Shutemdown

I doubt Shanahan's number would be retired, either, although he had some great seasons in a Wings sweater... If I'm not mistaken, I think you just proved yourself wrong, sir.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/1747...-by-nation.html Ok, so I read this article earlier and they say that Lids is the best Swede to ever play the game. Originally the guy said SECOND-best, but I think he still settles that Lidstrom is the best. Federov was named as ONE of the best Russians to play. Who do you guys think are the single BEST players representing their respective countries? We'll say they have to be playing in the NHL right now in order to qualify.

Alright, so obviously the question was too vague, or too open-ended... so I'll rephrase. Skill-wise, who do you think are the single, best players from each country? Doesn't matter what their resume looks like or how many cups, I'm talking in regards to overall skill, who do you think the most talented player from each country is? Keep in mind: they have to be playing in the NHL right now! I guess that's a little bit better...

I was asking in today's NHL, with all the current players, who do you think the ONE best player is from each country? Not best players of all time, just the ones that are currently playing. In that regard, I think he was pretty accurate. Canada's hockey "prodigy" is Cindy Crybaby, just as Alex Ovechkin is Russia's best, brightest star in the league. If there are others you think are better, name 'em.

Haha, I voted for the two top teams without even trying... Edmonton and Florida. Florida is non-existent, although I'd hate to discredit Edmonton's past cups or history. I will say it was much harder to choose a Canadian team than it was an American one. I could've chosen like 5 American teams we don't need.

If anyone's got any doubts that Lidstrom's absence will be felt can think back to February when he was injured and look at our stunning record.

Regardless, I think it would make people feel more comfortable if the team had SOMEONE to stick up for teammates. Remember in the playoffs when Z took a cheap shot and Datsyuk literally skated in and started swinging? Yeah, great to see that Datsyuk is throwing more checks and sticking up for teammates, whilst being A.) A little bit smaller than some, B.) A superstar of the team, and C.) The Lady Byng winner... but the reality is, we can't have Datsyuk out there doing all of our dirty work. We need SOMEONE, not because our guys are getting roughed up too much or pushed around, but to ensure that it DOESN'T HAPPEN AT ALL. I, for one, would love another season where our team stays healthy and remains injury-free... but one of the steps necessary to make that happen is keeping our stars safe.

Why does everyone hate Lilja / Lebda so much. It's like no matter what they do or how well they play, no one will ever give them credit. Lilja is a great defenseman. Look past some of his obvious f*ck-ups, he plays the game well. He's smart, he can block shots, and he knows how to use his size. Who doesn't like HUGE defensemen? This is all besides the fact that he's great on the PK (Anyone who would like to contest, he was paired with Lidstrom on the 1st PK line for a reason.) Lebda is also a great defenseman. Together, these 2 played very well together. Lebda had a little bit more speed and knew how to pinch in on the play and help out with offense. I, personally, thought Lebda was a great offensive defenseman. I know all you out there that like stay at home d-men, but I liked his style of play. And honestly, say whatever you want, I never liked Stuart that much. Besides personality flaws (West-coast wife had his balls in a jar on the shelf), he seemed lazy at times, was prone to looking nervous with the puck and making costly turnovers FAR too much. Lastly, show me one HUGE, BONE-CRUSHING hit that he supposedly made. Everyone praises him for his physical play, but I haven't seen it yet at all. Hell, he looked afraid to hit anyone half the time in the playoffs. For his salary, I don't really think he's worth it. Lilja and Lebda are a steal at their salaries.

