Death2duder

Unbelievable, another instance of someone unable to pick up on sarcasm. I didn't mean to offend anyone, I was just stating an opinion. Obviously many on these threads can't handle it so I will congenially refrain from posting on this site. Despite the adolescent comments, i have been watching the wings for 20+ years, played hockey my whole life and still do. I just thought it would be fun to have discussions with other wings fans, but apparently that is not what this particular forum is about. Thank you and Go Wings!!!

See... That is your opinion. A hockey fight is not boxing where a winner is declared at the end. It is subjective, there is nothing to be informed about. Now that we agree to disagree can we proceed with a discussion from this point forward?

How is that uninformed? I expressed an opinion about Downey's fighting abilities... It is an opinion from what I have seen. Wow... I cannot believe the responses from this forum. I signed up because I figured I would join a community of wings fans that can have a discussion. Why is everyone so freakin sensitive.

I see your point but I'm going to have to disagree. There are many guys on the team that have tasted the sweetness of regular season success mixed with the bitterness of playoff disappointment over the past few seasons (Zetterburg, Kronwall, Hudler, Filpula etc...). I think they will be the "motor" that Draper, Malts and McCarty were in 97-98. The biggest motivation of all comes from the coach, Babcock. He has been to the promised land but was not able to taste the honey. I think the drive from him alone will inspire this team. Either way, Go wings!!!!

I call 'em as I see 'em. I realize many may disagree but it seems to me that he hits the ice first more often than not.

i see we don't pick up on sarcasm around this forum too easily. Sorry, I'll try to keep to simpler humor.

I agree with everything stated here. The biggest thing was keeping the preds to the outside. If you limit all shots to the perimeter then you can put any goalie in there and he'll come away with a win. Great job by the D. The only sustained pressure from Nashville was a result of bad play by the forwards. The D consistenly turned the preds away and the forwards were unable to turn up ice or clear the puck. The D is the least of my concerns.

I've never heard of Abelhoweveryouspellit... Must be another upcoming European prospect!!!!

This article totally underscores the point I try to make when talking about the Red Wings organization. The Wings sign long term deals with players that have "character" (Yzerman, Lidstrom etc...). When the Wings won the cup in '97 the captain of their team didn't sit on the couch waiting for Ken Holland to drop a huge check in the mail box (uhh hmm... Neidermeyer, Selanne). They geared up for the next season to make a run. They also took pay cuts to make room for better players instead of forcing the organization to sacrifice good players. I will never understand how someone can be a fan of an organization with such a terrible culture as the Ducks have. It's a shame that their name is on the most holy of holies.

I would rather keep McCarty... Although Downey gets into fights, I don't think I've ever seen him actually win one. I'm more scared of my 5 year old daughter than I would be of Downey. The sole purpose of McCarty and Downey is to keep the opposition from bullying around our stars. McCarty did a good job of that last game. Although he didn't get in a fight, he was the Preds face any time they started to get chippy. Keep Chelios... I'm all for experience on the blue line in the playoffs. Until Nashville starts skating circles around him he should stay in the line-up. I think Hartigan is doing fine but it wouldn't hurt the Wings to get Abdelkader some playoff time and see what he can do.

Lines were all over the place as Babs was trying to counter Trotz on every shift. I really thought our 2nd and 3rd lines played great. I don't mean to take away from Hank and Pav but despite their two goals I thought the 1st line was the worst. Hasek faced the most pressure when line 1 was on the ice. There were 3 or 4 times when that line got caught in their own zone, dog-tired. I'm not trying to put down Hank, Pav and Holmer I just think that it speaks to how well everyone else played. My two cents...