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You ignored much of my post- do you agree with what you did not comment on? Helm is light-years better defensively than Abby? Not true. I would say Helm is a bit better, but not by much. I know you love stats, and I have some more for you. This season, Abby has been on the ice for one more goal for, but also on the ice for for more goals against (playing on the fourth line I assume). Helm has been on the ice for one more PK goal against (a bit more PK time per game though). Last season, Abby let the team in plus-minus. Helm was on the ice for more goals against ES and PK. Helm had more PK time/game, but only 14sec/game less time at ES. Obviously stats don't tell the whole story. However, IMO Helm gets recognition above his skill level because he stands out with his speed. It's not anything against Helm (I love his play), but his speed tends to have him a bit overrated by many on this forum.

This is all opinion, but I have to disagree on your assessment of Abby and Helm. Many of the chances they get are caused by Abby bringing physicality and Helm then getting the puck. For example, Helm's goal this season was caused by Abby retrieving the puck, fending off a player, and passing to Helm. Similarly, that line has had many chances that begin with Abby's play. Helm and Abby aren't the the type of players that are going to lead the team in scoring (regardless of minutes), but they can lead in plus/minus with solid-D and garbage goals. Abby has more than twice the amount of hits as Helm because he is a great fore-checker- he starts the play. That line is meant to fore-check the other team and create chances. If you don't think that Abby has had as much of an impact (or more) than Helm at ES, I'm not sure we're watching the game the same way. Also, Abby's only goal this season was the game-winner. I'm not sure why you brought up Abby's break-away, as Helm isn't great at them himself.

Commodore is staying in the for the game tonight. IMO that will be a very good thing against the Ducks. We may need his truculence.

I can see how you would rank Huds and Z equally- they are both playing well below their potential. IMO the difference between the two players is that Z has still been creating chances (albeit not many), while Hudler hasn't. This isn't a knock on Hudler- he is just not the type of player to lead a line (he is best complimenting skilled players). This is why he looks decent/good with skilled players, and relatively useless with gritty players (Abby and Helm). I am admittedly biased, but I think Abby and Helm (Homer if you include him too- his puck handling was good last game) have been the best players in the bottom six. Emmerton has played well enough, but he hasn't been able to create many chances. In the last few games Abby and Helm have created more chances than either of the top-2 lines (not counting PP). Abby is first in hits and sixth in shots (below only the top PP line), and Helm is tied for first in plus-minus. These two are playing, the past 5 games, well above their place(s) on the depth chart. I can't think of any other forwards on the team who are doing the same.

That's a great starting point for a 6th defensemen. IMO of you don't remember them playing, then they did well. For the worst defensemen on the team (being the 6th/7th), no mistakes is the best you can ask.

In regards to Z, that wasn't Eva's ranking (salary based). He ranked the players based on skill/line ability. Therefore, Huds over Z is reaching IMO. Grade per dollar is significantly different. Who would you rather have on the ice in an important situation? Based on play this year, I would pick Z hands down. The problem with the Wings this year is chemistry. The skill is there (to be in a playoff position), the defense is there, and the goaltending is there. The team, as a whole, is not.

Hudler over Z? Eaves and Emmerton over Abby? By what measure?

Hudler has to earn his time. Abby was the best player on the third line (after Hudler was demoted) last night. If Huds cannot outplay Abby and Helm, how can he earn top-6 ice-time?

I'm surprised the Wings have slumped this much, but I always thought this year was going to be a possible transition year for the Wings. Of the 'core' team, Hudler, Homer, Bert, and Stuart are UFA's after this year, and this year is the time for all of them (except Homer- I think/thought he is likely to retire) to show if they will stay on the team. Further, Abby and Helm are RFA's, but I expect them to be re-signed. We could see three new players top-9 players next year, which would be a large change for the Wings.

I meant to post Mule and a first or second for Parise, not what was typed (on my phone). I wasn't aware of my mistake, or its amazing ability to anger others. I think you are overestimating what it takes to get Parise. He is a UFA after this season (see capgeek). Therefore, NJ receives nothing for him unless he is traded before free agency. As a result, the Devils have less bargaining power (if Parise wants to move) than in a typical scenario. I'm not saying Mule+1st is enough, but it's a good starting point. The Wings would probably need to add a decent prospect and/or another pick or two, but I don't think that 'core' for the trade is far off.

Agree. We've had a lot of good fortune lately, and it's frustrating to see this team play lately. I'll be watching every game hoping they turn it around.

Abby draws the penalty. Time to capitalize.

Great shift by the Abby- Helm- Hudler line.

Nice shot, bad penalty. Commodore needs to spark the team here.

Had a few Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale's earlier. Hopefully that somehow translates to a win.

I've no idea, but it's a great time to grow a stache. I'm growing mine for the month. Game on. LGW!

FWIW he was fighting Verot for the second time that game. At least it was two 'fighters' this time, but the elbows to the head are disgraceful. I don't know how fighters can go to the KHL and choose to forget 'the code'. To those who don't know, the KHL now has 5 minute fighting majors- which is why the players fought twice in one game.

IMO Franzen is the only player that would yield a good-enough return. Franzen for Parise and a first or second would be good. I love Mule, but I'm worried about his contract length. Maybe throw one of Eaves, Emmerton, etc in for Clarkson as well. IMO no trade is needed, but if a trade is made I'd like it to be a big move.

The PK played excellent and the Wings had many chances. Harding had another great game, and IMO the Wings got screwed on the last play. The Wings weren't outplayed- they just took bad penalties. To me, playing well and taking penalties are not mutually exclusive.

This is amazing.

Really? Please argue this. It looked like Howard was interfered with on that goal.

Initially I thought it was a good example of finishing a check. I can see the penalty I suppose.

Anyone else having audio problems with Drumj's stream?

How has Helm been outperforming Abby this season? They have the same amount of points, Abby has more than double Helm's hits, and Abby has more shots on goal. Abby has 5 more PIM, but those came from a fight (that he dominated).

Babcock (correctly IMO) like to have a net front presence on each line, and the first line has none.