wings_fanatic

Here are my thoughts on the game : - This was a great character win for the Red Wings... this showed how good they really are for several reasons; being on a 2 game losing streak, losing Pavs, going down a goal twice... but they kept the pressure up and they played a solid all around game - I thought all of the forwards did an excellent job stepping up in Pavs absence, as they had to and will have to if he remains out - I am still not liking these defense pairings and would like to see Babs change them up - Howard is still looking shakey at times in net. He has now let 24 goals in in his last 7 starts if he wants to be the starter he needs to get better than that... as of now I want to see Ozzy playing more games than this; preferably a goalie rotation - I thought Rafi had an awesome game tonight ( Funny how I don't hear anyone talking about how he is a waste of space or whatever that nonsense was) Now, about Pavs, I think it looked worse than it was... he DID play a shift at the end of the first which IMO is a good sign (Babs would not have put him out there if it was too serious)... I think that during the intermission they sent him for X- Rays just to be safe as that is what this organization does thankfully. Anyways we will see but I think that is the case, and lets hope so

I blame Lidstrom having a lower plus/ minus on Babcock's defense pairings. I DO NOT like these pairings one bit and I have said this countless times. One of the qualities that bugs me about Babcock is that he is sooooo hard headed- - not changing these D units and not playing Ozzy more (He is still the best coach in the world despite that). But Stu is just too slow to be playing with Nick and they don't seem to know what each other wants to do in the D zone. Also, after last nights game, it is apparent that Rafi and Ericson is a massive defensive liability waiting to happen and that ultimately costed them the game. I would like to see Babs test out some new D units: Lidstrom- Kronwall Stuart- Rafalski Ericson- Salai - Lidstrom has been good this year and I do not notice THAT MANY mistakes on his part... you have to keep in mind that quite a few of the goals have been goals that Howard should have been able to stop the past few weeks, which is hurting Nick and the team - Kronners has been SO SHARP this year and I think he and Nick would be an awsome top D unit - Stuart and Rafalski should be good because Rafi can move the puck, while Stu provides the needed Defensive defense for that unit - that would be a solid enought 3rd pairing

Well Wings play Wednesday and Thursday this week- - Wednesday at home vs. Vancouver and Thursday on the road vs. St. Louis... so Ozzy will start in one of those, and the weekend is also back to back games too. I would like to see Babs play Ozzy Wednesday at home vs. the Canucks for 3 reasons: 1) Ozzy has been better than Howard lately, and he deserves the start imo. 2) It would be better for Ozzy to get the win on home ice. 3) Ozzy starts every 2nd of the back to backs (which is the harder game since the team is tired) so I would like to see how Howard can handle it.

I went to the game and what I saw was rather simple and is pretty much what I thought even before this game : - Ozzy played awesome... he made several big saves and from what I saw looks soooo confident in net... I would like to see him start vs. Vancouver as he deserves it with solid play that Jimmy has not been showing as much as - The line combinations were horrible; honestly they had no chemestry. The only line that got any pressure consistantly was Pavs' line other than that the other lines were running around in our D zone most their shift. I think Babs needs to keep Pavs and Z together as you do not fix what is not broken: Hank- Pavs- Bertuzzi Franzen- Filps- Hudler Homer- Helm- Cleary Eaves- Abdelkator- Miller I would like to see Bert play with Pavs and Z I think they would be really good together. - Also, the Powerplays were brutal again so Id like Pavs and Z to stay together for the PP as well - Rafi had a bad game obviously, but by no means does that mean he sucks... EVERYONE has bad games. This does go back to my point that I do not like the D pairings at all and I want to see them changed too - Overall I thought the Wings did more good things tonight than not, and a few simple changes are needed to become more successful. - Side note, those refs were PATHETIC... they made the lamest calls against the Wings and constantly let the stars interfere big time and hold...

