under_par_00

I didn't catch the Stars game on Saturday night, but the last few games for Howard, he has been solid. Yes that 3rd goal by Big Byf was terrible, and Howard would have had it for sure. The 2nd goal was classic Osgood, he has the weakest 5-hole in the league currently. How many similar goals have we seen already this year on Osgood? Even though it may have tipped off of someone, Howard is very good at tracking down those point shots, and that is one he would have saved a very high percentage of the time. Sure, he would have probably given up a juicy rebound though.

Is it just me, or would Howard likely have saved all 3 of those shots that Ozzie let in?

Damn, Griffs lose 4-2, both goals from Williams. Maybe he should be callled up to replace Z? Althought he doesn't even know what the word defence means, he has a wicked shot.

Leino's blindly thrown pass is the reason Zetterberg got injured (although Zetterberg is also to blame for reaching). Other than that, Leino is looking a little bit better each game. He needs to stop forcing things, and sometimes just make the simple play.

Good to hear. Getting any one of these 3 back will make a big difference.

There really is no timeline for recovery for a bone bruise. It can take 2 weeks, or it could take all year.

Ya, In that article on AHL.com about Tatar's transition, he mentioned that it was a bit hectic for him at the beginning of the season. He had to sort out his living arrangements and everything. He said now that he has an apartment, and a car, he can focus only on hockey. He has been a point per game player since getting settled. I really hope he can keep it up the whole year. If he does, we really have something special in him.

Good news I guess. It could have been a lot worse. I havn't seen much of Janik's play. Is he physical? I want to see him throwing his body around out there.

Haha. I hope you are sarcastic, because Tatar is nowhere near ready for the NHL. After a couple years in the AHL, and 20 pounds of muscle, he will be ready.

Yes he did. He looked really good in the tournament last year, I remember watching him. I was shocked when he went so late in the draft, and really glad the Wings got him. Look for him to have an even bigger tournament this year. He has probably learned so much in the past year.

Yes. Lots of grinders in the NHL were big time scorers in junior.

Sadly I can't see the Wings winning 3 in a row.

You've got to think that some teams will start slowing down. Also, the Wings will pick it up even more once guys start coming back from injuries. I don't see how teams like LA, Colorado, Pheonix, Dallas, and Nashville are doing so well.

First of all, I do not resent Hudler in any way. Check my previous posts if you have to (don't waste your time), and I usually have nothing but good things to say about Hudler. He is a very good offensive player, but his PP contribution is just getting a little overrated in this thread. Last year the first PP was Hossa - Dats - Homer, and the second PP was Hudler - Z - Franzen.

Come on people, Hudler played on the 2nd PP with Zetterberg and Franzen! Arguably both equal, if not better offensive players than Hudler. Stick him out there now on that 2nd PP, and he will only look half as good. Albeit still better than Abdelkader, or Cleary, or anyone currently on the 2nd PP.

I've heart that Stuart is pretty quiet in the locker room. He is a quiet guy by nature. He has been a solid player all year though, and I love what he adds to this team.

I wouldn't say that. He was on the 2nd PP mostly with Zetterberg and Franzen. Put him on the 2nd PP this year with Big Bert and Cleary and it will not look the same. Never the less, it would still look better than it does without him IMO.

Perry is icing his left hand.

Williams will have an impact when he comes back. Williams > Abdelkader > Helm > Leino > May > Miller who are all playing right now.

With the way Howard has been playing, I don't really see this happening. Unless Holland is trying to replace Osgood, which I also do not see happening. What would it take to get this guy? Certainly we would have to give up one of Larsson or McCollum plus more. I don't think the Wings will make an offer.

I don't know if this is the reason or not, but take a look at Pittsburgh's stars: Crosby - 22 Malkin - 23 Staal - 21 Letang - 22 Fleury - 25 And the Red Wings stars: Datsyuk - 31 Zetterberg - 29 Lidstrom - 39 Rafalski - 36 Osgood - 37 Arguably our better players this year have been: Kronwall - 28 Filppula - 25 Helm - 22 Maybe these long playoff runs do have an effect on our older guys?

I just came across Georges' personal website, where he has a blog. His latest post talked a lot about the Kronwall hit, how he felt, and the procedure with the hearing. It also contains his thoughts on the suspension. I thought this was a very good read, and I have a little more respect for Laraque after this. He then goes on to talk about the Latendresse trade. From: Laraque's Blog

I still have hopes for a deep playoff run once all our guys get back. But Franzen back and 100% is crucial. Missing Franzen would be like missing Datsyuk in the finals. Oh wait....

Is Filppula spending his recovery time in Finland? Or is he in Detroit?

B-E-A-utiful. Mickey really jumps all over Anisimov for having his head down. He is right though, what was he thinking? I play in a non contact league and I will have my head up there after having that much time and space.