hooon

This. Never lived in Michigan, and while I visited a few times I never had a chance to see a game at the Joe. (Somehow I saw a Pistons game though, sigh.) I suppose it isn't too late, I should make it a point to get back out there at least once. Sounds like it would potentially be good for development of the city. Detroit has so much potential and I hope all this new construction leads to a nicer city. Some great games were played at the Joe, that's for sure.

I got all caught up in the non-call, but in the replay Ericsson's blunder is the worst. He just stands there, and at the VERY end makes a slight effort to start skating... then kind of stops again. He easily could have gotten in there and prevented a decent shot if he just took a couple steps forward. He wasn't even in position to protect a pass really. Not sure what he was doing out there.

What a joke.

Let's go boys!

COME ON!

Just some third liner.

Quarter of an inch the other way, woulda missed completely.

So true. Last year it was the same thing. Its like they get back there and they're surprised there's boards there and the rink doesn't just keep going.

Franzen's looking almost Spring of '08 out there.

GUS!!!!

Glendening is looking awesome.

Astounding work, sir. I liked the way the Wings played the other night, let's hope they can repeat that success again. This is such a difficult month for the Wings schedule-wise, so any wins early on are going to be huge.

Yes but every draft is like that in hindsight, and the Wings certainly weren't the only teams to miss out on those players you listed. Not every pick pans out and at least Kindl made it to the big leagues. There's a lot of guys in that draft, many who were even drafted before Kindl who never even made it to the NHL. I hear you, but its all just hindsight.... like how we picked Ferraro and the pick after that the Avs got O'Reilly.

Today is a good day.

I was just speculating about the waiver exempt guys, and Hollands tendencies as a GM. While its not what I would do if I were a GM, Holland has a tendency to send down waiver exempt guys (even if they are beyond ready for the NHL) over waiving guys who are signed. Yes waiving Kindl or Lashoff makes sense to you and me, but that doesn't mean it is what Holland would do. Nyquist and Tatar are pretty good examples of this. Or in this case XO. Yes he is ready, yes he is better than Lashoff and Kindl. But he is waiver exempt, and that's how Holland operates. Luckily, as you mentioned, it seems Jurco's spot is pretty safe at the moment. In any event, the sky isn't falling. Its pretty safe to assume XO will get his shot this year, and if he doesn't get it this year, hopefully that means Kindl has regained his form somewhat.

Barch is a pretty big idiot.

Good for Toots. Never got the fair shake here, and he's a heart and soul guy.

I know people are mad that XO isn't on the team, but if he did make the final cut wouldn't that mean that either Jurco would be sent down or Nestrasil would be exposed to waivers? I can guarantee that if Jurco had started in GR so that XO could be in the lineup all the same folks would be complaining and calling for Holland/Babs' heads.

Seems like Babs has really been calling out Holland lately, even comparing him to a nagging wife who always gets her way. I like that Babs is getting fed up, but this also doesn't speak too well for his contract negotiations if he and the GM are so far apart on things.

Nice!!!! A part of me wishes that NHL contracts still look like that. Looks like there's some other cool old stuff in the bag in the first picture too.

I like the d-pairings all things considered, and I'm willing to hold my breath on the PP units for a little while. I just wish they'd switch Nyquist and Abby in those forward lines. I know its all the rage for our brass to vilify players who didn't put up big numbers in the pre-season... but why is Nyquist relegated to the third line with non-offensive linemates? Can't wait for Datsyuk to be back.

It is going to take a few injuries... so yeah, he'll play at some point. But more importantly for him he needs to make sure he's back to 100% physically and needs to get in plenty of games in GR. I fully expect him to shred up the AHL so I imagine he will definitely get his chance. As far as drafting him for a fantasy team... not a chance. Better wait til he actually gets called up and then pick him on waivers if you really believe he can outscore someone else you've already drafted.

Originally composed by Ennio Moricone, one of the greatest film composers ever! Also this song is from one of the greatest movies ever (or THE greatest), and if you haven't seen it, I'd watch it asap. The last 30 minutes are probably the best 30 minutes in film history.

I think it is hilarious.

Its nice that he's doing well, but I remember this happening last year with our guys where we'd get them back in the lineup as soon as possible, and then they'd be out again soon after, or be relatively ineffective when they returned. I'd almost rather he takes the extra week or two off, rather than risk reinjuring or playing at less than 100%. Either way, its good news that he's healing well, and I'm excited for when he comes back and works his magic again.