hooon

We let Brunner walk? I hope not.

They are over 500 and Datsyuk has been playing with Zetterberg recently. I'd say his enthusiasm is there, but it does look like he's playing with an injury or something. Also teams have been double teaming him.

Don't understand how Backass didn't get a penalty or two in that period.

WAAAAIIIIIT a second..... So you're trying to tell me that players actually get older with the passing of time? If its only those three players who are going to get older, does that mean everyone else stays the same age? Or even get younger?! Can't wait!

Smith's playing his first season in the NHL as a defenseman, a position that traditionally takes a lot longer to fully develop than a forward. Just because he hasn't yet lived up to the unrealistic expectations that were thrown upon him by excited fans doesn't mean it is time to give up on him yet. Kindl has indeed been playing great, but was not playing any better than Smith in his first NHL season. Smith's upside also far exceeds Kindl's. In any event, it is great to have a good stock of young D players and prospects. Future on D is looking brighter than it has in a while.

Pretty crazy how all of the sudden the Wings have one of the best D prospect pools in the league.

No way on EJ. He isn't a complete failure, but he is NOT any kind of stud Dman. He has had several years now, and hasn't had a single season that wasn't disappointing. He's the "star" dman on the worst team in the league, and that says something too. The fact that the Avs would never deal with us, that if they did they'd ask for a king's ransom, and that EJ just isn't all that good.... No thanks.

Pretty amazing considering the criticism given about the defense and defensive prospects. Now we almost have too many high quality D prospects... almost. Those four guys plus Sproul and Ouellet is a pretty darn good group of D prospects. I certainly hope the wings get DD, even if he doesn't make a huge impact right away, it would be very reassuring to know that the future of the D is in good shape.

We musn't let this quote die.

They are a hard working team, and they play very well to their strengths. I don't see them as any kind of threat, and think they'll probably be hot and cold for the rest of the season. They won't make the playoffs. They're on a nice little streak right now, but they still have a lot of missing pieces to be a contender in the league going forward.

Jeez, Babcock is infuriating sometimes.

I like that Datsyuk isn't stuck with 4th liners anymore. They need to start putting together some wins, the West is just getting tighter and tighter.

Yikes. Not too sorry I missed this one.

Seems like an awful lot of money. The Perry contract will get interesting, IMO he is the more valuable of the two, but neither are worth anywhere near 8 million.

Yeah this line needs to go. I know we are thin because of injuries but there are options out there. I don't see why Z has both Franzen and Brunner on his wing. Let Franzen play with Datsyuk, and then preferably throw Tatar on that line. Franzen-Datsyuk-Tatar sounds a whole lot better than Clearly-Datsyuk-Abdelkader. I'd love Nyquist to be called up for a spot on that second line with Z and Brunner, and then when Fil comes back he slots into that spot. I hate being one to pretend I know more than an NHL coach, but this line is just frustrating to watch and it is getting a little baffling as to why it is still together when everyone can pretty plainly see it isn't working.

Best 4th line in the league, Chicago's got nothing on that kind of depth.

Very excited for this game. They need to play hard, play disciplined, and the big guys need to show up especially. Still pretty unhappy about Datsyuk's linemates, but he is usually pretty impressive for NBC games.

Will be so, so glad to have Helm back in the lineup, but really hope they don't rush him or even come close to rushing him. Give him an extra week or so even after he is healed just to be sure. We will need him badly for the rest of the season.

Stupid rule, and Datsyuk never actually touched it, so it was a terrible call too, especially when the center ice ref was the one to call it. Considering it led directly to the other team scoring in a close game just puts more salt in the wound.

Darn good game, Monster played like a monster. Extremely relieved we got the win. It's time to end the experiment with Datsyuk and Cleary. Give him Franzen and/or Tatar and that line will be so much more effective. The turnovers NEED to stop. So many of them are unforced, lazy, sloppy, occasionally fancy plays that result in the other team getting grade A scoring chances. I don't know how you can coach not turning the puck over, but it's gotta stop if this team wants to win games.

Just don't have a good feeling about this one after last night. Unbelievable that Datsyuk is stuck with 4th liners. Abby and Cleary are so insanely ineffective in scoring roles it's maddening to watch. I can't believe Babs won't even put AT LEAST Franzen or Tatar somewhere on that line. Pavel is amazing, and can do almost everything by himself, but it makes it a lottttt easier to have someone halfway competent on a line with him, and at this point I would rather ANY two forwards on the team (hell most Dmen too) be on Datsyuk's line over 8 and 11. Big win needed, get it done boys.

Thanks refs. Joke.

I agree, I want him locked up for about 3 years. It gets a tad bit tricky just because we still don't know how he will pan out long term. Imagine if we gave Leino a big contract when he had his good start with the Wings. Not exactly comparable players, and I do think Brunner is better, but I can't help but think the brass will wait it out a little longer. On the other hand, as you mentioned, his value will only go up.... particularly from the viewpoint of other teams. So yeah... the earlier he signs, the cheaper it'll be most likely, but with some risk. I'd love 3 years at 3, but I could easily see him get a bit more than that. The Wings have a few guys they need to lock up... Howard, Nyquist, Smith, Brunner, probably Fil, and then a few decisions to make. The cap situation will be trickier this year than it has in quite a few.

On D I wouldn't mind Kenny taking a look at Streit, Scuderi, and Murray, though not any will be available come July 1. If they can keep the better FA forwards (Fil, Brunner) and call up some of the kids that are ready, I don't mind what the forward group looks like for next season, +/- a bottom sixer or two. Its the D that needs work... Wings have a lot of decent depth D guys but really need the high end talent.

Kronwall has gotten picked on a bit this year by fans because he's not #5, but apart from a few mistakes he's been pretty good. If the PP keeps up the good work and he keeps getting shots through, he could definitely be one of the higher scoring d-men at the end of the season. He still needs to settle in a bit defensively before he's the true number 1 guy.