ENFORCER

Genius move by Philly to get Carcillo... Wings needed a guy like him or Neil. Did Holland take a golf day in Florida? Although I'm not surprised that we didn't make moves.

Genius move by Philly to get Carcillo... Wings needed a guy like him or Neil. Did Holland take a golf day in Florida? Although I'm not surprised that we didn't make moves.

Any move we do will be to solidify our team up in depth, it won't be a blockbuster. 1 minute left. Oh, and if we lost out on Neil for a draft pick, then that was a stupid mistake.

C.C. Line... Cote Carcillo, wow, that's scary... The tough get tougher. I like the GM.

Still agree with your statement on the news of Downey being brought up?

Whether you're pro or anti-enforcer on this board... Last night was the most entertaining , playoff type, game of the year imo.

The whole team plays grittier more play off type hockey with Downey in the line-up. It's great to see. Coincidence that the two most exciting playoff type hockey games this year have been with Downey in the line-up?

Are you serious? It was accidental, not a malicious hit at all. What is your obsession and extreme man love for Lilja... He's a solid defenseman, but not a fighter. He's a guy that will fight, but not a 'fighter'. ahhh!

Amazing fight. Please quit overreacting about Hossa. If there's no damage or concussion you may see him back by the end of March I'd guess. Also, wasn't there a few people on here saying 'DOWNEY CAN'T FIGHT'? Any retractions?

Shouldn't be too long, but I doubt you Lilja fans will see him fighting for QUITE some time. Concussions are nothing to mess with. http://www.freep.com/article/20090303/SPOR...owney+called+up

Well said, thanks, and I think tonight will be a great game. Whether we all disagree or agree on Downey being in the line-up, the guy sure does spark interest in tonight's game doesn't he?!? I'm already deciding on what beer to buy on the way home from work for tonight's game... I'm thinking Labbatt Lite.

Frozenman- I agree with aspects of your posts. I do think a Lucic type player would be ideal, but in the cap era of hockey that's not happening anytime soon. Are you having a bad day Frozen? Seriously, your posts today have a very angry air to them. Have a beer.

Great point, you are the first I believe to point out Shea's non adherence to the 'code'. Very true, after Lilja was down with that punch Shea kept pursuing, even stronger. Not cool, he'll lose respect for that from fighters.

Thank you for your input. I thought I was on ignore though?

Frozen-Man, not sure if that was pent up anger or what, all I said was I disagreed with your long post. That's it. I think the following regarding your thoughts on having the most points in the regular season: A) President's trophy means NOTHING other than home ice advantage, which didn't mean much to the Wings last year in their success since many home games weren't even sold out and sounded that of a library. B) Wings are all but a lock to go to the playoffs, why have players continue to get injured in out of hand games? That's why you have Downeys and SOLID 4th line players. Also, a sidenote. I notice something on this board that seems rather unbelievable. It seems that the following generalization takes place: Either 1- PRO -enforcer is a goon maniac that wants UFC on ice. 2- "Power Play is Our Enforcer" Wants Disney on Ice. Both wrong. Isn't there a balance? I've seen posters literally retire from these boards and post elsewhere due to the attacks they receive.

It's not often that one can write a novel and I don't agree with one statement.

You need to read this article. http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/288194 Concussions are extremely serious; chronic concussions can be career ending.

I like your posts GMR, but I think you missed the boat on this one. Did you read the article? Lilja said he was knocked out, not LGW. That's a pretty good source, the guy who got punched. Haven't you ever heard in boxing a 'standing ko'? You can lose mental capacity and have your brain rattled without getting carried off on a stretcher. I like Lilja, I think it's been a good year for him, great in fact- but I would NEVER consider him a quality fighter.

Yes sir. It's unfortunate that he has been put in this situation to act as the team's enforcer when he really shouldn't be fighting, very rarely if that.

Thank you, I appreciate it! I've been reading this board for months and have noticed that trend. It's to the point where they exhaust some posters to simply leave that differ from their opinion. I just speak from experience of being around hockey all my life and those that disagree can. I just question whether they've ever been slashed, hit from behind, face washed with a stinky hockey glove, etc. to inform their posts against anti-enforcer hockey.

Lilja didn't fight Shelley, but Downey did: and did just fine. Very misinformed post.

Greetings to the board. My first post after reading much of your comments regarding this topic. I must say, I agree with many people on this board and disagree with others. Yes, I've played, lived, and experienced hockey for generations. I believe hockey needs to be held to high standards of its original intentions. If we keep altering the game to be something it was never intended, a soft sport (i.e.), then we should move forward the outfields in baseball for the hitters to hit more homeruns so the fans can jump and cheer. That being said, we have players and goaltenders getting run on the Detroit Red Wings DAILY. It's hard to watch quite frankly when after a routine whistle our defenseman, including our noble captain, watch the goaltender get 'snowed' after each whistle. A clear sign, in hockey language as disrespect. The pro-Downey people on this board like fights, sure, but it's much greater than that. They realize that an ENFORCER is needed to maintain the integrity of the game. Downey will keep players honest... Will he necessarily prevent injuries? That would never be known, since a player that hasn't been injured can't be accounted for. He will; however, hold players accountable. Also, when you take a 8-0 drubbing and react like you did as Stanley Cup Champions, you lose respect within the league. Oh, and those who speak of Lilja as a 'tough guy'. NO, my friends, no way... Lilja is a large man, with very poor fighting ability. Downey is a must on this roster, watch his energy tonight. Last time I spoke with him he had a real cool demeanor regarding being up with the Wings; not bitter, not upset, just waiting for his time to work hard like he does on his potato farm.