Hey guys, so I seen today that Babs has shaken the lines for tomorrow's game against Dallas and I really am unhappy with the lines because I do not think Franzen with Pavs ever works... he seems to slow Pavs down too much. Here is what I would like the forward lines to look like for a little while : Hudler- Datsyuk- Bertuzzi Homer- Zetterberg- Franzen Abdelkator- Filpulla- Cleary Eaves- Helm- Miller - I think Homer needs a break from Pavs and Hank and Mule have often played well together so I do not understand why Babs does not try this to get Mule going - Bert played really well with Pavs last season so, again, why not stick Bert with Pavs - Hudler has been looking better the last few games imo and nothign would get him going quicker then putting him with Pavs; I think this could be a really fun line to watch - The 3rd line would be a solid all around line with Fil and Cleary able to provide some offense - the 4th line is solid as a rock I am also tired of these D pairings so I would like to see a shake- up with that too: Lidstrom- Kronners Ericson- Rafalski Salai- Stu - Stuart holds up the top line too much when distributing the puck, I think Nick would benefit more having another puck mover/ physical presence like Kronners - I like Ericson and Rafi I think they are still getting to know where eachother are and stuff Stuart and Salai would be a solid 3rd pairing - each Dman would still get the same amt of ice time as now - Regarding goaltending, IMO Howard has not been good enough lately at all so I would like to see the start of a goalie rotation I am not saying these shoudl be permanent changes but I think these would be the best temperary changes to get everyone going on their top cylinders obviosuly when in comes playoff time, Pavs and Hank will be together no matter what but for now I think a chance like this would be good. What do you guys think?

Really because it does not look like Franzen is trying at all. Even when he plays the PP with Pavs when he gets the puck he always makes a dumb play which results in a clear for the PK of the other team. IMO Franzen should be a healthy scratch if he keeps this play up. Hudler, on the other hand, has been looking better lately and we need for him to get going because, despite what some of you think, he will be very big part of our playoff success, just as he was in 2008 and 09. Also, I am tired of Fil trying to be Pavs out there,... he is NOT PAVS!!! he needs to keep his play simple

- Howard is not positioning himself good in net at all right now and I do not care what his record is at all... the fact is his last 10 starts his stats are not good at all and are completely inconsistent... so hopefully Ozzy has a solid outing sunday so Babs gives him a well deserved more amount of starts cuz I am starting to get uncomfy everytime the Hawks shoot with Jimmy in net kind of like I did last year when Ozzie was in net near the end of the year - Zetterberg needs to stop making so many stupid plays they need to give the puck to Pavs - the 2nd line is invisible they need to establish some offense - Is it just me or is anyone else tired of the stupid Defense pairings?? Stuart with Lidstrom is a big waste of time as is Salai with Kronners I would like to see: Lidstrom- Kronners Ericson- Rafi Salai- Stu

Here is what I saw in the first: - Howard still does not look confident in the net... on the first goal he slid way outa position and he is not challenging the shooters enough at all, along with his rebounds. I still think Babs needs to start a goalie rotation system - Pavel Datsyuk, to no surprise, looked to be the most energized guy in the building and he looks determined tonight... get that puck to Pavel! - Lidstrom is shooting the puck so well again - I would like to see Babcock try switching Franzen and Hudler because Franzen needs to be punished a bit for his lazy play and giving him 3rd line minutes may do the trick and Hudler has been playing good and plays well with Filps -

Great all around game by the Wings. Here is what I thought: - Nick Lidstrom proving why he is still the best dman in the game... that's a real captain right there raising his game like that to get his team going - Pavel Datsyuk had another SOLID night I would honestly pay money to just watch him play with a puck - Hank was stellar along with Cleary - Kronners is really impressing me this year he is a very solid Dman and vital to our success - The PP with Pavs and Z together looks like it is coming around... watch out nhl... - Howard still looks too shakey for my liking. The first goal was really weak, and they hit 2 or 3 posts on little shots that should have easily been stopped and he continues to give bad rebounds. If there is not an improvement in his play I would like to see more Ozzie starts to at least challenge Howie

Hate to break it to you lol but the Wings did play good today... 51 shots and most of which were quality shots.... Quick had 8 REAL GOOD saves that I though would usually go in. The team could not bury one tonight, but it isn't as if they played bad. Sure, once Howard let in the 3rd goal right away it kind of took the sails out of the Wings, but up until they they were playing one of hteir better games this year. That is my point from earlier... to win you need a goalie who can make timely saves, and lately that has not been Howard which is why Ozzie should start next game. If the game stayed 2-0, the outcome may have been different but that 3rd goal took the sail out of the Wings

