taxijim

I feel that no matter what it takes Helm will be brought up for the playoff run next spring. Even Babcock stated that Helm was an important part of the Wings cup in 08, giving the team a solid 4th line. I have followed his career for years & he is one of these guys that finds an extra gear in overdrive when the playoffs come around...the more crucial the game the more energy he brings.....I don't know if anyone noticed but in the finals overtime game last spring,he was one of the best Wing forwards & as the OT periods wore on he seemed to get better. I think Babcock & Holland have him G.R. to improve on faceoffs & his scoring touch as he has a knack of always hitting the cross bar or goal post! However I feel come next April he will be back.

I agree ,the fourth line was mostly in trouble in our end last night....I really think they badly need Darren Helm's energy & speed out there. In last springs playoffs Helmer gave us a solid fouth line which kept the puck away from the other team & added a few key goals...with Babcock's short shifting it really worked well. If the present fourth unit ever has to match up against the other guys 1st or 2nd lines...it could be suicidal!

Everyone says to replace Hudler with Helm.....I actually would love to see the two together even on the fourth line. Last spring in the playoffs the two seemed to develope a chemistry together in rather limited playing time. The two combined on several very important goals during the cup run. I think if Hudler was with Helm,he would get out of being in the minus.

I saw Leppard this Aug. & they really did rock the house. That wasn't a very spirited effort on banner nite & the mix was bad.....they also sucked on Dancing With the Stars....guess they should stick to arena gigs. I think they shuolda got Rev Theory to sing "Hell Yeah"......remember this spring at the Joe when the Wings came on with Hell Yeah blasting,the spotlites swirling,& Fleury falling.....what a way to set the tempo for the game!

First of all I have to say I'm from Helms hometown , so everything I say is biased.....but I have been following his career since Jr.B & I tell you this kid is the real deal. He is not a natural goal scorer, but a tireless worker who will sacrifice his body to keep the puck away from the other team (no matter which end it is in) . I think Babcock should gently work him into the PK as I feel this is his strong point....when he was on the Team Canada Jr. gold medal team, he was a long shot to even make the team....after a few games he worked his way onto the 2nd line & then became their premier guy on the PK. A little work on faceoffs & scoring goals instead of hitting the post & I think he'll be here for a long time.

I agree 100% about Kopecky....12pts. in77 games last year & 0 pts. in the preseason with a - 4....helm had 3 pts. & Leino had 6pts & both were in the +....I brought this up on another forum & got stomped down....they all said he was coming on,hit well, &wasn't afraid to drop the gloves??....I'm sure Helm ( already proven) & Leino could contribute a lot more. I don't dislike the guy either...but I do dislike Hossa who I am begiining to believe more & more will upset the chemistry of the team & will hinder the team more than being the big deal he's supposed to be.