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That line did have the second goal last night (Abby to Dats to E to Kronner). If Tatar has a better game than last night, I'd like to see him take the place of whoever is playing worse of Abby/Cleary (Cleary was worse last night) tomorrow during the game.

It's one of the many safety futures that players can choose to use, and it takes it a step further because almost all new players have been mandated to use it at lower levels. What should be mandatory? Visors, neck guards, kevlar socks, kevlar wrist bands, cuff length on gloves, etc? Where do we decide on which to mandate? There are plenty of extra safety features that players choose not to wear. I don't see why these players, being paid millions of dollars to play in the NHL, should not be able to decide if they want to wear a visor. If you want to argue the issue from the NHL GM/Owner's point of view for financial arguments, I can understand the argument, but I don't see why the players should not have a choice. IMO neck gaurds, softer pads, and mouthgaurds are more important. If visors are made mandatory, I would like to see a removable visor for fighting. I don't know if any company have experimented with this, but it would prevent a lot of hand injuries.

FWIW E said he took his visor off because of facial lacerations the visor gave him in the AHL. I like the current system in place. They are mandatory in the CHL and AHL, but optional at the NHL level. Therefore, each player is used to use a visor, but has the option when they enter the NHL.

He had a string of poor shifts where he got burned defensively, made poor passes, and generally wasn't strong on his stick. I believe this was in the second period. Cleary had a terrible first period, but was okay after that. Abby played a solid game and helped setup the Wings' second goal. It is funny that the Cleary-Dats-Abby line would score one shift after Tatar was taken off the line. I do still think that Tatar should get a chance on that line, but IMO Cleary was much worse than Abby last night and Tatar didn't play as well as he had in the past few games.

Smith needed to get that pick deep. He's had a good game otherwise.

Kronner!

Without referring to stats, why?

Cleary's killed more plays than he's continued this game.

Tatar's last shift probably set back the possibility another game.Edit- Out there now. I was wrong.

Mule!

Didn't look good defensively there.

I agree. Abby does what is expected of him, Dats dazzles, and Cleary stands out for his mistakes. Abby has been snake bitten though and that needs to change. There aren't many players in the NHL with over 35 shots and zero goals this season, not that it's his fault.

Cleary isn't handling the puck well tonight.

LGW!

LGW! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcv2gT--q00

I don't like the line, but I do think it has stayed because of defense. That is, Babs might not trust Tatar to play against Toews, Thornton, Kopitar, etc. I think Dats and Abby/Cleary could makeup for any of Tatar's deficiencies, but that's the only explanation I can think of. Flip should return and the line will be split.

Abby is leading the team in hits (again), plays the net front role well, has more takeaways than giveaways, is defensively responsible, and provides good pressure in the corners. IMO he's doing exactly what is expected of him. He isn't the type of player that can carry line- he is a checker and can be a complimentary player like Homer and Cleary (was). The line is the problem, not his play.

I would like Clowe on the Wings next season. IMO he can bring what Bert has brought the last few years in terms of size, and players like him don't hit free agency often. I wouldn't want to give him more than 3 years (his production has decreased) but he would give the Wings a big body in the top-6 that doesn't mind getting his nose dirty. This becomes more important if that Wings do move east next season.

E's been playing really well.

Lashoff has been solid defensively today.

Almost had another one from the Dats line.

Tatar!

It's not beside the point. The point is that Abby plays well in front of the net on the PP. What evidence is there that Andersson plays well in front of the net? What evidence is there that Tootoo can make himself big enough to effectively screen the goalie? Or do you just want a change because 5-on-5 you are unhappy? 5-on-5 I don't think you'll find anyone here who thinks Abby-Dats-Cleary is a good line. That doesn't mean that these players are useless at any other part of the game. Homer-Dats-Cleary (with today's Cleary and 2009 Homer) would have also been a terrible line, but it wouldn't have meant Homer is bad on the PP. Just because a player is being utilized incorrectely does not mean that player is a bad player in all situations.

Who plays the net front role better on that second PP than Abby? I like how the Chicago player jumping between the benches negates the too many men penalty.

I've said it the past few game and it's still true- Abby is doing well at playing the net front role.