titanium2

Sammy scores. 4-2 Kings.

Man... Bobby Loo, how could you? Watching LA in this game has been fun. Wish the Wings would play that way.

Mannnn.... Hey Kenny, any ways you can steal Ryan Smyth from the Kings? Dude's a true warrior. Definitely 1B if not 1A of the Homer-type players.

That would explain a lot wouldn't it? Either that or Sharks in real life are very angry they're being objectified as a logo.

Well in that case then Lidstrom should definitely receive a Norris nomination.

Has anyone else noticed that all except for one of Franzen's goals during the regular season were at home? He only had one goal on the road against COL. He did only play 27 games this year but still, talk about home ice advantage.

Where's the intensity and the passion, Mule?

I would imagine that line would be better than the Hudler-Filppula-Samuelsson line. The only problem I have with that is Hudler's defense. He's not bad in that area. He's slightly above adequate. It's just that Filppula and Franzen will continue to progress in their development and a part of that is matching up against the top lines of other teams. Franzen and Filppula have proven that they can do a good job with that responsibility. But Hudler? For a whole game? I don't know about that.

Whoa... Newbie comes on and taken on a big dog. This should be fun to watch.

Ahh, so you've figured out how marketing works in the US.

They've gotten a lot of shots but from what I read on Sharks GDTs is that they're mostly coming from the perimeter and are one and done. And apparently Marleau doesn't go anywhere near the net.

Wha...? How do you get that impression?

Abdelkader is also a restricted free agent. Oh, and drink up!!!

Interesting quote from Babs from the Free Press:

Are you sure it's a secret weapon? (I'm just going to copy this paragraph from another thread). In 07-08, I believe that the Wings started with Pav and Z together did they not? That was when Zetterberg set the record for longest streak of games in which he recorded a point. He also looked like he was going to be in the running for the scoring title back then. In that time they were able to build a foundation of chemistry and they could play on separate lines later on but always go back to one line if necessary. Last year and this year they started on separate lines and when they played on the same line they didn't look all that great and a part of it I think is because they didn't build that same foundation early on. We always think that you could just put them together at any time and they'll produce but I think the chemistry between those two still needs a refresher or sharpening to start the season, not something to be hastily called upon in an emergency. (And then add some more thoughts on the subject). Also, the dynamic of same line versus individual line is truly different from their perspective. As each of them center their own lines they get to play with the puck a lot more as opposed to when they are on the same line and have to share it. Even Zetterberg admitted that having Pav as a linemate is still very much a process that requires adjustment. Taking faceoffs, skating through the center of the ice, being the primary puckhandler and playmaker are aspects in which both guys feel a lot of pride. In 07-08 they were able to build a foundation in which they could compromise. Last year with the addition of Hossa they could start their own lines and remain that way for seemingly much more significant periods of time. They got used to doing things a certain way and not having to share as much. For this year the story is pretty similar. At this point, a huge reason for not reuniting the Euro Twins is simply that they haven't spent much time together on the same line and that it would take time to recreate the chemistry they once had; time that the Wings probably don't have if they want to win. Hopefully I'm wrong and that Babs can just throw them out there and they'll produce consistently. But based on what we saw last year and this year it seems as if that just won't work all that great. Wow. If anybody actually reads all of what I just wrote then I really thank you for taking the time. Hopefully it makes sense.

Oooh, like what kind of stuff does Homer say? I love it when professionals are politically incorrect. And about Lidstrom, my fear is that he has already decided in his heart that he'll retire after the season is over. EDIT: And based on the way Game 3 went for him, it looks like he was already thinking about his nice retirement house in Sweden. When was the last time any of us saw him play that badly?

And then tried to charm his way about it with a smile whenever the media brought it up, causing the viewers to say: "Oh he's just being aggressive that Dano Boyo. He just wants to win. I've got no problem with it whatsoever. I like this guy because he smiles and makes a good impression on camera."

Man the Sharks board on HF has some pretty good reactions. I think this one is my favorite:

Definitely how it looks.

That's true. I forgot about that. Pav should definitely be the one taking faceoffs regardless of whatever line he's on. I think so too. Even though they didn't look all that great this year. I think a part of that has to do with the coaching. In 07-08, I believe that the Wings started with Pav and Z together did they not? That was when Zetterberg set the record for longest streak of games in which he recorded a point. He also looked like he was going to be in the running for the scoring title back then. In that time they were able to build a foundation of chemistry and they could play on separate lines later on but always go back to one line if necessary. Last year and this year they started on separate lines and when they played on the same line they didn't look all that great and a part of it I think is because they didn't build that same foundation early on. We always think that you could just put them together at any time and they'll produce but I think the chemistry between those two still needs a refresher or sharpening to start the season, not something to be hastily called upon in an emergency.

Shouldn't Zetterberg be the center though? Also I'd rather have Franzen on the right side because of his shot.

Well if Babs were to put them back together then Z would definitely play center. I think Z is playing with confidence right now that it might rub off on Datsyuk. Fil and Bert are playing pretty confident as well and could help Franzen because he'll certainly get the puck a lot more.

Plus Pav's style of play in the regular season really thrives on the fact that the games aren't as intense. He has a lot more room in the regular season and so do his teammates. Not so much anymore.

I might as well ask the question here instead of starting a new thread. Everybody's got a suggestion about what the Wings should or should not do. How about reuniting the Euro Twins? They didn't play together all that much this past regular season and the Zetterberg line has been good. However, I think Datsyuk can get a spark from Zetterberg and that Filppula's confidence is good enough for him to play center again. I can't really come up with great reasons for Babs to do this but I just wanted to know what everyone else thought.

Anybody got jumper cables? Because I think the Mule's got a dead battery.