Carman

Thanks whoever told Datsyuk.

Make that 11.

It should be, but Frazen is a star so the rules don't apply to him.

Is Datsyuk going to finish at all this postseason?

What? I'd blame Osgood personally.

Wow, Crosby is playing out of his mind right now. (inb4 omg stop talking about Crosby!!!)

Okay, we need to capitalize on this PP. Buckle down guys, get it done.

Haha sorry Doc. I have a bad sense of humor when I'm nervous.

Nice job Jimmy. If Osgood were in net this game would be over.

Datsyuk has to play like the best player that he is. He can play much better, and we need our best players to step up.

Hey at least the Wings aren't spending millions on a goalie that chokes in the playoffs=P

Love all these armchair coaches that are criticizing Babcock for not playing Osgood. Like you guys know anything about the situation. Conspiracy theorists at work here, reading more into things then what's there. I could easily reverse that whole logic on Babcock vs. Osgood by saying Osgood had plenty of chances all season to earn a spot through practice, but his lack of effort and competitiveness could of tied Babcock's hands and required him to play Howard because Osgood was not in shape. That's easily just as plausible as saying an NHL head coach has a burning hatred for a veteran goaltender that has won him a Stanley Cup in the past. And the coach would risk his job on running a rookie goaltender into the ground just to get back at one of his veteran players. Come on, stats don't lie, Osgood was awful this season. Howard wasn't. Howard's not playing well so far in these playoffs either, but Howard earned at least 4 games to see what he can do in the playoffs. This has been one of the hardest season for the Red Wings, with injuries and inconsistency. The lone bright spot was having a rookie goaltender step up and earn a starting job over a future hall of famer. I love Osgood, Howard and Babcock. And I just don't understand why fans have to be negative and turn their backs on players on a whim. Have some perspective, Howard has let in soft goals, but the Wings haven't exactly gave him the same cushion as they did down the stretch in the regular season. If the Wings lose Howard is just part of the problem, and I'll go as far as saying he isn't even in the top 2 of the disappointments so far this postseason.

Great hit. Some great physical play in the playoffs. Intelligent read by Boychuck too, didn't go out of position. Need to start seeing our defense actually execute some of these, Stuarts the only one that's had a couple decent hits so far.

Miller was better all around. And we are seeing Bryz isn't exactly carrying Phoenix on his back, they are a damn good team anyways. Dare I say they might even be a better team then Buffalo?

YES. Thanks blueadams, your line threads help the Red Wings to victory and your absence has been troubling. As for the actually post I don't disagree with a whole lot the cap is hard to predict the raises and everything I'd probably change a few numbers but that's nitpicking. It's going to be interesting what happens with our D, Kindl doesn't have many options left, but the Wings really like what Lilja can bring as a 5-6th defenseman.

Rafalski has always pinched, this isn't some new thing. That's a centerpiece of his offensive game, and it results in plenty of offensive zone pressure. It's really up to the forwards to recognize the pinch and cover for him. He's had a few bad pinches, but I'm more worried about his weak turnovers in the defensive zone to be honest.

Thing is the Red Wings at their best are a much better team then Phoenix at their best. It's just a matter of the Wings actually getting there, right now the Wings are beating themselves, I don't think Phoenix can play that much better then they already have. And the Wings besides a few decent periods can play much better.

Howard wouldn't be in this position if the Wings actually had a capable back up for him. It's not his fault he had to carry this team for so many games as a rookie and is now feeling the effects of such a long season. Blame Holland for not getting a serviceable back up in my opinion.

Hudler could of stayed a Red Wing if he didn't want more money then he deserved. It's his fault he ruined his career by wasting a year of his prime in a s*** Euro league.

Looks good, hopefully the year in that s*** league didn't harm his development and he stayed fairly clean. He should fit right in on that second line and if he gets enough minutes should be able to break the points record in a couple months.

Wow.

Yeah Jimmy was so bad... Man, this town is crazy when it comes to goalies.

I don't mind your posts to be honest, it's just when people start talking like this. And then saying Osgood could not play any worse. Which no one knows.

Detroit does turn on their goalies insanely quickly.

Don't forget Dan Boyle for Lidstrom.