I find it funny also that so many people want Ozzie in net now after this loss. In saying that, if you actually look back at all my posts since last year (which are not too many) they all support Ozzie because I think he is one of the best goalies when he is on his game. Ever since the emergence of Howie last season, I have been one of the few who, while I recognize his accomplishments, I also recognize his bad rebounds and tendencies to let in really bad goals at really bad times. Take Game 3 versus San Jose last year in the playoffs, the Wings had the lead until Howie let in that brutal goal (some say that costed the Wings the series; I do not agree with that but you have to question it at least). The fact that I am trying to get at here is that Ozzie is a PROVEN goaltender and is PROVEN to win more often then not when he is on his game. From what I have seen this season so far, Ozzie appears to be on his game and boy did he ever look extremely confident in NJ with his all around play. My question then is, why not do a goalie rotation for the time being... say until the end of January or so. Ozzie actually HAS a better GAA and near save% so why not? Sure, Howie is a good goalie, no one can deny that with his stats and wins, however it is obvious that he also has bad games and lets in untimely bad goals. So why not rotate the 2 goalies for a while and then later in the season start playing the better goalie more and more. By seasons end, whoever performs better should be starter in the playoffs. I am going to be honest here if I had to choose between Ozzie and Howie in the playoffs I'd be picking Ozzie because I just think the team plays more calm in front of him and he appears to be on his A- game and looks like he wants to take the starter job from Howie just like he did Hasek a couple years ago. But this is just me what do yo all think ?

Idc what anyone says but Howard has not been that good the past couple weeks... he seems to be on and off and very inconsistent (one game he is good then the next he is terrible) and his stats are pretty much the same as Ozzie's so say what you want but I think babs needs to push Howard. After Ozzie's last performance I think he has earned some starts here and if Ozzie plays like he did I see no reason why he can't start playing on a more regular basis along with Howard because quite frankly Howard costed them the game tonight - - way too many weak rebounds and a few weak goals. It should be like 2008 when they won the cup (the better goalie plays)- - back then it was between Dom and Ozzie and Babs kept rotating because both were playing well... I think the same should happen and if Ozzie plays well like he did then, then he could very well take over the starting job by playoffs time.

Can't remember Kronwall making a hit like that this year lmfao?! Does last week vs. San Jose ring a bell lol? Anyways real good period by the Wings; they had lots of energy on every line and looked real good. - I am sorry but Howard needs to do something about these rebounds its actually getting really annoying. I'm not just talking on the goal, there were another 3ish shots by LA that he gave a terrible rebound to and that is unacceptable imo because rebounds like that will cost the wings in the long run. Jimmy has been great for the Wings, but if he keeps on letting in weak goals like he has been the past couple weeks then I think Ozzy should be starting some more games because his puck control was great last game and Jimmy can learn from that. - Hudler looked really good out there tonight - I would like Homer to get to the front of the net a bit more - other then that the Wings just got to keep playing like this and they will win the game; no way LA can sustain this pressure all game long.

Well what a game by the Wings, all around. I still think that the Wings play a lot calmer in front of Ozzie than Howard which I think is key to success when playing in front of a goalie. The way Ozzie played tonight is the Ozzie who does not lose in the playoffs... and Babcock needs to realize this and start Ozzie on a more regular basis than on the 2nd of back to backs because if Howard shall faulter he has to have Ozzie going ... on another note I also loved Ozzie's controlling the puck tonight with his passing and stuff great to see. - Pavel Datsyuk once again showed why he is the most complete player in the world I would take him over Crosby anyday. 3 points, worked his ass off all game on both sides of the ice as usual, had 3 of 4 really nice takeaways, sickkk passes - Hank was looking really good tonight... nice to see him flying around like that out there - Lidstrom just doesnt seem to age... he was perfect on D once again tonight... always in the right position - Kronners had another SOLID game - the 2nd line looked better tonight but Franzen needs to start SHOOTING - Great game by the Wings for being back to back again... now they need to regroup and get ready for monday. I would like to see Howard play Monday and Ozzie to play Wednesday (i want him to get 400 at the Joe)

edit my post, Pavs played 19:55, my internet browser was not refreshed lol. But, even still, Pavs should be good for 22- 23 minutes a game, especially when he is flying like he was tonight.

