Broken 16

The only thing I can think is that Holland and the Caps GM had a little chat during the game and Holland offered to help him out. Or agreed to. [/wild speculation]

Wrong. The Team Ranker is current. Not the past or the future. Which explains why the Islanders and the Oilers are ranked so low. Der. Currently, the Wings look very human and very beatable. BTW... what do you propose we discuss since it bothers you so much to discuss current events? I have no problem donning the red glasses and getting all giddy over good memories. The Sabres are playing better hockey right now. Get over it. The Sabres are playing better hockey right now. Get over it. Has nothing to do with overturning anything. The Sabres are working hard and getting rewarded for it. The Wings are playing lazy hockey right now and they know it. Pick an excuse: They are tired, they are hurt, they are complacent, too many new faces, etc... etc. Doesn't change the fact that the Sabres have a winning record ON TOP OF handing the Wings their asses a week ago. Now before you go putting words into my mouth again, let me do a little preemptive strike. NO, I don't think the Sabres are a better team overall. They are just working a lot harder than the Wings are. NO, I don't think the Sabres will make it to the SCF. I never said that Detroit was a bad team. I know that putting words into my mouth makes it easier for you to prove a point, but try and refrain. Detroit isn't playing good hockey right now. If they were, they wouldn't have dropped back to back games in Sweden. They wouldn't be 3-3-1 right now. They wouldn't have blown a 3 goal lead in the third period against the Avalanche. HOWEVER... I'm very confident that they will turn it around (as usual) and finish top 3 in the conference despite the fact that I've already found myself saying to the TV: "Oh my god... the Wings look like an AHL team" more times this season than last. Believe me... I would love to walk around in a state of euphoria. Too bad this stupid reality thing keeps getting in the way.

I have full confidence that the Wings will be fine. All I said was that the Sabres are playing better hockey than the Wings right now and you blew it up into this big 'Broken 16 thinks the Sabres are a better team than the Wings and he thinks that the Wings will miss the playoffs' drama.

Wow... you have derailed over this. First off. I never once said that the Sabres are even Cup contenders. I said that if they can maintain their level of play, I believe they will make the playoffs. Pump the brakes a little. Second, the Avalanche are questionable. So are the Sabres. So are the Wings <gasp!> (oh my god... I said it) Does the fact that they are playing solid hockey somehow validate the Wings blowing a third period lead? A three goal lead, no less. I think all teams are questionable at the moment, and you think all teams are questionable besides the Wings... and somehow I'm the hypocrite. Hmmm... ok. By the way... as long as we are nitpicking, go ahead and scratch the Yotes off of your 'easy win' list for the Sabres. They are currently 5-2. Or are we going to nitpick their schedule and label them a s***ty team?

Would have been awesome if the Wings and Avs could have found a way to make that rivalry last. That was some good s***.

Are we pretending that they didn't give up three goals in the third period and lose in the shootout to a very questionable Avalanche team? I'm sure you have an excuse for the loss, but it's still a loss that should have been a win. While I agree that the Wings seem to be coming around in certain areas, unlike you, I'm hesitant to label them as auto contenders based on the names on the roster alone.

You have to appreciate his enthusiasm.

I never said they are playing "great" hockey. I simply believe they are playing a more team oriented/hustle oriented game than the Wings are at the moment. Sue me. If the Sabres are able to maintain their level of play for the entire season, they will make the playoffs. If the Wings maintain... they won't.

Is it really THAT hard to admit that, right now, the Buffalo Sabres are playing better hockey? Really?

I'm basing it on them thoroughly outplaying and outhustling us already this season. Oh, and the fact that they are 4-1-1 right now. If that makes me stupid, biased, dramatic or all three... so be it.

Glad we agree.

I'd put Buffalo above the Wings at the moment...

It was bad enough enduring Chelios' presence as a player... Well, at least the Wolves will be able to eat some Cheli's Chili after he opens one around the corner.

I've managed to catch a couple Vancouver games a la HNIC. Sammy looks really strong. So far Williams is proving to be much more valuable on the power play but I'm glad to see Sammy kicking ass.

For the most part, I agree with the sentiment in this thread. However, I find it very worrisome that the same issues seem to be plaguing this team. I'd feel a whole let better if there was a marked improvement on the PK from last year.

Agreed. I remember thinking that there must have been some kind of undisclosed hiccup that pooched any kind of deal between the Wings and Quincy. I remember thinking that Quincy's potential upside was much stronger than what I was seeing from Meech and Lebda. No sense in crying over spilt milk, but I was never a fan of Lebda.

Strange... considering you are the first and only person to go off topic in this thread. This is definitely shaping up into one of the more intense regular seasons in recent memory. Lots of variables at the moment. Fun s***.

But what does "playoff mode" imply? Ratcheting up the defense and intensity? I believe that's what the OP is implying. This is exactly what the Wings need to do this season unless they get miraculous scoring from unlikely people.

Ya. It would definitely be worth a looksie. Who knows... stranger things have happened. I wouldn't put it past Babcock to at least give a go a few times for the hell of it.

I see where you're going with that but that would have been great about 8 years ago. Too much age there now. Veteran savvy can only get you so far.

You really need to stop. All you're proving is that you don't know what you're talking about. Comparing a crucial defensive assignment to an error during play isn't helping your case. Also, "numerous turnovers" is a stretch.

Every year some opposing fan of some up and comer team comes here and says the exact same thing on the heels of some bad news. Welcome to the club. T-shirt is in the mail.

{sarcasm OFF} Holland agrees {sarcasm ON}

Please god... no. We have enough retread projects.

Downey 2.0 Professional Edition