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Tootoo with a much better showing against Brown tonight.

He's not going to carry a line himself. The only way I can see him working in the top-6 is with two great puck handlers, similar to Homer with Dats and Z. With Mule, he has to do more than dig in the corners and screen the goalie. Those are two things he can do. OT- Does LGW not allow browser spell check for anyone else?

The last 8 games the first line hasn't worked either. At least that line maintains some time in the offensive zone. Bert was the Wings most skilled big body and I think the Wings are missing him more than we'd expect.

He was also leading the team before his promotion.

The Hall goal was on here about 30 seconds prior to GameCenter catching up. It's worse refreshing the forums during a PP and knowing there won't be a goal.

I'm sure he'd prefer someone with more skill, but the Wings have no one close to being as physical as Abby on the forecheck. He has ~13% of the entire team's hits and leads the next closest player (Tootoo) by ~20 hits.

I think it's true. Dats has played with Homer and/or Bert for the past few seasons while the other top line has been smaller physically. This is part of the reason I'd like Clowe next season, especially if Bert is on LTIR.

For those not watching the FSD feed, Mick is saying Dats is very high on Abby being on his line and Abby was moved down to help the third line defensively against the RNH line. Hopefully Nyquist can spark Dats and Mule.

The top two lines with a lot of talent haven't been great tonight either.

Weak call. That's finishing your check.

LGW! Thanks. Nyquist out with Dats now.

Tootoo in! Good report by Mick on Dats and Abby. Did I see that Z hasn't scored in 20 games?

According to Khan, Tootoo may be scratched again. Hopefully he plays.

I'm suprised not many have mentioned Brunner and Z these past few games. Z has two points in the last 8 games, one on the PP and one on the EN goal. These are the players the Wings expect to score goals and they haven't produced. IMO it's a total team effort, but I don't understand all of the hate towards players who weren't signed to score 20+ goals a season when those who are paid to score 20+ goals a season haven't been producing either. I think he will take an extended amount of time to fit in the lineup. However, I don't think the Wings will have that time this season. I think a full training camp will help him next year.

He was weak on his stick and missed some defensive coverages in the CBJ games. With that said, I'm not sure why they brought up Nyquist to play the same role. I'm guessing it was to get each of them time before Helm returns. I don't see the Abby hate. He played a key role in Kronner's goal, and didn't do anything to hurt the team other than his penalty (which was weak as he was forced offsides). It's not Abby's fault he is put in the top six- that is Babs decision. Who would take his place as a big body in the bottom 6? Andersson- he has 7 giveaways and no takeaways, has ~.35 hits per game compared to Abby's 2+ hits per game, and is hovering around 47% FO.

Flip!

Yes, he screened the goalie while Kronner scored. Dangerous giveaway by Andersson there.

Did you miss the first goal? I'm not saying the lines are good, but that goal doesn't go in without Abby. PP2 needs a net front guy.

Hope Smith is alright. It did look like he turned though. Good to see Q and Abby at get in there.

As I've been saying, Abby is getting very good in front of the net.

Kronner!

LGW!

Not sure how they can be blamed for being put on a certain line by the coach.

I'm suprised Eaves went from being a scratch to taking Tootoo's (and possibly Nyquist's) spot.

That statement is as true as you think Babs statement is. I think Babs focuses on defense more than anything else. Players are on a short leash when it comes to defensive mistakes (White, Tatar) and a long leash when it comes to offensive production. You can be without puck luck when it comes to scoring, but there isn't any puck luck for being soft on your stick or missing coverage.