Jesusberg

Actually, he played roughly 70% of the game on a line with Nielsen and Larkin. You're right about him playing with Helm and Vanek for a small portion of the game, though. Not saying much about Abdelkader, other than it's a day-to-day thing. Most of what I've read states it's a lower-body injury, but I've seen a few claims that it's a "mid-body injury", so who knows? I'm sure he'll draw back into the lineup soon, though.

Technically, Ericsson and Marchenko are the second pairing. He's fourth on the team in TOI/GP, and Marchenko's third. Either way, I agree with the idea that sheltering his minutes has worked out well. He's been pretty solid, IMO. Making the best out of a less-than-ideal situation. Obviously it was nice to see him notch two goals on that top line last game, but I think he's looked great all season. He's producing and stripping opponents of the puck in their offensive zone. Helm-Vanek might take a bit of a hit, but I thought AA looked good last game, too. I'm more concerned with getting that second line (and Larkin) going at this point. This one has me a bit nervous, especially looking ahead to the next three games on the schedule (STL, BOS & FLA). The Canes can't keep the puck out of their net, but they're also scoring goals.

Honestly, I think this take on the situation is more realistic than cynical (outside the jab directed toward Holland, obviously). I don't think any GM out there is going to trade for a goaltender with a 5.3M cap hit to solve a temporary problem. It feels as if the Red Wings need to find one of two scenarios: 1. A team is looking for a starting goaltender, and Howard puts together a solid year (not just a couple of games). 2. A team has a young goaltender with upside, and want to insulate him (Something similar to Gibson in ANA. They'd have to figure out their cap issues, but if they sour on Bernier as a back-up goalie, who knows). Not to mention, Howard has a modified NTC, and gets to submit a list of ten teams. So sure, Holland might be able to find a taker, but he'll have to get Howard to sign-off on the trade, too. I'd like the cap relief as much as the next guy, but it's not exactly a simple situation.

With his skill set, I don't see him doing well with only 10 minutes per night. More than that, I think they need to bring him up with a clear role in mind. If/when Blashill decides Sheahan isn't working out in his current role, I think that's the perfect opportunity for Mantha. Play the NFP role at even strength and get some minutes with the second power-play unit. I'm not saying it's a top-six spot or bust for Mantha, but we've already witnessed players with offensive skill-sets (Jurco, and to a lesser extent, Pulkkinen) fail on the fourth line.

I recall trying it with Weiss, but I think it just depressed him.

Man, what a bomb. Outside of the goal, AA's been very noticeable. Used his speed to rush the puck, beat out an icing call and strip the puck on the backcheck. Between Sproul and AA, it looks like Saturday night's my night to eat some crow.

Full credit to Sproul for being so active on that play.

Mixed feelings about the defense. I like having three right-hand shots back there, but Marchenko's struggled so far. Not sure Blash would swap him out for Ouellet, though. Would mean tinkering with the PK pairs (though, the PK hasn't exactly fared well, so...)

I'm in the same boat. I want them to call him up, but only if the situation is right. Personally, I'd like to see how he would fare in Sheahan's current spot. I think he could work as a NFP on a line, but also has the ability to shoot the puck on the team's second PP unit. Just a matter of when/if Blash decides that Sheahan's not working out in his current top-six role.

What a fun ride from start to finish. I'm pretending their 5-on-3 didn't happen, by the way.

Assuming it's a bug or food poisoning. Missed time in the second period, too.

I thought his issues had more to do with timing, pace and battling along the boards. Things that are within his control, regardless of which line he's skating on. And yes, he's a "skilled" player, but he needs to learn how to work with/read off his linemates better. It's something Mick mentioned during one of the last two games, and I'm inclined to agree with him.

Not a fan of the move either, but it makes sense. Ouellet's got the lowest TOI/GP on the team, and Marchenko's on the top PK unit. Taking him out the lineup would likely mean DeKeyser-Ericsson, Smith-XO as the PK pairings. While I really like Ouellet, and Marchenko's had some ugly moments, those pairings scare me. I'd like to see this too, especially if the move to wing doesn't "get him going". I understand Blash's reasoning for putting him there for now, though. If it doesn't work, I think working as the 3C against lesser competition could do him some good. My only worry would be how they handle Helm if they decide to go that route. It's probably an unpopular opinion, but I agree that AA didn't look great.Not to say that he can't or won't, but that he didn't really stand out in a positive way, IMO. That said, I agree that Sheahan hasn't done much of anything in the top-six. I've said it elsewhere on the boards, but if he continues to struggle, that could be Mantha's ticket to the main roster. Seems like they essentially want someone (in addition to Abdelkader) who can take up space and wreak havoc in front of the net. Sheahan hasn't been all that effective in the role, IMO. Not to mention, the Wings' 2nd PP unit looks a little weird with two NFP guys on it. Mantha can play in front of the net, but he has more to offer than Sheahan does at the half-wall/around the slot. I'd rather see Nyquist-Larkin-Mantha, Abdelkader (NFP), Sproul/Smith.

Perhaps just an "Around the League: Week 1/2/3" or "Around the League: Nov. 17-23" kind of thread, then? Though, I suppose locking them each week would just create unnecessary work for the mods. I'm all for creating a new thread for "bigger" news items - Red Wings or any other team - but I try to steer clear from posting new topics about "smaller" items. Maybe it's just me, though - hate to feel as if I'm "cluttering" the forum. For example, I saw that Sproul's is in the lineup today, and didn't post because there isn't a GDT yet.

