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Wait for him in his bed, under his sheets, with the lights dimmed, and some soft Duke Ellington playing.

Young? That is totally irrelevant in the days of youtube, and with the availability of DVDs containing loads of his and Kocur's fights. Even though he has gotten Chelios' permission, the fact that May still isn't sure must be an indication of his fear of Probie. I think that 24 and 26 should be up there alongside 18 and 33

www.myp2p.eu I think that ZDH should be able to handle Ovie's line. And it's also tough on Maltby, but I can understand that Babcock wants to see Eaves play.

This game should be very interesting, as it features two teams that haven't played all that well defensively. Washington's top line is looking lethal, and Babcock says that he'll be matching Datsyuk's line against them (probably Filppula-Datsyuk-Holmström) - I must say, I'd prefer that Zetterberg be the one who did that, as he and Cleary were amazing at shutting down Crosby. I also think that Cleary and Bertuzzi will be able to handle Ovechkin's physicality more than Filppula and Holmström. They're top line is certainly looking better at the moment, and it hurts to not have Franzén, but in terms of depth, we're the better team (especially if our third and fourth lines keep on playing the way they have). Stuart and Kronwall have both been throwing hits, and Meech wasn't that bad the other night, so it'll be interesting to see how he plays tonight.

I'm still waiting for someone to suggest that we sign Fleury now that Franzén is injured...

Search for Dion Phaneuf and Jarkko Ruutu on youtube.

We're on the same page there I guess. What still cracks me up the most is how the Avalanche retired Bourque's number...

Part of me agrees with you, and I would have liked to see a guy like Asham, who is only a middleweight (albeit a very good one) who can still play hockey, and I wouldn't have minded getting someone like him instead of Eaves and May (though I do believe Williams was a good signing). On the other hand, the fact that we got May out of training camp means that we could get him for a very cheap price, which is good, taking into account the cap. He's also experienced, has character etc. I think that the Wings have considered sending Helm down to GR, ostensibly for conditioning since he has missed a few games. That could be a good opportunity to see what Eaves can offer (and then sit one of Maltby or May).

Probably also worth considering is the fact that Babcock likes to have 2 defensively responsible players on each line, e.g. Franzén-Datsyuk Zetterberg-Cleary etc. I imagine that this is an argument in Filppula's favour, especially now that Datsyuk has been given the assignment of covering Ovechkin's line (though I would feel more comfortable with Zetterberg and Cleary doing it, since no one can hound a player like he can).

My guess is that it will be Filppula, as they've played together before. The fact that Franzén is out will probably make Babock even more reluctant to reunite Datsyuk and Zetterberg. And I can think of worse players - Lebda and Howard jump to mind, but I agree, to go with Datsyuk (playmaker) and Holmström (net presence), I would prefer someone who uses their shot more. Jason Williams for the win!

And I hear that Ovechkin has a small tendency to focus more on shooting than, say, passing, or defense. If you get off 20 shots a game, some are bound to go in.

The visitors' locker room?

Looks more like a donkey to me... I'll second that. And to the guy who worries that Franzén's injury will get rid of a PP net presence, they clearly haven't watched any Wings games this year. Franzén has not been in front of the net, because he's usually out there with Holmström. I don't think that net presence will be affected, as we'll still have Holmström and Cleary.

I know that Bertuzzi isn't a defensive stud, but while is forecheck is non-existent, he is actually backchecking. Furthermore, to call Cleary an 'offensive anchor' who Zetterberg is stuck with is ridiculous. He is one of our most versatile players, plays on the PK, is defensively sound, and had the best plus/minus of any player in the playoffs. Abdelkader will benefit from more time getting top minutes in GR, but now with this injury he'll certainly see ice time in Detroit, and I agree with you that if possible, he should at least get top-9 minutes for the sake of his development. Re Helm, I have no problem with sticking him on a checking line, as that is where he belongs.

Now that Franzen is out for a while, I think we'll see May much more. The Red Wings practised with the following lines: Filppula-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Bertuzzi-Zetterberg-Cleary Leino-Helm-Williams May-Draper-Maltby (Eaves working in) Franzen (out)

The Red Wings had the following lines in practice: Filppula-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Bertuzzi-Zetterberg-Cleary Leino-Helm-Williams May-Draper-Maltby (Eaves working in) Franzen (out)

Oh, and good thing we don't have an injury-prone guy locked up to a long term deal... Get well soon, we'll need you for the playoffs.

Of the May/Maltby/Helm unit, none are really suited to top line play. I guess that one of the 3rd liners will be promoted to the top line, with either Eaves or Abdelkader taking their spot.

I believe that they put some time back on the clock, so that it was about 1.5 - either way, small difference.

Abdelkader has 2nd line centre upside, but no matter how much ice time he gets, I don't see Helm ever getting beyond that checking role of his... But, as you point out, the fact that he can be sent down could be an argument for him being sent down, but it would be harsh on him.

That game was so irritating - Briere got blown for a very, very, weak 'hooking' call only a few seconds in, and the Pens scored (and please, no one turn what I write into some stupid NHL is on Pittsburgh's side conspiracy theory...). Shame Betts is injured for them, he's been very good so far. I thought that Asham played pretty well in JvR's stead, but it must be a bummer having Rile E. Coyote as your 14th forward, I swear he only had about 2 shifts (to Godard's 1). I wouldn't say Richards ran Fleury, he was charging the net and fell over, and went crashing through Fleury and looked like he hurt his arm in the process. Can't say for sure about Hartnell and Letang. And yeah, I was rooting for Pronger - intially I thought it was a bit dumb, because he might cost the Flyers an offensive zone faceoff, but when the penalties were called it didn't make a difference. Anyways, I was hoping some stuff would break out at the end - when you have Rupp, Asham, Laperriere and OKT out there, you should be able to count on something happening...

I agree, the 4th line is looking very good at the moment. Helm has by now earned his shot, and shouldn't be sent down to the minors (in my opinion), even though he wouldn't need to clear waivers. Maltby and Draper (especially Maltby) are looking very rejuvenated, with Maltby either hoping to play himself into the playoff line-up so he can end his career on a high, or play himself into a new contract - either way, I'd feel bad sitting him now. Draper's faceoff skills and speed essentially guarantee him a spot, in my opinion. May can hit, can fight and is a good 'character guy', and Babcock certainly likes him. I haven't seen Eaves play (didn't catch any preseason action), but I heard that he forechecks well. However, since in my point of view he is an unknown, I would send him to GR, and if he doesn't clear waivers, bummer. I would run with Draper-Helm-Maltby/May, with Draper taking important face-offs.

Well, even though Abdelkader was playing centre, that didn't apply to faceoffs, if I recall correctly, just his role on the ice outside of the circle. Draper is still our best face-off man. Maltby has been playing well since the last post-season, so I wouldn't bench him for as long as Helm is out. Then cycle between him and May, and Eaves as well I guess. Knowing our team, we'll always have people injured, so everyone should get playing time. Here's to Kopecky and Kane getting run by May. I would include people like Seabrook and Campbell, but let's not forget that they were our best players (and most assists on Detroit goals) in the Chicago series, so let's give them a break. I just hope that his paperwork is sorted out...

A youtube hero nonetheless...

Is Andy Bezeau still around? He wasn't the best fighter, but he was totally insane. Look at these great stats: 1995-96 Fort Wayne Komets IHL 74 10 11 21 590