Number19

Z returning confirmed

How about buyout Neilson and sign Datsyuk to a one year deal as our third line center.

I mean we're pretty bad. Out of the whole NHL there's only 8 teams underneath us in points and all but 2 of them have played less games (some as much as 3). It's hard for a lot of separation with loser points. The Coyotes have managed to defy the odds with their legendary performance.

Sergei, Pavel, Hank for me. I love Ozzie but he wasn't consistent enough. It would have worked wonders for his legacy if we won in 2009 and he captured the Conn Smythe.

It really shouldn't come down to points even if it's the least important criteria. Was Gainey ever a point producer?

Absolutely amazing what Z has done these last 20 games or so after all the injuries and last year looking like an old worn down version of himself. This guy is playing his best hockey while the streak is ending and the talent around him is depleted. He's being a captain by not packing it in and giving up imo. Mickey talked about preserving the winning culture last night and I think Z is doing his best to do just that. It's important for the young guys to see that effort even if us fans would like to see them get a better draft position. I'd be pretty cool if he managed to hit the 70 point mark by the end of the season. Silver linings and all.

That line-up is something else.

Players more deserving.. Z, Mantha, Vanek, Green, Howard. I haven't really watched the AS game since the 05 lockout. It's not exciting if the best players aren't playing.

You never really notice how bad the NHL point system is until you're a terrible team and can fully appreciate the fact that you're still in the hunt after losing more than half your games.

I'd scratch Sheahan in favor of a cold mcdouble and some soggy fries.

Sheahan is the worst player on this team.

Hard to believe Vanek had 12 min of ice time. Miller had more. Glenny had 2nd most on the team.

Sergei had the talent to be one. Maybe not the mental. It is kind of a mystery as to why his super elite dominance fell off mid 20s. Lack of focus in the regular season I guess. It always came back for the playoffs though.

Not a lot of names for casual fans but purists know this a very solid and respectable list (Makarov should have been in years ago). Hopefully next year Kariya gets in with Selanne. Selanne Kariya Recchi Fleury/Alfredsson Year of the wingers?

I would have taken him but I'm not broken up about it. I think he has the skill to be a top 10 winger but he's a bottom 10 winger in class. I'm okay with Vanek at 2.6m over Radulov at 5.5m.

Howe Lidstrom Yzerman Fedorov Datsyuk HM: Kelly, Sawchuk (I don't know enough about goaltending to compare to skaters)

The old logo is cheesy but this is bland and uninspired. I'll take cheesy over boring all day. I agree with others it looks like a soccer or car logo.

I only mentioned Hudler cause that'd be a classic Holland move. Obviously I'd rather see Backes or Okposo.

Radulov would not score less than 40 points in the NHL in a full season. That just won't happen even in our anemic offense. The guy is a two-way (this I'm not sure about but he did gather Selke votes in the NHL) stud who dominates his league and in international competition. When the NHL stars went over there during the lockout his production was right below Malkin and above guys like Datsyuk. It's not unreasonable to think he'd be a top 12-15 winger in the NHL near the level of someone like Panarin or Kucharov. Most russian fans put him above those guys anyway. I don't think he'd produce as well as Panarin beause not every team has a Kane to play with. The issue isn't this guys talent.. it's that he's a grade A ******. Typically that isn't our style. 50-58 points on a team like ours. 60-70 points on a top 10 team. And in today's unfortunate NHL that's big time first line status.

Kip's scenario is pretty much the dream (maybe the ultimate dream would include Stamkos). I think we all know how it's more likely to end up.. Larkin-Z-Abby Tatar-Sheahan-Hudler (he's a UFA right?) AA-E.Staal(our traditional past his prime allstar signing)-Jurco Miller-Glen-Helm Pulk E-Kronwall Green-DD one of our Griffins that ran out of options-March Smith I took Quincey out as I'm not cynical enough to believe Holland would keep the same D lineup and completely let our guys out of options out the door. I'd imagine the capspace would be needed as well.

I can't really decide who to root for but it'll be some great hockey played. I'm just glad the Kings, Ducks, and Hawks are out.

It's too bad really as I was really looking forward to a new arena. I love the history at the Joe but the place is really a dump these days. I guess be careful what you wish for. I agree with others that the biggest kick in the nuts is the stupid LC logo is replacing the beautiful LED lit Winged Wheel. Way to get the fans hopes up with that one.

Don't have to make these I'm just more or less reminiscing. Draper's OT goal vs WSH, Maltby's 3 blocks without a stick vs STL, Helm's shift vs Chi, Z's Conn Smythe shift, etc. Dmac's goal in 97 is a no brainer.

To those not in the know he is at least a top 15 winger in the world, maybe top 10. I'd take him over Nyquist or Tatar any day of the freaking week and twice on sundays. The issue is his attitude and commitment. edit: That clip with him hitting the coach. Holy s***. Maybe I wouldn't take him over Nyquist or Tatar. He's still a possible top 10 Winger for whom ever signs him though.

Unfortunately it isn't as rare as you'd think across the league. Goal scoring is almost 2004 levels now.