Of the Wings' top-six forwards, Abby's P/GP dipped the least. (Left out Larkin, considering he wasn't here in 2014-15) Datsyuk: 1.03 to .74 = .29 Zetterberg: .86 to .61 = .25 Tatar: .68 to .56 = .12 Nyquist: .66 to .52 = .14 Abdelkader: .62 to .51 = .11 Not necessarily defending them, but both Nyquist and Tatar played fewer minutes, too. Gus' TOI/GP dropped by over a minute, and Tatar's by nearly two minutes. Full disclosure, Abdelkader played roughly 30 seconds more per game last season than he did in 2014-15. At the end of the day, I'd say there should be more concern over how this team is going to replace that "high-end" forward production, and less concern over its complementary wingers.

There's AA out there on the PK. Shows what I know about how Blash wants to handle his TOI... lol.

Agreed. This is probably my biggest "Uhh, what the...?" moment through three games. At the very least, I wish they'd switch Abdelkader and Tatar. Right, and I don't necessarily think it's Helm stirring the pot, but the three have worked well together. Larkin or AA could work just as well in that spot, if not better. Even during the last preseason game against Toronto, Vanek and Nyquist were showing signs of chemistry. Honestly, looking at your line combinations, I don't think we're all that far off. Generally, I just try to stick within the parameters of what I think management is willing to do. It's not like I don't want to see a faster team, capable of scoring more often. Just usually more a matter of, "considering the way this team is run" for me. The only real snag for me is having AA on that second PK unit. Not that I think it's impossible, but it still feels as if he's on a short leash with Blash. Felt like he didn't see much ice time after that failed drop-pass to Miller during the last game. Ideally, everyone has their role, but it's not a huge deal (for me, personally) if Nielsen is playing on the secondary units of the PP and PK. Also, curious about what happens when Kronwall returns. Kind of hope they stick with four forwards on each unit, but I think Smith has looked solid on the PP.

That's great, but I'm not sure what Maltby scoring 50 in junior hockey has to do with his role in the NHL. He never potted more than 14 goals in a year, and cracked 30 points twice. Maltby altered his game and at the NHL level, and received the minutes/role he did because of his ability to play a two-way game. It's not "everyone", but for many discussing his role on the team, they're simply repeating what management is saying. To their point, why use Mantha in the lineup if he's only going to play 10 minutes a night? If he can displace someone who is currently in a top-nine role (not necessary top-six) and take their spot on the power play, then I'm all for it I doubt you'll find many people who want Miller/Ott over Mantha - just ones who want Mantha in the right role on this team. I get where you're coming from, but I'm not in a rush to break-up that Nyquist-Helm-Vanek line. Last season was pretty ugly in terms of "balance", but Blashill appears to be off to a better start this season. The forwards (outside of AA and Ott) are playing within roughly four minutes of each other's TOI/GP. Not to mention, he appears to have created some clearly-defined roles when it comes to the PP and PK. Outside of Nielsen, no one else is double-dipping between the special teams units. So I guess my point is less about fourth line vs. top-nine/top-six, and more about having the right opportunities/roles for guys like AA and Mantha. So sure, on paper, Mantha could jump into the lineup for Miller/Ott, but he's not taking over their PK minutes. Like I said, I think Mantha's best opportunity occurs if Sheahan struggles in his current role.

I'm still not entirely sure why Miller/Glendening/Ott are being compared to Mantha/AA. I understand that people want to see them in the lineup over the aforementioned grinders, but it's players like Sheahan, Helm and/or Abdelkader that have to drop down the depth chart. If that happens, one of those fourth-line guys would get pushed out, but I sure as hell don't want to see Mantha on the fourth line. AA's more suited for that kind of role, but there are always going to be complaints about his TOI/GP. Management needs to feel as if Mantha/AA can do more in the top-nine group than someone like Sheahan. Helm's line is clicking right now, and I don't see the team leaving Abdelkader on the fourth line for an extended period of time. IMO, Mantha's best chance at an extended call-up this year (outside of injury) is Sheahan struggling in the top-nine, then getting pushed down to the fourth line.

Normally I'd agree with this, but I've read a few articles, blogs, etc. recently outlining how notoriously patient Cheveldayoff is when it comes to trading. Prior to finally getting moved to Buffalo, Kane was demanding a trade during (nearly) every off-season. Cheveldayoff waited for the right package. Sure, the situation is a bit different here, but I don't expect him to just settle. I think Trouba caves before Cheveldayoff makes a trade he's not happy making. I agree that we see a ton of those, "seriously, the Wings could have paid that price" scenarios, but I'm not sure this is one of them.

I second this ^ I used GF, but CapFriendly is my "go-to" site for cap-related questions.

Was just about to post these. Not sure why Blashill seems set on putting two NFP guys like Abdelkader and Sheahan on the same line. Only thing I can think of is he wants to match them up to shut down other top lines. If he's so keen on using those guys in the top-six group, I'd much rather see Tatar-Nielsen-Sheahan, Abdelkader-Larkin-Z.

Obviously you can't please everyone, but I have no idea what kind of team fans want to see the Wings ice. It feels as if, regardless of what's thrown out there, we'll find something to complain about. I'm genuinely curious what people are looking for (within reason) using the current group of forwards in the Wings' system. Something along the lines of...? Tatar-Nielsen-Nyquist Zetterberg-Larkin-Abdelkader Mantha-Athanasiou-Vanek Sheahan-Helm-Glendening Jurco, Miller Waived: Ott

My guess is that Athanasiou is going to have to make an impact fairly quickly/avoid any glaring mistakes, otherwise I can picture Blashill pushing him down a couple of lines. And when that happens... *steps away from LGW for the night*