Broken 16

In my opinion, Pavel Datsyuk is the closest thing I've ever seen to a perfect hockey player. I know I'm a corn bread eatin homer for saying that, but it's true.

We can only hope... As for Sammy, I think it has something to do with him being a right-handed shot. I think.

Babcock is pissed because it's becoming apparent that it's a motivation issue.

Know what I used to do to my 12 yr old sister when she was trying to get under my skin? Ignored her. Just sayin'.

wow

Kronwall isn't sounding too confident.

We're f***ed...

AMAZING goal

Conklin's suckage doesn't decrease Osgoods in any way...

Omg... they look like bumbling idiots. What the f***?

Offense looks terrible.

And what attitude is that?

Yup... read that story a long time ago. Did I miss the part where he said he DIDN'T want to stay? Not really sure what you're saying here. ... or here So dude handles his business like a gentlemen and acts humble knowing that he is probably the best winger in the game. Somehow this is an indictment on his character? Obviously Hossa wanted to leave... he left. The guy has made it clear from the get go. He wants to win a Cup. He's more concerned with winning a Cup than he is about money. His actions have proven it. Obviously, Pittsburgh was a contender when that snippet was written. So... he passed up more money for the chance. If Hossa decides that some other team is a stronger contender next season, he might jump again... Whatever... Aside from all this we both agree that letting Hossa walk unless he signs for a ridiculous salary is probably a lot better for the team. Can't help but appreciate the irony of being accused of dwelling on words while I'm reading text. See, I do have a sense of humor.

First off... your assessment of fan response to Hossa leaving is not only wrong, but DEAD WRONG. I find it hard to believe that I actually have to point out the difference to someone that is so well informed as you claim to be, but here goes. Hossa wanted to leave Pittsburgh. The fans wanted him to stay, the coaches wanted him to stay, the front office wanted him to stay, Mario wanted him to stay... even Crosby basically begged him to stay. He still left. The reason? He wanted the best chance to win a Cup. That's a jagged pill for a fan base to swallow. When the best winger on your team leaves after going to the Finals and cites THAT as the reason. The situation in Detroit will be different for many reasons, but mainly for ONE reason. Hossa has said repeatedly that he wants to figure out a way to stay and that he is willing to take less to make it happen. End of story. Your prophecy falls short on that one fact, so let it go already. Thanks. Second of all... I do have a sense of humor. I find find something to laugh at you about in almost every debate you're involved in. See?

There was a time, not so long ago, that I was adamant that Franzen should walk and Hossa MUST stay. It's hard to not be impressed with him as a player. The last few weeks have made me rethink my stance. Taking everything into account and based on the needs that the Mule fills (size, defensive responsibility, clutch performances, net presence, size, soft hands, size), I feel like it would be much better for the big picture to let Hossa walk unless he is willing to sign for a ridiculously low salary.

Sorry. Moment of weakness. Won't happen again.

There is a big gap between whining and pointing out a fundamental flaw in your approach to posting in an effort to help you out. Not that I expected you to get over yourself for long enough to let it sink in. By all means, continue with the misguided and unwarranted cynicism. I'm sure it's healthy and fun.

Truth hurts... I know.

Is that all you do? Spend your idle time (which it seems you have plenty of) musing over future, future topics that may or may not actually exist. You're already calling irony over something that may never occur. And you strive to actually be taken seriously in your posts (judging by length, content and grammar). Not gonna happen, sorry. All we see is "blah, blah, blah... other posters are stupid". Do yourself a favor and stop derailing your own posts with, what seems to be, a bottomless pit of cynicism. Here's a bit of advice for you to discard immediately: Never be the smartest person in the room... you won't learn anything. I feel like keeping Hossa, at this point, would be an excercise in excess. Does this team really NEED another top flight, expensive forward? It's no secret that the balance between offense and defense on this team is a little lopsided. Letting Hossa walk in an attempt to bring balance back to the team seems like the right thing to do... but GODDAM that guy is the perfect NHL specimen.

Wow... I've never seen so much scrutiny over the usual canned responses that every single Red Wing is instructed to give. Imagine if Lidstrom actually spoke candidly...

Ya... who woulda thunk it? I'm actually more worried about going into the playoffs without Lilja than I am about going in with the current goalie situation. I hope he's at least back by the second round.

Can't say I've seen it either. Except the blocking shots part, but they never really went down to block shots in the first place. I was just pointing out what it would entail.

Avoiding hits, staying out of high traffic areas, not blocking shots... stuff like that. Common sense stuff, really.

Ya... because Lidstrom is going to do an interview on national TV and say exactly what he feels.

I'll start...