Broken 16

Exactly. The last few minutes used to be a nasty dogfight. Now players just skate into the slot, wait till they feel a stick and throw their head back looking for a call. It really is kinda sad what the NHL has become.

That's a pretty big if right now, given what we've seen and the recent history. I still think they can do it, but IF they don't, San Jose all the sudden goes from being our cute little cousins that choke in the playoffs to being a bonafide obstacle for the Wings going in to next season. If we lose to San Jose, I don't see how you can continue to ice the same team. Insanity, right?

Face-offs are ridiculous. Hover your hand, drop an object and get out of the way. Wtf is so hard?!?

He is the best. But he's a target. How many penalties have been called on him because he is Holmstrom? How many goals have been disallowed because he is in the area? Right now, for all his greatness in front of the net, it's a wash because of the league. And since that is pretty much all he brings, I think he is no longer effective enough to warrant a spot. Unless he changes his game (doubtful) or the league changes the Holmstrom Policy (highly doubtful).

I was thinking that towards the end of the second. There was no way to get any momentum. But of course, the Sharks had to deal with the same crap, so...

Of the three I mentioned, Cleary is the one I'd least like to see go. He was just an example. Depending on who is gonna get signed with the Lidstrom money (whenever that happens), I'd prefer to keep Stuart over Kronwall. Kronwall has been kinda neutered by the league too (w/Holmstrom) as many of his hits are now basically on the 'Suspendable List'. BUT... I like Kronners first pass and offensive instinct a lot more. I wouldn't want to pull the trigger on that one either.

One needed change will be the end of the Holmstrom era hopefully. He was only effective in front of the net and now the league has basically taken that away from him by targeting him.

Personally... I don't see the reason to continue hanging on to some (most) of the second tier players after they have won a Cup on the Wings with a regular roster spot. Cleary, Hudler and Flip could all leave town for instance and I'd be fine with it. Defense is a little tougher with Lidstrom's future still up in the air and Rafalski's contract winding down but it wouldn't break my heart to see Stuart and/or Kronwall go too.

The whole league laughs at Pavelski and his dives.

The Wings need to work harder and skate harder. Write as many paragraphs as you want to explain it, but that is what it is. If every athlete has heart just because they made pro (which makes no sense to me btw), then they should all know how to stay in somewhat shape over an 8 day stretch. The only reason they needed to sprint at the end was because they wasted all their energy being out of position and trying to retrieve passes out of their skates all game long, while chasing around a San Jose team that is supporting each other very well atm. Days off don't make nearly the impact that you claim. Teams don't become extra gassed at the end of a game because they had an extra day off... they get gassed at the end of a game when they play with their heads up their asses all game long and have to keep turning and reaching all game long.

Players play the game. Babcock can't go out on the ice and physically put players into position to support each other. That takes a little determination and desire from the players and the Sharks are just doing it better right now. These guys have been playing puck possession for years. They don't need to be reminded every ten minutes to support each other, they just need to get off their asses and do it.

Ok. I was wondering who we were gonna blame... CURSE YOU FLIP! I don't like him at 2nd line center though. I hope Hank is ready to go soon.

Wtf are you talking about? Holy self indulgence... Please stop.

Wings just don't look hungry. At all.

The only one I see pushing this notion hard is a Sharks fan.

Nuking lines and changing schemes seems a little over the top for a game one loss. The point is, you don't let the other team dictate play and force you to change your game plan. And to me, it didn't look like San Jose was dictating much. An amazing play and a pinball goal sandwiched between a couple highly questionable calls isn't enough reason for upheaval imo.

Finally... You're starting to make sense. I knew there was hope for Vancouver fans.

Could be worse... they could be doing bizarre arm gestures to the Jaws theme...

Sedin twins have no balls.

I watched the game too. Most of San Jose's shots were perimeter/bad angle shots. Not to take anything away from the Sharks. They did well in capitalizing on mistakes but Detroit looked way more organized and more dangerous imo. If the Wings can kick it up just one more gear, the Sharks will be in big trouble. A game 1 loss isn't really worth lamenting in the big picture.

Funny bounces and bad refereeing have nothing to do with rust. Rust might be what kept the Sharks in the game, but it didn't have anything to do with the Wings losing.

What is the point of this thread? Who cares who's fault it is? It's over. They had it and they let it slip away. Game 2 is all that matters now. Is this what you guys do over at LGS? Over-analyze who's fault it is when the Sharks lose?

They just need to keep playing the way they are playing. Split up D and Z. Put Abby on the wing. A little less pushing the puck and a little more puck control. Wings positioning seemed a little behind. They were reaching a lot. The Wings were dictating the play much more than the Sharks but the Sharks were a much better reactionary team and that was the difference imo. They seemed more poised to capitalize on mistakes than us. No offense to Hudler but I wouldn't mind seeing Modano out against the Sharks. If anything just to give them a different look than last playoffs.

He had ketchup in his beard. I'm always astounded at the lengths San Jose players will go to sell a call. I swear I see real tears sometimes.