention, Henrick Zetterberg. Your Harley Davidson is double parked in the Joe Louis Arena employee parking lot. Thank you.

^ Looks like you forgot Helm, unless you know something I don't. These are the lines I'd really like to see: Filppula Datsyuk Brunnstrom Franzen Zetterberg Holmstrom Abdelkader Helm Eaves Miller Emmerton Nyquist I think Brunnstrom should have a shot in the top six but putting him with Holmstrom would be a waste. Both lines in the top 6 have combinations rarely seen but we might as well try them. And I realize now I forgot Cleary, I guess you can scratch Holmstrom/Nyquist or maybe Eaves isn't ready to go, but frankly he could get sick too.

I'm going to make a statement. Zetterberg is pretty much the most badass last name that is, ever was and ever will be in the NHL. I'm now taking questions.

Best game Bertuzzi has played in a while. Filppula's bubble blowing breakout season is coming, guaranteed.

I think we're being a little picky here. And also, I'm not sold that the wings are out of their "slump" yet. The Ducks having probably been playing even worse than the Wings lately so I'm waiting for a better test. The next couple should be good tests. Also also, Brunstrum needs to stay up.