Broken 16

Well, so far Flips presence hasn't magically made Leino decide to follow up the play, take the body or aggressively pursue the puck. So much for my hopes. Seriously... Why is he in the lineup at this point? How can Newberry NOT be an upgrade over that pylon?

So it's a win/win. Nice.

Ya... and a funny smart ass comment would be a bonus. Haven't heard any of the harcore say he's useless yet, so he must be progressing right on schedule. No news is good news.

I would love to see the size of the rink expanded. I've been hoping for this for a long time. But understanding the logistics of what it would take to expand every NHL rink... I've never even entertained the hope. Also, I think it would be really cool if the NHL did it like soccer. I didn't realize that fields were different size until Mindfly mentioned it. That would be a cool wrinkle.

Agreed. Line combinations are more about chemistry than they are about individual talent. I'm pretty sure Carman realizes this, but he just can't help himself. Maybe he doesn't get enough attention in real life?

I've honestly never seen a bigger flame baiter than you. Don't you ever get bored with it? While I agree that Datsyuk, the way he is playing right now, shouldn't be considered a first line center on this team, to imply that he isn't good enough to center any two players on this team is nothing more than another one of your feeble bait attempts.

Oh... It turned into another Homer thread. Someone let me know when the Feats of Strength begin.

As much as it kills you to put Homer on the first line, Draper-Helm-Eaves >>>> Holmstrom-Draper-Eaves. If Datsyuk and Bert continue to develope chemistry, Homer could be instrumental on that line. Surely your hatred hasn't blinded you THAT much.

Lidstrom was painful to watch the last few games but it's not all him. He's not getting many options. Especially on the break out. Notice how many times he carries the puck out of the zone and has to drop it back because none of the forwards are open. The one goal thing though... yea, brutal.

There are many ways to spin this situation. Another way is to say that when all the injured players return, Babcock will have a ton of parts to choose from to put together an excellent team. He's already found a couple gem penalty killers in the GR ranks. You could also rejoice in knowing that some key players are getting some much needed rest. This little hiccup was instrumental in reviving Draper, which is pretty big. Bert is finding his game. Meech seems to be improving. I actually like him on the penalty kill. He did a great job last night. I believe we sit 9 points behind the conference leader. We are only a few points out of a playoff spot and we lead the league in man games lost (we must). I think you overestimate the transition players undergo after being re-inserted into the lineup. It's not THAT hard to start contributing. Especially on the Wings. I don't know how anybody could be worried about the Wings making the playoffs when they are within striking distance before the All-Star break with a decimated lineup.

Times can change quick in the NHL. Chicago certainly has the roster to be a rival (Hossa and Kane alone fulfill this need). Chicago isn't an expansion team. That's the great thing about the original 6. Once two teams become really good... it's an instant rivalry. There really isn't need for a bunch of drama to occur. It happens instamatically! CHICAGO SUCKS! HOSSA IS AN *******!!!

This is driving me crazy.

Because he's noble and should be hoisted on our shoulders.

I don't think anyone blames Hossa specifically, but he was much better in the regular season than he was in the playoffs. Can't blame people for not having a whole lot of love for him. It's not like he was turning down a chance of a lifetime. Edmonton isn't exactly destination #1 for most hockey players. He didn't lose money, he turned it down. He didn't do it because he loved the Red Wings and wanted to carry them on his back to a Stanley Cup. He did it because he wanted to win a Stanley Cup before he had to maybe settle for a contract from a sub-par team. Luckily for him, Chicago was able to offer him a long term deal. I'm not saying he is selfish. I just hate when people call his actions "noble".

You have no idea if he truly gave his best. If he did, it wasn't good enough. Fans have every right to boo him based on that. He decided to play for cheap on a great team to get HIMSELF a Cup before he decided to ink a long term deal with another team. That's a little too self serving to be considered "noble", imo. Because we are Wings fans and we should despise anything good that ever happens to a division rival... forever. Sorry.

He definitely seemed to make more of an impact. I'm just kinda skittish about defense and I like seeing a steady guy back there.

And seeing how it's the night before Christmas Eve... I'd be plastered. Haha. I would be one of those evil booers.

Would I boo Hossa if I were at the game? No. Would I boo Hossa if I were at the game... drunk? Maybe. Probably.

I like what I've seen from Janik.

I can't hardly endure watching Leino play any more. I've never seen anyone consistently give up on plays as much as he does. It's mind boggling.

Try not to hold the general public to such a high standard. You will always be disappointed.

He's a Blackhawk.

Actually, I would think he would like it. I know I would. He knows they are booing because they wish he was still on the team. It would probably have bothered him more if there was no response at all.

f*** Hossa. I hope he never feels comfortable in JLA again.

Lidstrom looks awful. Wow.