Ram

Any thoughts on Tim Thomas talks?

Looking forward to the 24/7 episodes more than the actual Winter Classic game.

I've always thought that Nick will retire when he thinks he cannot play at a world-class level anymore. I don't know if we saw that point in this first round exit to Nashville or towards the end of the regular season, but for Nick, I think it is more so about playing at a level he knows he is capable of than what is personally best for his family. I do think he will take a pay cut if he stays, and not be as major as a contributor to the D if so, his ice time may be lowered, depending on who the Wings possibly add, but if he goes, he goes because he cannot play at his best any longer. I do think there is the possibility of him signing for one year and stating, "This will be my last year, no matter what." Homer has meant a lot to this team over the years. I do think that Homer may still have a place on this team. The way Drapes was a role player as a face-off specialist and grinder in the last year of his career, Homer is still a major specialist in net screening and could still play that role when the Wings need it. I don't see his ice time being major, but I still think he could come back. His body has taken a toll and he is aging, so at this point, is it not worth it? I do also think his decision will impact Nick's decision and vice versa. I think that either Nick and Homer both stay or they both retire. That all being said, if Nick retires, who becomes captain? I've always thought it would be Hank, as he simply embodies the Detroit Red Wings franchise and embraces everything the organization is about. But there have always been others that would say Dats should get the C, because his level of play has always been at the top of the team, and that his English communication is not an issue as captain, and he could lead by example. If Nick retires, I think it would be: C - Zetterberg A - Datsyuk A - Kronwall A - Helm? Valtteri? Kind of annoyed to be discussing these things so early into the postseason, but I guess that's the breaks. Go Wings.

There has been parity and I think that is what has made the playoffs so great recently. But, I guess in terms of results, since the lockout, Stanley Cup Champions: (Seed in parentheses) 2011 (3) Boston Bruins [with Presidents' Trophy Nucks one win away from Cup] 2010 (2) Chicago Blackhawks 2009 (4) Pittsburgh Penguins [This may be what you're getting at. They fired their coach after going through losing and turned it around, hungry all season] 2008 (1) Detroit Red Wings 2007 (2) Anaheim Ducks 2006 (2) Carolina Hurricanes [Of course, this was the horrendous year when the Oilers were the 8 seed and were one win away from the Cup as well] I think parity has been around forever, that's the type of game hockey is, but that in terms of winning it all, maybe not so much.

I know that Nick had a deep bone bruise on his ankle, I'm just saying that perhaps that is part of his getting older and that things like that may bother him in the future if he continues to play. We all get old. I could be wrong. I do not doubt he could still be the shutdown Nick we know, but that if he were to have a smaller role on the D, I would not be surprised either.

Last repeat champion: Still the Wings!

Very unfortunately have to vote no, I don't think he's coming back. Mainly because Nick will not return unless he thinks he can be the type of defensemen and hockey player he knows he can be and has been his whole career. Something just seemed off towards the end. I hope he was just injured or something. That's what we're all hoping, for him to come back. But I wish him a clear head in his decision and thank him for all he's done for this franchise as I have grown up with him.

Can't agree more. Babs is still our guy.