Hey...This is my first post on the site, although I discovered these message boards back during the 2002 Cup Run. I have come on the boards a few times a week since then to see what everyone is saying, although I never joined. I couldn't resist joining in the conversations any longer, however, so here I am.
I hate that my first post would try to create a debate, but I wonder if the reason Downey doesn't play more is because of his slight, and I mean very slight, tendency to sometimes take dumb or unnecessary penalties. I do not think he does this a lot at all, but I have noticed it a litte bit with him, as I have with Franzen and Lilja. The thing is, I think Franzen and Lilja (yes, I like Lilja, although I know he is not everyone's favorite around here ) bring a little bit more all around than Downey, and that is maybe why this gets overlooked by Babcock a bit more than with Downey. Don't get me wrong, I am always happy to see Downey in the lineup and I think he brings a much needed physical presence and toughness to our lineup. I am just speculating as to perhaps why he does not play as much as some Wings fans would like. As for Kopecky playing instead of Downey, I think Kopecky has the potential, and I say potential b/c I do not mean that he is at this point, but I think he has the potential to be a much better all around player than Downey. He is big, he can throw some hits, and I have seen him display some pretty impressive puck handling skills at certain moments. He needs to do this much more often and his game certainly needs to improve a great deal, but perhaps Babcock sees this potential and hopes playing him instead of sitting him will help it develop. These are just my thoughts on possibly why Kopecky plays sometimes while Downey sits. All that being said, I like both players and have no problem with either one.
