Jesusberg

I'd hate to see the score of this game if he was a below average goalie. Thank god for average Howie.

Datsyuk: "Don't make angry. You no like me when angry. Dangle, dangle."

Given the Red Wings' track record, I'd say it'll be Mursak and Emmerton going. Miller's UFA and I think he's on his way out during the off-season, but I feel like Detroit will keep him over Emmerton. I'm also curious to see who the odd man out on defense is when they're healthy - Kindl or Huskins (assume it's him).

Not that I was the one asked, but they're Xavier Ouellet and Ryan Sproul. I'm a HUGE fan of Sproul.

To be honest, I'm not even sure what people are talking about in regards to Mule. I actually feel like he's been pretty solid. I could just be completely off here, but I feel like he's looking quicker than ever. He's nearly playing at a point-per-game pace, and isn't dogging it as much as I've seen in the past. We can all call the man a pansy all we want, but I think he's actually put up a good effort thus far.

I don't see anything wrong here... clean looking spear to me.

I think Detroit needs to get a look at Andersson, anyway. While he had a good game last night, Andersson could prove to be an upgrade over Emmerton on the 4th line. His contract's up this year. I'd at least like to see him get alternated into the line-up next season.

I'm pretty confused myself about where exactly the team is going to be in a number of years, but I do have good vibes about quite a few prospects. Datsyuk leaving is going to create a big hole, but I think in three years time we're going to see guys like Jarnkrok, Nyquist and Tatar stepping up. I'm actually pretty excited about the guys who may jump into our bottom six, as well. If Datsyuk leaves, I think we'll end up looking something like: Nyquist-Zetterberg-Brunner Franzen-Filppula-Jarnkrok/FA? Tatar-Helm-Ferraro Abdelkader-Sheahan-Tootoo Andersson, Aubry The defense is definitely a little more difficult to peg down, but I see something along the lines of... Kronwall-Smith Ericsson-White/FA? Almqvist-Lashoff FA Without signing some big name free agent, the defense is still pretty scary to look at. I think they'll qualify Kindl this off-season, because it's not really their style to let RFA's go. I think in about maybe three years, we'll see guys like Ouellet, Sproul and Backman, but for the next few years the D is going to look a little rough unless they scoop someone off the market.

The issue with bringing in one or both is the logjam of forwards we have in the bottom six right now. When Helm returns, the PK will improve tremendously. While it won't happen this year, in the next two or so years I'd eventually like to see a bottom six of something like... Tatar-Helm-Ferraro Abdelkader-Sheahan-Tootoo I only have Tatar on the 3rd line because I feel like Jarnkrok or some free agent will be able to jump into our top 6 by then (optimistic, I know).

He's great but... he's no six points in a game player. What a hack

I really have no issue with Yakupov or his celebrations; I simply don't care that much. What I do think, however, is that he just has one of those faces that you want to punch. I'm sure it's completely irrational of me to say so, but he reminds me of Joffrey from Game of Thrones.

Essentially, it comes down to the age and experience of a player. Look at the information under "Exempt Due to Experience" for an explanation on it. Pretty sure the only two guys on the team who don't have to clear waivers are Smith and Lashoff. http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2009/11/26/1174855/waivers-101-a-guide-to-the-nhl

Malik's mentioned it on Twitter. https://twitter.com/georgemalik/status/292704276239761409 I feel like this could actually be a good chance for Mursak to show whether or not he's got a spot on this team, or at the very least, show that he's a capable NHL player so someone else can put him to use.

Amazing job on the GDT. As much as this one seems like it's going to hurt, I'm going to really enjoy watching some hockey again.

I'd be on board with this too. Big fan of what I've seen from Kulikov. They seem to be having a lot of trouble signing him in Florida. Kulikov is a RFA and hasn't even left Russia yet. Apparently, his agent and Florida management haven't even spoken in over two days. I can't imagine what the price tag on him would be, but I'd love him here.

Not a fan of this... I don't see how Redden-White is that much better than Colaiacovo-White. Not to mention we'd be moving Kindl for a 4-5th rounder, or even lose him for nothing. Don't see the point.

This... OEL has improved a lot in the past couple years and is one of the best young defenders in the league. He can play in all situations, unlike Yandle. I think if Detroit does make a move, it'll be for some kind of cheaper veteran stop-gap. The forward prospects who are excelling are ones I wouldn't want to move, and the ones I'd move aren't playing as well as they could be, and aren't attractive options to other teams. While it's probably not as appealing as other moves, I wouldn't mind Visnovsky for a pick or lower end prospect. It's clear he doesn't want to play on Long Island, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't play here.

Not to take away from his accomplishment, but I think a big part of Patty making it is him being the only eligible goalie for next year. He'll benefit from the experience.

I'm a huge, huge fan of Sproul, but he just isn't getting the respect he deserves from the hockey community. Harrington and Hamilton are locks. Reinhart brings something to the table that the other defensemen don't, being the biggest shutdown guy invited to camp. After that, things get a bit hazy, but I think Ouellet/Rielly/Murphy all fit a similar role, and will be added for their puck-moving and offensive prowess. That leaves one spot and I think that battle is between Dumba, Corrado and Sproul. While I believe that Sproul is the most deserving of the three, Dumba is probably the "sexy" pick out of those guys. I just think he'll get it over Sproul, but I hope I'm wrong. If it were my way, I'd love to see: Ouellet-Hamilton Rielly-Reinhart Harrington-Sproul Murphy

I've been sitting here thinking, "Well Z isn't gone yet, there's still hope." Just awesome...

In Soviet Russia, Radulov leads you.

What a nice mooove.

Kyle Wellwood. He comes back every summer, wearing the same soccer jersey. When people recognize him, he pulls it over his face... exposing his rotund belly.

I'm a fan of Abs, I just wish he'd play more on the wing. That's not something within his control, though. Solid deal.

I think that considering the "extra" forwards we have, only one of Brunner and Nyquist play in the league full time this season. And I think (hope) they're going to get that top six forward spot over Bert. Franzen-Datsyuk-Nyquist/Brunner FIlppula-Zetterberg-Samuelsson Bert-Helm-Cleary Miller-Abs-Tootoo Emmerton & Mursak (one of these two is dealt or waived when Eaves is medically cleared) I really wish we had a more offensively driven 3rd line forward. No disrespect to Helm at all, but I just think a 4th line of Abdelkader-Helm-Tootoo would be one of the very best in the league. Plus, Abs at center doesn't do it for me. Helm can do the job at as the 3C, but boy would that 4th line rock. In terms of that first line, I really don't want to see Pavs stuck with Mule and Bert again. I think Nyquist or Brunner have more raw, offensive talent at this point. I think Brunner, as a shoot first guy, would give us a more passive Mule... as he'd just dish the puck out to him. With Nyqust, Mule might be forced to shoot a bit more. Who knows for certain. This is how I see it panning out, anyway.