Blueliner

The only reason why he was given five minutes was because Backes was "injured." If he would have gotten up right away, Lilja would have only gotten two minutes.

high sticking has a variable. you can take an eye out doing that.

Filppula would be a top two line player on pretty much any other team in the NHL. This team just has so many good players. Just think that Helm, Leino, Abdelkader, Ericsson, Howard, Kindl, and possibly Larsson could all be on NHL rosters right now if they weren't apart of this organization.

Come on, man. The man made a mistake. He didn't try to hurt the player. I think a grown man that has played hockey all his life knows that it's wrong to hit someone from behind. These things are bound to happen when players are moving as fast as they are. It's unfortunate that these things happen, but they do. He won't be suspended, fined or benched. It was an accident and I'm sure Lilja is sorry that it happened.

So what part of my amendment do you have a problem with? I have not said that you don't have any pain or anything after you get hit from behind. I'm sure it does hurt. Like I said, these hits are usually accidental. If someone did it on purpose, they should face a huge suspension and also criminal charges. But if a player just gets the wind knocked out of them for a few seconds, a game suspension isn't the right punishment. Maybe a five minute major and a ten minute misconduct is sufficient enough? That equates to about fifteen minutes of time out of the game. I guess my position on this subject wasn't stated clearly enough. In no way do I think what Lilja did was right. Yes, it's a dangerous play, but he didn't try to do it. He just got caught in a bad spot. He should face a strict penalty, but not that strict.

Something similar to this just happened with Stuart. The other player didn't do anything wrong, but he indirectly caused him to go head first into the boards. I was't mad at that player. Most hits from behind are accidental and it's a shame that it happens. But it does happen and you can only hope for the best. Again, don't get me wrong here. I don't think players should fake injuries and make people think for a moment that they're seriously hurt. It's not fair to everyone else to make them think that.

Don't get me wrong here. I agree with the five minute major. What I have a problem with is players who don't get injured when they are checked from behind and pretend to be hurt in order to get a player kicked out. I've seen many players do this. And it pissed me off when they came right back out the next shift and my teammate is in the locker room. Right after the hit, Backes got to his knees and eventually skated off under his own power. He obvisously didn't have any serious injuries. To amend my suggestion. I think the player that took the penalty should sit out the five minutes and can only return after that once the player he hit returns to the game. Or a game misconduct can be given if there is intent or he could of easily avoided the hit. I know these things can be tough to judge, but again they are sometimes obvious.

You know what? You're right. What was I thinking?

I wouldn't do it. A good player locked up for a few years and a third round pick for two UFA's? Doesn't make much sense to me. Yes, his points are slacking a bit, but he's also playing on the THIRD LINE WITH NO POWERPLAY TIME. Not too many players put up great numbers on the third line. Plus, he is one of the defensive players on the team.

He did good until the finals where he got hurt and Conklin came in and almost won them the cup.

Last year with Kolzig and Washington. Granted they only got 3rd because of their division. But it's the 3rd seed none the less. They went out and got Huet, and still lost in the first round.

It was in early December. I was talking more about a deal at the deadline in which a goalie doesn't have much time to get cohesive with the team.

When was the last time a team picked up a goalie at the deadline and went on to win the cup? Can anyone tell me because I sure as hell can't remember one time that has happened. So history tells us not to get a goalie at the deadline. Better off to find one next year.

I think it's funny when everyone says Detroit is their rival when Detroit really has no rival (except for maybe now with the Hawks). I was in Columbus the game the other day and I couldn't believe how many people thought we were rivals. For a rivalry to exist, there needs to be some hatred between the two or it needs to be going on for awhile. Much like the days with Colorado. There was a rivalry because the players on each team hated each other. Not because one team kept beating another. That's why I don't understand why Columbus thinks there's a rivalry with the Wings.

Perfect analogy. lol

ah. i get it now. i didn't see the "a modest proposal" part. yeah, he's just mocking the whole thing. at least he didn't say something along the lines of eating players to cut down on fighting. haha

Downey and Ott will probably go at it twice and hopefully Ott pulls a Boulerice with Downey.

I was thinking about that idea the other day. But i was thinking something crazy like 100 years to get the cap hit really low. Thought about bringing it up, but thought that it wouldn't work.

I'm planning on going to the game next week in Columbus and I want some ideas for a sign. What do you guys suggest? The first thing that came to my mind was "Bettman= a french shower + a bag."

I was watching a video on TSN and Pierre said he completely disagrees with the way the NHL is handling it. When I heard him say it, I about fell out of my seat.

I think you'll be seeing Sweden and Russia in the Gold Medal game with Canada taking the bronze. Just too much fire power for the Sweds and Russians even though Canada has home ice. Not sure that Filatov will be on the team. Maybe if he explodes at the beginning of next year.

Has anyone heard any info on whether or not they'll play? If they don't, the wings will have a hard time being competitive like the last ten minutes or so against Phoenix.

Did Lidstrom practice? Also, what are they going to do with Kopecky and Malty? I know they'll rotate centers, but which ones? All three, just two, or will they also throw Meech up there with them a couple times?

haha nice signs. i'll be looking for them. i may need my binoculars though. i'm in section 210 in the last row. try to find the fsn guys before the game doing red wings live to see if you can get them on tv.

Here's a crazy idea. Let's have those bears go out and clean the ice.