Motown4013

First off I would like to say that I have been really impressed with role guys stepping up. Eaves, Helm, Miller and Abby have all really risen to the occasion throughout. Ever Jankik and Meech have exceeded my expectations but after watching the Hawks game tonight (20/12), its become abundantly clear that our injuries have caught up to us. We simply do not have the depth at this point to rally. Osgood was weak tonight but in saying that, there were 4 odd man rushes and two breakaways and that cant happen.We lost that game on every level: outshot, outchanced and on faceoffs...every aspect of the Wings game looked vulnerable. I think we were able to still compete with Zetty in the lineup because we had a solid #1 line and a "decent" second line. A lot of these guys are not used to the intensity of the NHL. Its much faster, much more physical and a whole lot more demanding. How do we expect a guy like Eaves, who has been great, to play 8 minutes on the 3/4 line and then become a 20 minute guy on the second PP? Its too much to ask. Its not Eaves fault...or anyone elses...the guys are playing with a ton of heart. They are playing hard and hanging tough but they must be exhausted and it really showed tonight. Just wanting to know thoughts about how long we can stay close to a playoff spot with the roster we have. I am looking for Flip to be back but after that, its not until 2010 that we will see any of the other injured guys. Despite this, I have to admit that I have been proud of how the young guys responded but I wonder how long we can play with a team like like this? Thoughts?

I completely agree. We dont need anyone coming back at 75% only to get hit and be gone for the rest of the year. I'd rather everyone wait until they are completely healthy and be able to contribute to the team rather than rush it.

You are teasin' a chick BTW I actually think this team plays a bit better with adversity. Hell, I havent seen Pavel get that "spur in your boot" attitude until the game against dallas when he had 8 takeaways. He was relentless and sometimes players need to be backed into a corner to get them fired up. I think the struggle may help this team because at the beginning of the year we played with a lot of complacency but I havent seen that attitude in the last 10 games (with exception of a few guys that always look that way) I think Flips return will really help actually. It will relieve some of the pressure of the other role guys and he and Leino did have some mojo together before Flip got hurt, so his return...even if it takes some stress of some of the guys and helps are PP is a plus.

WOW....nevermind

Thanks for the thoughtful insights guys...I wasnt DOGGING anyone- if anything I think I praised this team. My post may be obvious but I was looking for some thoughts from other Wings fans about how the team can tread water during the storm.

You're kidding right?

eek. He kinda looks like Peter Frampton (who just robbed a convenience store)

Agreed- I really like this kid. He's stable and solid in both ends and he plays hard every night. I hope there is some room for him when the big boys get back!!!

WOW I hope someone buys you some anger management sessions for Christmas. I simply said it was awesome to see how Bert reacted to scoring and that obviously it meant a lot to him and you said you didnt care. You dont need to threaten.

Good to see you chose the right name for yourself...

What really impressed me was how he reacted to the tying goal and then the OT winner. Bert has been in the league for a long time and he reacted like he just scored his 1st goal in the NHL. He was so genuinely happy and excited to contribute. He is not lazy and he is not here for a paycheque...he wants to be a difference maker, and after he scored the shootout winner last week I predicted (like some others) that his confidence would grow and it clearly has. It was awesome to see that kind of joy from a player who contributeto this team...and has! Way to go Bert! I am rooting for ya!

Great post and I totally agree. Anyone who has been in a serious relationship knows that something wrong on the homefront can really affect your life. It can cause problems at work, within families and every other aspect of your life. Dats is human and I am sure he wants his wife to be happy and still wants to play great hockey in Detroit so he is probably torn (if there is any merit to this story) I am a married woman so I really dont understand how people cant grasp how big of a problem this could be for Pavel. If it is true, I hope things work out and Pav's never has to decide between his wife/ marriage/ family and his career.

Raffi is out again for tonight

Can you pass the salt? I am just finishing my second helping of this delicious crow. YUM

Actually I was arguing a mute point from a troller who stated that Z has better players on his line and statistically thats incorrect. Its not about the playground brother!

Umm..Zetterberg playing with better linemates huh? Lenio has FIVE points and Cleary has 13. What an offensive dynamo this line is....comparitively, Dat's line has Bert with 10 and Homer with 14. Both guys on Dats line have 40 point seasons in their career....while Zetty is playing with a Rookie and a grinder so lets not point fingers about this line when Dats has more help

Wow...I think everyone is being a bit harsh here. There are at LEAST six guys on this roster who are underacheiving...easily. Bert is one of those guys and he knows it. He looked confident and relieved after scoring a really nice SO goal to WIN IT for the Wings. I think that will help his confidence and his numbers will go up....I hope so anyway. As for him being a bit slower, loosing a step and not having the physical presence he once did....well, if he did, we would be paying him 5 million a year, not 1.5. We will see....

Loui Eriksson in Dallas is one of the most underrated players in the NHL. Cap hit of 4.2 mill...63 points last year and on target for 70+ this year. I like this kid.

I agree that Dats is on the wrong line. I am sure he is frustrated as hell with not scoring, as is the team, coach, fans ect BUT that doesnt excuse his defensive play. To me, Dats and Z and the 2 most complete players in the game and he has looked awful on both sides of the ice. This isnt a "Pavel bash" thread but honestly, uncharacterist turnovers, a dismal backcheck, blatent giveaways as of late and absolutely no fire to takeaway the puck from someone who just took his from him. He doesnt look hungry or willing. Last night on the second goal when he tried to dipsy in front of Ozzy and ended up pretty much causing the goal, I thought "who is THAT???" only to see #13. If his play was coming from anyone else, there would be a ton of hater threads but most ppl are reluctant to call out Dats. Even if he is not scoring, or putting the puck in the net, he HAS TO BE BETTER in the neutral and defensive zones.

If we wanted to take an educated guess, we know this: 1.Lids has always been a franchise guy so he would not want to go anywhere.... so if he is playing, he is playing in Motown 2. He had always taken a hometown discount and been very fair about it. 3. IMO, I think he takes the hometown discount so that other franchise type guys will take his lead and sign in Detroit and not test the open market because Detroit is a great team to play for. 4. He is not a stupid man- He knows he has lost a step and that he won't play the minutes or be the offensive threat he used to be and he wouldnt ask for more than he thinks he is worth. I am guessing 2 years for about 4-4.5 a year or in the ballpark. Of course he could get more in another city- edmonton would probably give him 10 mill a year! He doesnt want to anywhere and at this point, its not about the cash.

Thats nothing- Gold seating in the 1st eight rows are ridiculous- 500+ each. I have been to the ACC to see a game twice and will never go again. There are a ton of Obstructed view seats in Toronto that will go for 80 bucks and the seats are so far up, you actually feel dizzy looking down, plus the kink in your neck trying to look past a huge concrete pillar. Best arena's in my opinion- for price, seating and views are the Joe, Nationwide in Columbus and HSBC in Buffalo. The St. Petes Times in Tampa is awful as well!

He has had a disappointing year and definately not worth his 6 million...not even close

TSN reports that Marion Hossa will start his season with the Hawks on Wednesday night.. Well, we can all take a sigh of relief- their playoff chances are rooked now....kidding

42 pts in 66 games last year dude.....that isnt 3 decent years 5 years ago- it was 8 months ago. He hasnt found his mojo, but at least he's trying.

Lots of fun. Funny how you forget some of the greats of this game