Well every team goes into little funks so no need to worry. If you don't believe me, the Wings lost 9 games in a row the year they won the cup in that brutal Februrry month if anyone remembers. All in all, this game was loss for a few reasons: - Howard makes some wonderful saves, but too often does he let in bad goals. This game the 2nd goal was completely his fault because of his terrible rebound control; simply put that is unnacceptable. The 3rd goal the pass was taken so he really should have had the shooter, though you can never really blame the goalie for any 2 on 1 goal but I still do not like the way he played tonight and think Ozzy should go on Friday. - Henrik Zetterberg... i DO NOT know what has happend but ever since that San Jose game last week where he was awsome, he has been terrible... and I do not mean un- noticably either. Last game he turned the puck over a billion times and the trend continued this game too. - I took a look at the ice times and this is what really ticked me off.... PAVEL DATSYUK only played 18 minutes!!! Mike Babcock is the best coach in the world without a doubt, however that is a DUMBASS coaching move... and Pavel was flying tonight too. Now, I think that part of the problem was just lines were getting stale, which happens during an 82 game season, so I want Babs to tinker with the lines for next game (keep in mind within 3 games Pavs and Hank will be playing together) Hudler- Dats- Homer Cleary- Zetterberg- Franzen Abdelkator- Filpulla- Bertuzzi Eaves- Helm- Miller Lidstrom- Kronners Ericson- Rafi Salai- Stuart I think these would be fun lines to get the team going on Friday, with Ozzy in net. Hudler looked really good tonight IMO and would benefit from Pavs. Anyways I think the wings will come out flying on Friday

well after the 2nd I am fully convinced that Howard needs to sit the game out on Friday... idc what any of you say, a goalie at the NHL level CANNOT give rebounds like the rebound that led to the 2nd goal. Goals like that cost the Wings and in the playoffs can be a determining factor. So, I would sit Howie Friday, get Ozzy going because he looked solid against LA, then start Howie on Saturday against the Devils. - Also, nice to see Pavs getting this team going... he seems to be working his ass off tonight every shift unlike most other players on the Wings which is nice to see - Nick is still rock solid on D - I think the reffing is getting annoying because the Preds tripped a Wing 3 times right in front of a ref that period with no call, meanwhile the Wings are always in the box - I do want to question Babcock and his coaching (he is the best coach lol) BUT why does he play the god dang Zetterberg PP unit for a minute 30, then put Pavs out the last 30 seconds that is stupid ... and it goes with 5 on 5 play too because Pavel should play more minutes than Z cuz Pavs is playing much better.

no Hank is still good he is just trying to do too much; at least that is the problem that I am noticing. That is why I want Hudler put with Pavs for a bit this game because that will allow the D to realize they need to get that puck to Pavs... he will get a play going and would get Hudler going. The problem with Hank right now is the D keep giving him the damn puck to try to gain the zone and he loses it... the D NEEDS to give the puck to Pavs and Hank needs to wait for Pavs to get him the puck

Some notes so far: - Datsyuk looks like he is ready to play once again tonight, however Zetterberg continues to play quite crappy, turning the puck over at least 3 times that period and making dumb passes. If that kind of play continues I would like to see Hudler moved up to play with Datsyuk for the game because Hudler looks energized tonight and Pavs can get him going - the forwards are turning the puck over WAY too much at the Nashville blueline creating odd man rushes - I really hate these D pairings more and more by game. I understand that Babs does not want Nick and Rafi together but at least put Kronners with Nick and Stuart with Salai the D just are not moving the puck effectively enough - Howard still looks kind of shakey, giving a couple bad rebounds, but he did make some alright saves. No matter the outcome, I would like to see Ozzy play Friday against the Habs.

