Casey

Yes, get rid of one of the best faceoff guys in the league. Brilliant. Never mind he's minus 14 with a line with the much-maligned Kopecky on it. Also, look at how that would be perceived by other players- dumping a longtime contributor because they've slipped a little isn't going to make others want to take the famed Hometown Discount. Trade Kopecky, sure, but Malts and Drapes stay. As for fighting, my perspective's a bit unique. I boxed in high school, still do so recreationally, and I know exactly what it means to take a haymaker in the face. Do I have a problem with the Wings fighting? No. It's essentially self-defense, as last night was. Do I want to see them carry a dedicated enforcer? Not unless they also have an offensive upside. I would be fine with them having zero fights a year, if they keep winning.

Next time, Hossa, buckle the fight strap first, then kick his ass.

Awesome. Note to self: learn Swedish and Russian. I'd be willing to bet a few kind words in the mother tongue would sound pretty good to Pavel after so long of working his limited English.

Has anyone thought maybe it's a conditioning issue? Perhaps his TOI is limited due to conditioning concerns- he needs to build up the endurance to play that extra 4 minutes a game. Common enough with Euro transplants, at least.

Disney World! TPBM has a headache.

I'd doubt fairly strongly if Gaborik even comes back next season- he's missed most of this season with injuries.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Leino's something special. Hang onto him- he could be a star of the Datsyuk/Zetterberg class.

Retiring? 4, 5, 6. Maybe 13 and 40 someday. Honoring? 18, 25, 33, 96. Number is still honored, but active.

Not a chance anywhere along that line. Toskala- streaky at best, more off than on. Backstrom- excellent goalie, so too expensive Lehtonen- bit streaky, not worth the 3 million Roloson- he's not even fit for a fantasy team. In '06 in exchange for Legace, sure. Now? No. Brodeur. Love to see him in the Winged Wheel, but the amount of hallucinogens I'd need to ingest to make that move possible is incredible. The Devils aren't that nuts, no matter how well Clemmensen is playing. You don't just trade a lock for the Hall because he got injured this year.

I'm feeling 4- (1-1). Ozzie's getting better, it's just going slow. I'd still start Conk for the majority for now.

My cholesterol and blood pressure numbers say no. TPBM will help me hunt down the maintenance guy who keeps running a power drill in the library.

He did great. You could tell it was a struggle to use player's full names, though.

Sadly zero at the moment. We're going to get a dog soon, though. TPBM has asthma.

Oz lets in a softie then gets pissed at himself and goes lights-out the rest of the way. 4-1 Wings.

Then trade him for a bag of pucks, but don't lose that amount of depth for one player.

Do not want. Give me Hossa/Franzen with Sammy and Hudler, and I'm happy. Losing three to keep one is a bad move in terms of depth. Do. Not. WANT.

True. Ozzie's been letting rebounds out, Conks is either directing them safely or covering them. That's the difference between the #5 GAA and the #45.

1 shot, 2 PIM, -1. Glad to hear the Wings could give you a hand, Vladifan. Take comfort where you can get it, and never be ashamed where it comes from.

Dats is easily my favorite player in the NHL. I admire Cheli's toughness and grit, but Pavel's the complete package. Humor, determination, incredible skill, and an absolutely perfect humble humanity. He could be the most standoff-ish player out there. He could demand 10 million a year. He could demand trades and teams built around him, but he doesn't. He's a Red Wing through and through, and a true champion. God love ya, Pavel- see ya for about the next decade.

Holland, keep Leino long term. PLEASE. The kid's on his 3rd game and looks like a veteran.

Fixed.

*cringes* I'm more than a little surprised Cleary didn't kick Roloson's ass for that one.

Unfortunately (fortunately?), I missed the hit on Cleary. Was it as painful as it sounded?

So do Pavel and Hank, and there's a shiny silver cup proving it.

5-0... getting close to 14...