Jesusberg

For some reason, I have the same vibe that Kindl's going to have a real solid game. Hopefully, he does.

Goes without saying, but this should be a clear W. Hopefully they come out strong right away.

Or, for another case of Franzen channeling his emotions, see 2007-08 or 2008-09 playoffs.

I don't normally like to be so blatantly insulting, but... just how high are they? I didn't think they could reach this level of stupidity.

No. Cleary is gone after this season, and I'm an advocate of using an amnesty buyout on Samuelsson. I'd much prefer to see Nyquist and Tatar given a shot than adding Clarkson. I think this team needs to assess just how talented their youth is before delving into free agency, at least at the forward position.

With Howard's signing today, we've got about 12.6 million to sign 5 guys. Flip and Brunner will be getting reasonable raises, and Nyquist, Andersson, Kindl and Smith are all in for minor raises. Really no need to be worried, I think, but I really hope they use a buyout on Samuelsson. I'd rather them be comfortable than nearly up against it, keeping a guy who isn't going to make much of an impact. I wouldn't mind them using one on Colaiacovo too, but I feel like Holland will want to keep around for the sake of depth. Lashoff is a serviceable NHL defender, but beyond him, who would they call up from the Griffins in case of injury? Almqvist? Lashoff might be better served to start the year in the AHL, as opposed to as their 7th defender.

*Cough* McCollum *Cough*. And yeah, obviously he was going to drop-off, and as you've said already has. That's why I imagine he's going to have a tough go of it next season. Consistency seemed to be Jimmy's biggest issue during his time in the AHL, something he's found here (not necessarily season to season, but as a year progresses). I think Mrazek is mentally tough, and will progress during his time with the Griffs. Don't get me wrong - I'm not bashing Jimmy or calling Mrazek the next coming of Hasek. I'm just thinking of the possibility of a Vancouver-esque situation in 3-4 seasons. I'm happy we locked Jimmy up. He's a proven commodity, and has been rewarded as such.

Obviously, no one can predict how well a guy is actually going to do, but if you re-call Howard's time in the AHL... it wasn't pretty. Not many people had much faith that he could come into the NHL and put up better numbers than he did with the Griffs. You get a guy in Mrazek who blows up at the WJC, does pretty darn well in juniors and then comes in and takes the AHL job from McCollum and Pearce (not tough, just saying.) The kid has done pretty well for himself so far, and I actually imagine he's going to hit a wall next season and slow down. After that, it's up to him. If he bounces back and works out well, cool. That 2014-15 year could be when he jumps in as Jimmy's back-up, or maybe he takes an extra year in GR - who knows? Regardless, he's the most hyped up goalie prospect around here in awhile. I'm rooting for the kid, personally.

Enhh, this one's a little on the high side for me on both cap hit and term. I really would have preferred to see something like 4.5-4.8 over 3-4 years, but at this stage that probably doesn't make sense for Howard. I think in his mind, this is probably his "retirement" contract, and so he's going to try to get his money now. In terms of the actual structure of the team, I can see Mrazek truly challenging (and perhaps overtaking) Jimmy in about 3-4 seasons. What then? We'll have a 5.3 million dollar back-up? Love Howie, just not 100% sold on the deal. Glad we still have him, though.

I was writing a response, then realized you think Clarkson could be worth 5-7 million. Have a nice day.

He told me you two were just a one time thing.

The same people who complain about our prospects not being inserted into the line-up are the same ones advocating signing a 30-year old winger in David Clarkson. Not trying to point the finger at anyone in particular, but this guy is basically what Dan Cleary was 3-4 years ago. I've paid close attention to Clarkson, and the word "streaky" doesn't even begin to describe him. Burst out of the gates early, then went about as cold as Brunner did. Let the contracts for these older players run out (Cleary, Miller, Sammy, Bert, etc.) and bring along the younger players. Why pay for a band-aid? That would just take away a spot from one of the kids. The "grass is always greener" mentality is just crazy around here sometimes. I think people just want change, no matter what that change is. This team isn't going to be that great for about two-three season... let's deal with that.

Was going to write this. You beat me to it.

Because for as much hockey as I have ever, or will ever watch, nothing makes me happier than when a Red Wings' player scores a goal. It's a natural gut reaction.

He really is getting them through today, isn't he? I've been impressed.

The better Nyquist plays, and the longer Sammy is injured, the higher chance I think Holland uses an amnesty buyout. Could use one on Cola, but I think Lashoff can still play in GR next season? (Someone correct me if I'm wrong here) So we'd be using a buyout just so Lashoff could sit on the bench instead of Cola. If Sammy's bought out, I'd like to see... Nyquist-Zetterberg-Brunner Filppula-Datsyuk-Franzen Tatar-Helm-Bertuzzi Abdelkader-Andersson-Tootoo Emmerton, Eaves Kronwall-Ericsson Quincey-Smith Kindl-DeKeyser Cola or Lashoff Howard Gustavsson It's not overly likely that Goose is on the top line, but I think he'd work well there. I'd actually prefer that over having both him and Tatar on either side of Helm, and Bert in the top six.

"You know, he's gotta ask himself, 'Do I want to be an NHL player?'. Does he? We'll see. I think he's got a good compete level; good composure. If he keeps it simple, he'll do well." Post game: "He did well. Good for him."

Malik says Z re-tweaked his groin. Ugh.

Has a chance to be a real solid playmaker, I think. Don't see him getting a full-time spot next year, unless Bert/Sammy are injured (likely) or bought out (less likely). I'm really liking the way he's using his speed, though, as a few of you have already mentioned. Real good hands, too.

Try again. Per Khan: "Wings skating with these lines; 8-13-93, 51-40-11, 20-63-24, 14-25-17. Tootoo working in on 4th line. Bertuzzi also skating."

Who are you and where is Hockeytown0001 saying, "Graphics to be posted shortly"? I have a feeling they're going to slap around the Coyotes tonight. Just a guess... 5-1 for the good guys.

It's a shame DD isn't in tonight; perhaps tomorrow night vs. the Avs. As far as Nyquist and Tatar, I really think Nyquist stays down next year unless something gives with Bert or Sammy, or if Flip doesn't re-sign here. Tatar and Andersson are no long waiver-exempt next season, and I imagine they take the spots of Cleary and Miller. My money is on Tatar starting on the 3rd line, and Andersson on the 4th.

Would have liked to grab Kulikov.

And the Ducks and Blues haven't done this to the Wings for years? To a lesser extent, the Sharks' cycle game has killed us. There are big/nasty teams in each conference.

I think the real key to success in the East (specifically the Northeast) is smart puck movement and speed. Look at how small Montreal's forwards are, and yet they've done well this year. It might be a little difficult the first couple years, getting some of the older bodies out, but the younger guys with fresh legs will likely be effective.