blues_demitra38

I've found that most people who hate Don Cherry and think he is a joke are either liberal, hippie pussbags or extremely insecure hockey fans.

I wouldn't say that. Don is a hockey staple, doesn't matter what your nationality is. He has forgotten more than most hockey "experts" know. His opinions are brash and rarely sugar coated. If you can't handle them then watch Barry Melrose.

I know it's not popular here to take anyone side but Lidstrom's but it's not as if Cherry has no argument. A lot of people, not just Don, feel that Phaneuf was deserving of the Norris. What's wrong with stating your opinion? Cherry prefers, and has always preferred, the physical player to the finesse player. People calling him a moron for stating his opinion, which is not that far-fetched, are simply jealous and insecure. Grow up and entertain the thought that Lidstrom does have competition around the league.

The Sharks are the team to beat in the West; the only legitimate threat to their Cup run is Detroit. They are hungry and desperate and there are a lot of guys on that team with a lot to prove. As far as the San Jose-Chicago matchup one needs not look further than the goaltending. Nabokov gives the Sharks a clear edge when comparing the two teams.

Ozzie's height hasn't mattered in the last two playoffs.

Good points. If those were the options I would take Marleau at 6-7 million/year.

Fair enough. I guess the question now is, would you rather sign Malreau for less money and contract length or Kovalchuk for more money and contract length? Kovalchuk reminds me of Hossa. Great individual talent but whether or not he will develop chemistry with the other Wings stars is questionable. Marleau has proven that he can complement great talent which is what he would be surrounded with in Detroit.

This situation was similar to the potential fight between Ovechkin and Steve Downie about a week ago. What's wrong with a star player willing to throw down? It's not like they do it on a regular basis. And they need to let off some steam like anybody else.

Patrick brings much more to the table than Ilya does. Both are fantastic players but Marleau can simply do more. He plays in all situations, is one of the fastest players in the world and has a blazing yet accurate shot. I also think Kovalchuk will demand more on the open market which makes Marleau more obtainable. Add in the fact that he is a good ole Canadian boy, meaning he will never be a threat to leave the NHL, and you got one attractive free agent. Thus, Marleau>Kovalchuk.

Although Bertuzzi is not the caliber player that Marian Hossa was with the Wings, he has developed chemistry with Datsyuk that we never saw all last year with Hossa. Hossa is a similar player to Franzen, someone who creates his own opportunities and scores. Bertuzzi knows his primary role is to read Datsyuk's mind and find the open areas to score. This is why I actually prefer Bertuzzi to Hossa on this Red Wings team.

Marleau>Kovalchuk

Not only that but Gaborik didn't feel a thing with that big ole visor he's lugging around on his face. I'm sure that would make anybody pretty confident gong into a bout.

I'm a few hours north of you in Winchester, also for school. I've been down to Blacksburg and you aren't going to find many hockey fans down there.

The Wings keep playing the way they are that shouldn't be a problem whatsoever.

The 2007 playoffs.

Hatred is different than calling him a *****. And your hate is blind. That's fine. No need to justify anything. Just know that most people, like 99.99%, will disagree with you.

There is truly no reasoning with you.

Family Guy is not funny.

I was wondering what GMR's opinions were on this choice of opponent:

For the win.

Backes is a 30 goal caliber player. He is a true power forward in every sense of the term. You want him to drop the gloves with some scrub enforcer? Doesn't work like that buddy. See the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals featuring Iginla v. Lecavalier for further references.

Your posts in this thread implied that Backes alone kept his visor on. I went and watched the highlights right after and was somewhat surprised to see that both men kept their visors on during the fight; you made it sound as if Backes was the second coming of Darcy Tucker. Does Backes pick his spots? It's debatable. The guy is a wrecking ball on the ice and takes no prisoners, soft and tough players alike. But did it occur to you that maybe he didn't want to take off his visor since his opponent didn't want to either? You want him to tie one arm behind his back just to even the playing field, too?

Toews was also wearing a visor. Explain yourself?

You sure? Most of the video is shot in Detroit.

Anyone know what bar they're at in that video?