titanium2

http://www.freep.com/article/20090210/SPOR...etterberg+line+ Red Wings return to reliable Datsyuk-Zetterberg line BY HELENE ST. JAMES FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER Like having an ace up their collective sleeve, the Red Wings know they can put Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk on the same line and it's a near-guarantee of positive results. The two have paired up on a scoring play three straight games, helping the Wings take a four-game winning streak into tonight's game at Nashville. It's the first time all season the two former linemates have been together. "Even though we've been apart now for almost 50 games, it feels like yesterday and it's fun to be out there together again," Zetterberg said. "I think both me and Pav are really excited." In the past Datsyuk and Zetterberg, with Tomas Holmstrom on the right side, have formed one of the NHL's top lines, but with Holmstrom sidelined by a hernia, Dan Cleary has fit in nicely as a substitute. "He's doing really well," Zetterberg said. "He's standing in front of the net and making it harder for the goalie to have the right angle. And he's in the corners, too, going in and getting the puck and then he gives it to either me or Pav and then he goes back to the front of the net again. He's got great vision, too, especially in our own end when we transition from defense to offense. He always makes the right play." This is a great chance for Cleary to make a dent in his stats. He's coming off back-to-back 20-goal seasons but has just nine goals so far this season, most of which have come on the third line. He's also seen far less power-play time because the Wings are so flush with talented forwards. With Holmstrom gone until mid-March at the earliest, Cleary should benefit from playing with Datsyuk and Zetterberg. "They work so hard, you just have to work as hard as they do," Cleary said. "They always have the puck offensively and are very creative, so when I get it, I try to hold on to it and give it to them and go to the net, just like Homer does. Good things will happen going to the net. I mean, those guys, they're two of the top forwards in the world, so it's a great opportunity for me." Cleary also plays on the penalty kill and had one of his best games in that capacity in Sunday's 3-0 victory at Pittsburgh, when he blocked five shots. He even redirected a shot with the back of his helmet during a Penguins' power play in the second period. "That's just deciding you want to win, that's all that is," coach Mike Babcock said in reference to Cleary's blocks. "Good for him."

Found a great one: Pavel Datsyuk: “When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up to drink a lot on Christmas and be drunk.” (Being Russian Orthodox, Datsyuk celebrates Christmas on Jan. 7.) http://alexovetjkin.blogspot.com/2007/12/h...ents-bruce.html

Back from 2006: "Babcock said one of the reasons he didn't pair the two together sooner was they both want to play center and control the puck. Datsyuk has adjusted well to playing left wing, though Zetterberg said it doesn't make much difference. 'Whichever guy is first back (defensively) is playing center,' Zetterberg said. 'I think we adjust in the games, too. On paper, I'm the center, but in games we both play center. 'I've been taking the draws lately, but it's good to know that he's right behind me. If you have a bad day, he can step in and take a few, too.'" http://www.datsyuk13.com/news_13.htm

They do improvise a lot. I remember Z saying that they both play center and whoever is closest to being the first guy back is the center for that moment. And whoever is having a good day on faceoffs is the one who takes it. I wish TSN, RDS, ESPN or whoever would make a top ten Pav and Z connections for goals. This would undoubtedly be #1: It's really awesome to watch them, as the announcers say, "play catch."

His official website has an archive of news articles. LOTS of one-liners in those. http://www.datsyuk13.com/news.htm

Same goes for Zetterberg, actually. If I'm not mistaken, he's still averaging at least two minutes less of ice time in comparison to last year. And he's mainly responsible for the Thorntons and Malkins and Iginlas of the league defensively while Pav's line gets to do all the scoring. Of course his points are going to drop a little. The Filppula-Hossa combo has worked well. Not as great as Pav and Z but it's unreasonable to expect that. I think it helps that Fil doesn't handle the puck as much. It allows Hossa to really take charge instead of being passive and waiting for Pav or Z to make a move. I think it also helps that Fil is a strong skater. It's just that for whatever reason he hasn't done that every game this year. But as long as he's flying out there, he'll be alright.

They really like him as both a player and a person. Very, very slim chance they get rid of him anyways.

He got a stick into the man area. Like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9ifRJ-MSeY

What about four for hottest girlfriend/wife?

Nope. Hossa is Hossa. I'm sure lots of people miss the days of #91 in a Wings jersey but they'd be wrong to call Hossa the second coming. Let's just enjoy Hossa for who he is and not try to box him in with lame expectations.

I would think that when the Wings beat them 6-0 at the Joe was a way to "show that they're human." I just wish Boston's goaltending would having some kind of meltdown.

Looking to see when this guy ( http://www.letsgowings.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=55392 ) will officiate a Wings game?

Well I hope so. If he does fulfill that role, then he should really put on another twenty pounds. If he does that, with his skill and passing ability and hockey sense, he really could be the next Holmstrom. Why is it that according to lgw.com, Leino is not a restricted free agent. It's in green. Just a tad confusing. http://www.letsgowings.com/salarychart/index.php

Can Leino play a net-front presence on a game to game basis? Like he did on Rafalski's goal today.

Probably has something to do with this: TOI through 2 periods Rafalski: 16:46 Lidstrom: 13:51 Lilja: 12:40 Chelios: 12:03 Kronwall: 11:55 Lebda: 10:06 To this day Kronwall is still second in average ice time among the whole roster.

Any chance someone will put it up on YouTube?

Yep. Definitely a nice one. http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/2007/11...sing-fancy.html

I just remembered a couple more. "What did you do with the puck in which you scored your first goal?" "I sold puck for three dollar." He might not have meant this one as a joke but it was still funny. "Who taught you those moves you use on the ice?" "My daughter, I've seen how kids play."

http://www.windsorstar.com/Sports/Wings+no...2321/story.html "Sources with knowledge of the talks said the Wings are entertaining thoughts of a five-to-eight year deal for Franzen. If the deal is of the longer variety, then the last couple years will likely be similar to Zetterberg's contract. Zetterberg sees his salary drop to $1-million per season in the final two years to reduce the cap hit." In regards to Hossa, nothing much new, but a little bit I suppose: "I know what kind of deal I want. I just want to stay for a long time. "Obviously, this is great to be part of. We'll see how negotiating will go. "It could be a few days, a few months or after the end of the year." Hossa left the distinct impression it wasn't matter of if, but when something might be worked out.

Nice. Though even after a good number of years, it's still weird for me to see someone besides #19 have the C. Though they have said that Z is the next Yzerman. Sometimes I see it. Anyone?

Makes sense. At the same time, how was he so good last year during the regular season? The defensemen?

I'm not saying he's wrong but maybe I just need a reminder. Who exactly is he referring to? Maltby? The guy who plays less than 10 a game?

If it is a difference of 1mil that 1mil can be used to sign Ville Leino to a small raise (.875k).

Yeah I liked line 1B. It worked well tonight. I think having Hossa as a linemate really encourages Filppula to skate, which makes him a real good offensive threat. Hossa's not a bad passer either, so if the opportunity is there then Fil better take the shot.

Let's say the Wings don't find a way to sign Sammy. Who can they get with a right-handed shot to do Sammy's job at relatively the same price?