Honestly, I think you might be right! I began reading every article I could about this guy when I first heard that we had signed him. Granted, he won't be around for awhile, if at all, but if he steps up his game, he's going to be a force to be reckoned with. I've read a couple different profiles about him so far, and although some of them are different than eachother, they all say a couple of the same things: - He's a hard-hitting defenseman with GREAT size - He's definately got a mean-streak - Not afraid to stick up for teammates - Surprisingly good skater for his size - His size... 6'4"... We all like big defensemen. he may be a little wet behind the ears, but he'll be great one day if he can continue to develop his game. If nothing else, we all know one thing's for sure. If there was any system that could develop this guy's skills the BEST, it would be the Detroit Red Wings! Best system in the world... Speaking of other prospects I'm definately keeping my eyes on (sorry, not trying to go too off-topic)-- - Ville Leino- Plays a puck-possession style that fits the Red Wings' current system to a T ... Exciting, dynamic offensive player who has the upside to be a real home-run acquisition ... Good playmaker ... Strong down low on the cycle ... Controls the puck well along the boards ... Great puckhandler who is dangerous 1-on-1 ... Soft hands ... Finishing ability has come a long way from his earlier years in Finland ... Competitive and determined ... Capable of playing center and right wing. - Daniel Larsson- The new Swedish goalie. I like that he came to the U.S. with only a contract, but knowing that he wouldn't be playing for a little while. He wants to be able to get used to the smaller ice, etc. Props for that, though... that's awesome. - Max Nicastro- The kid got criticized for making it seem like he didn't want to come to Detroit, but it was a mistake... more of a misunderstanding. Anyways, he seemed like a great all-around player and a promising defenseman one day. -Jesper Samuelson- All around, this guy sounds great. Great hockey sense, great set-up man, can be lethal on the PP, flashes of amazing skating and puck-control. If he can get himself up there, he'll be a great player for the Wings.

That's actually kind of unfortunate that no colleges would offer him scholarships. I guess it's understandable though. Ah well... the CHL will be a good experience for him. Whether he's playing college hockey, or playing in the minor leagues, he'll get some much-needed training and conditioning. I hope to see him playing soon, he sounds like a real personality for our team, as well as a gifted goaltender. Screw scholastics, let's play some hockey!

Sammy couldn't hit a target if his life depended on it. He's got a great wrist shot... if he's shooting at the glass, the netting, the boards, behind the net, just wide of the net, etc.

He's gotta make it in... I remember him being one of the Marquee players back when I was young and that seems like forever ago... But he's not given half the credit he deserves, either. People are quick to discredit him because of all of his "achievements" or lack thereof. To be totally honest, he's been leading a team for the last decade of his life and never complained, when he definately should have. Yeah, he never carried his team to a championship, but to be on the Toronto Maple Leafs and still put up numbers like that, I have to give him credit. Inductees into the HOF are looked at from every angle, much more than just glancing at their stats and seeing that they've gotten past a certain point. I'm hoping the HOF can recognize what he HAS done for his team, his city, and the league. He may not be an impact player now, but that doesn't mean he never was.

We don't even know that Hossa's going to be amazing. Well, we kind of do, but it's not gaurunteed yet!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PViiw8yKiAw Or go to youtube right now and type in "Aaron Downey Trash Talk". We need to keep Aaron Downey. He's a great enforcer...

Omigod... I couldn't even look at that picture anymore... his teeth were horrible.

Cleary and Franzen have the grit or the size, but not exactly the mentality that is required. Personally, I liked Lilja as an enforcer. Everyone on here seems to rag on him, but I'll be sad if they trade him away... He played very well with Lebda in the playoffs. Anyone who wants to talk sh*t about him can try and picture who else on our team lays down to block shots or drops forwards in the corners. Lilja's big frame played an important role. Also, he wasn't afraid to defend his teammates. If nothing else... we have Ericsson and Quincey and Abdelkader... I could've sworn I read that Ericsson and Quincey stick up for teammates. I'm not expecting them to be enforcers... but maybe one day. I'd say keep trying for two-way contracts with D-Mac and Downey.

At this point, there are only a handful of teams that I'll be keeping my eyes on... Chicago has undoubtedly been on the rise for the past couple years, and they've molded themselves into a competitive team, full of young prospects and trusty vets, much like the Red Wings have structured themselves (just not to the same degree). With Toews and Kane, they've got the youth and speed, not to mention skill. With Huet and Khabibulan, they've got solid goaltending. The Stars have slowly been building over the years and are finally looking ready to take a stab at a cup... they're not the biggest, strongest, or best, but they've formed a solid core of players and they all play well together. They made some waves in last year's playoffs. The only other team that I'll be watching (besides my Red Wings) is the Tampa Bay Lightning. They re-signed Lacavalier and Martin St. Louis, Radim Vrbata, Olaf Kolzig in net, Steve Stamkos-- 1st round, 1st picked draft pick this year, Gary Roberts and Mark Recchi, Vaclav Prospal, AND Ryan Malone... they made some big moves this off-season. Screw The Mullet, but the Lightning have made some pretty drastic changes... and their team looks great right now. Other than that, I doubt any other teams will make that big of a splash.