SDavis35

Of Course! This year's squad just isn't as good as years past... (as they say every single year ) Then again... Canada will play their 3rd game in 4 nights as well so it's not too far off even

A few details missing before coming to any sort of conclusion: a) how many fighting majors in the respective years b) how did the win % with a fight compare to win% without (which i believe is fairly even) from the win% there, I would say that it's not a significant factor in the Wings play.

It's that west-coast canadian accent of his

No need to edit, we have more wins (13-10 if you exclude the shootout)

definitely the stache... he looks like a different player with that thing. Certainly can't say he's not trying, but he has also been getting a point for a few consecutive games right? Hopefully he just stays consistent and plays like a 24 year old again.

What? Didn't Lilja get the entire front page of NHL.com along with every Canadian (not sure about American) newspaper?

Hopefully he still plays as well as he did when he left. Don't like him, but I'm hoping this teaches him how valuable the game is, and if we pray real hard... he'll be humble in returning.

I don't mean any disrespect but the defence this year is far superior than that under the late McCrimmon's defensive scheme. Very impressed with Jimmy as well, he's been a huge part of it. I only really feel uncomfortable with our 3rd pairing right now, but they're young so I don't mind. And again... go Jimmy!

I see nothing wrong with playing a 1-3-1 defence, but I don't think that should mean no forecheckers, that's where I get annoyed. Philly is the first(?) to exploit it like this, but it's not an unbeatable tactic.

^this reminds me of bertuzzi's goal... I guess it's more about what the goalie could reasonably do rather than being in the crease/being in the way.

I feel like I'm the only person on this board who sees effort from the Wings. the problem is that they're just not getting any real chances. They showed some passion against the Wild but then it died off after the back to back penalties, now it's like they're trudging along hoping for a sunny day. I think the coaches need to figure out a new offensive plan and put it to use, keep it simple and see what happens. However... I have this odd feeling we'll take the Ducks down... 5+ goals by the Wings.

Bouchard's agent had comments to say about the suspension: "Pierre-Marc Bouchard is one of the most sportsmanlike and gentlemanly players in the game today," he said. "The notion that Pierre-Marc Bouchard intentionally swung his stick into the face of an opponent is patently absurd. He's just not that kind of player." (TSN link) Dumb move by Bouchard, but worthy of a suspension?

but then bringing them back up would be an issue still?

This I had not heard, but good for him. do we have a source?

Whoa! don't support the other team now Grypho! I just figured the intent to blow rule would kick in and didn't think it a big deal. That was the only time i saw it in the net.

lol, it's happened plenty of times before... teams go down 0-2 all the time. relax and let the coaches duke it out. If we win next game, suddenly we're only down by 1 right?

That's true too... it could even depend on when they land in the destination of their next opponent lol. Lots of variables, but you're right only the next game matters right now. Niemi hasn't done anything to prove to me he's all that great, felt like he was just "along for the ride" last year in Chicago. We just need to get to the rebounds and we'll be scoring plenty. Props to the sharks for getting those loose pucks though.

I would like to bring up a certain fact that may change your theory. Albeit I do not have the number of layoff days, the past three years the Cup champion has swept at least one team. 2010 - Chicago sweeps San Jose 2009 - Pittsburgh sweeps Carolina 2008 - Detroit sweeps Colorado So... though your position holds some evidence, there is also evidence that the rest is effective in helping teams down the road.

Wouldn't it be more Wings in 5? Since game five is on... FRIDAY!

I know this is highly unlikely but... what if the fans got a chance to unleash their frustrations on the team? Would be difficult to work out who and how the fan gets chosen but if the Wings heard their fans reaming them out, would it be enough to ignite the fire to play?

back to back games something like this has happened. Gimme a break refs. This was even more legitimate than the last, he was falling over before Draper even came close to touching him.

I'll be there tonight, very excited Hoping we find a way to win! Let's Go Red Wings!!

What bugs me about this is that often times they will call interference when the goaltender is outside the crease... not that it opposes the rule but that it's even a part of the rule. In today's game... what's the crease even do?

Not gonna lie... I was thinking "JMac deserves a shutout tonight" after that first period. Wow dude... I thought goalies only played like that against the Wings! Meanwhile the Wings tightened up after the first and there was no way Joey would be letting anything past. Well deserved win I'm happy.

And then you'll for sure be good to go against Vancouver wednesday when I'll be there!