Just a couple notes after 2 periods of play: - I a m really impressed with Ozzy he looks really solid out there... and most of all he looks real calm and confident. Both goals against him were not his fault and, keep in mind, this is his first game in 5 weeks, so I am really impressed with his play. Hopefully the boys can find a way to get the W to make this game perfect for Ozzy and the rest of the wings - Stuart has had a heck of a good game out there (apart from his sloppyness on the first goal but that happens during 82 games lol) but he has had some real solid hits and his playing great D with Nick. - Babs needs to play Nick more in the 3rd because the D arent moving the puck quick enough through the first 2 periods - Zetterberg looks kind of slow tonight and is having quite a bit of trouble controlling the puck. I noticed a few times in the 2nd Pavs made a really good play but Z couldn't control the puck so we lost the scoring chance - With that said, Pavs has been amazing tonight as usual Overall I am quite impressed with the Wings and their effort since they played last night against the Ducks. Hopefully the boys can get a W but I will be happy with them either way. Go wings!

GREAT road game by the Wings... I thought the first 10 minutes they were a bit slow, but as the game developed the Sharks simply could not keep up with them. Pavs and Hank were simply amazing tonight with Pavel being slightly better... both of them showed so much hustle at both ends of the ice and the way they controlled the puck was amazing. IMO when Pavs and Hank play like this, they are undisputidly the best line in hockey. However, EVERY line was solid tonight there was not one player that stood out to me in a bad way. Kudos to Babs for having the boys ready for the game even though they didn't know if they were playing today and looking forward to Duck Hunting on Friday night. My 3 stars: 1) Pavel Datsyuk: The way he controls the puck and sets things up is crazy; along with his back checking 2) Henrik Zetterberg: 4 point night, amazing control of play, good hustle 3) Danny Cleary: I can't say enough about this guy... his determination is something else... solid EVERY GAME.

I don't care who picked the 3 stars, IMO Pavs was the best player in the building tonight. All game long he had drive, created chances and was solid every shift. In the 3rd period, on that lame 2 minute 5 on 3, Pavs made a couple sensational plays to shut down the BJ's powerplay then at the end of the game Pavs won a puck battle against 2 players and then passed it off to cleary. Pavs was simply a beast tonight and got 2 points in the process. Overall, it was a GREAT game by all of the Wings. Another note, I thought Nick was AWSOME tonight again... I would take him on his death bed over any defenseman in the nhl lmfao. Lets hope the Wings keep it up on the road this week

guys I knwo O'halloran has screwed the wings in the past.... but over the past 2 seasons he has changed and he has actually become one of my more favorite refs as he is pretty fair (imo he likes to let teams play these days) and he hasnt been the ref making most the calls against the wings tonight. - Reffing aside, I think the Wings have had a FANTASTIC road game considering being short handed so much. Pavs and Z look really good but I would like Z to stop circling the net only to almost get decked. - nice to see Mule score on the road - the D (all around team play) has been outstanding, which is nice to see considering the last 4 games. - Howard looks solid - Hopefully the PP gets us going early in the 3rd I would like the team to go up 2-0 or 3-0 to be able to rest key players for Sunday's big game - I know a lot are not happy with the officiating but the way I see it, it has not costed the Wings yet, and if the Wings can pull this win out I bet they get a better officiated game on Sunday. Anways, go Wings!

I thought that the officiating was pretty brutal that period calling some lame calls against the wings, meanwhile letting the Jackets get away with lots of hooking and holding. IMO some make up calls are necessary. The Jackets got 13 shots on net because of their 3 powerplays; other than that I thought the Wings had an outstanding period 5 on 5 and the Top line looks good tonight. On another note, Howard needs to stop giving such easy rebounds. Overall great first period.

I pretty much consider this game over so for next game I would like to see a few changes by Babs, some of which may surprise some of you: - I would like to see Franzen sit Friday out: I know some of you must be thinking that is crazy but he has been very lousy lately, giving pucks away and just strolling along so I think being a scratch will motivate the mule - Lidstrom and Rafalski NEED to play together I am tired of these stupid pairings! It needs to be Nick/ Rafi, Kronners/ Stu, Ericson/ Salai no wonder the defense has been s*** the past 4 games! - I would like to see Joey Mac start on Friday night also - Lines should be: Hank- Pavs- Homer Bert- Fil- Hudler Abdelkator- Modano-Cleary Eaves- Helm- Miller - Also, of note, I would like to see Babs play pavs and Z more than he does let them get into the game because they are our best force.