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I've used hockeystreams, myp2p, and the mysterious LGW stream. Personally, I didn't think hockeystreams was worthwhile when the other two options were available. I usually stream to my tv, and sometimes have a game on the tv and computer. For most games I watch (60+ Wings, 100+ other teams a season), I can usually find a good stream on myp2p. While there are a lot of low quality streams, there are a few decent ones for the more popular teams (Toronto, NY, Wings, etc). Hockeystreams' quality is better than most of these, but not worth the money to me (paying for illegal streams of slightly lower quality). If you can afford Center Ice, I would suggest it since there 'preview' streams have been excellent for me. Be careful of blackout restrictions though, as you may miss many of the games you want to see. I wish (although I understand and agree with the current policy from the NHL's standpoint) there was a way to buy a 'blackoutless' Center Ice package, since many of us (or maybe just me?) choose not to have cable.

Agree. I don't think many people like him or agree with many of his decisions, but he has done a good job. Would you rather have one game a week on ESPN2, or three games a week on NBC/NBC Sports (Versus)? I don't have cable (so the deal doesn't directly affect me), but I know which one I would choose. One nationally televised game a week would be an insult to our intelligence IMO. It's certainly cool to hate Bettman, but I would like someone here who doesn't think he deserves $7.5m to argue how Bettman has failed the NHL in increasing revenues, awareness, etc.

It is some combination of skill and commitment/value to the Wings. I agree in that there is no correct formula for this. You mentioned it, and I brought it up previously- if there is a discussion if a number should be retired, then it shouldn't be retired.

Agree. I would like him to get in, but I don't expect it. I think it's 50-50.

No, but I would like to see him in the HoF. I have nothing against Osgood (he was one of my favorite players), but I don't think his number should be in the rafters. He simply was a good (and extremely likeable) part of a great team(s), much like Z is now. I think the rafters are reserved for players who elevate the franchise, and I don't think Osgood did that like Steve or Lids have in recent years. IMO if Osgood's number goes up, there are a lot of other numbers that will be debated. If there is a debate, I don't think the number belongs in the rafters.

Agree. Unless Hudler has a major turn-around, I don't see him with the Wings in 2012-2013. Draper, if signed, would likely ride the bench for 25-50% of the year as other forwards rotate with him and retire after the season. Draper has a locker-room presence, which is valuable, but he is certainly less-skilled than Hudler.

Glad to see the Wings get more physical on d. I hoped they could have a similar singing on offense, but we'll have to take what we can get.

I saw this within an article on Raffy today. I thought it was interesting because Smith appeared to be be making 'rookie' mistakes even toward the end of the Griffins' season. However, I think having him play with Lids is probably be the best thing for his development. Full article is here- http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2011/05/red_wings_brian_rafalski_will_4.html

Agree about Commodore being an improvement at the 5th/6th spot. I think a lot of the initial panic was based on Commodore not being a serviceable top pairing dman with CBJ. He should be a great bottom pairing dman despite this, and his physicality is a great addition. Maybe he can teach E a mean streak.

This isn't the signing I was hoping for, but it is in-line with the Wings' philosophy of taking reclamation projects. There isn't much down-side to this deal, and maybe it can turn out well. Personally, I'm indifferent right now to this signing, but there is much more room for this move to be good than there is for it to be bad. Have you ever spent time in Columbus? There is a very nice downtown/near downtown area and there are a few really good suburbs. I'm not sure how moving to Detroit is s huge upgrade (living-wise) over Columbus.

They certainly aren't a team that will scare anyone. Carter is a top line center though- he is top ten in goals over the past five years (cumulative I believe- on my phone so I'm not checking). With Garon gone (bad move IMO) they need a good backup. However, they've moved forward more this off-season than in any other season and I see them contending for a playoff spot

You predict they won't improve this year with the new additions? I can see them ending up 10-6th in the West. What makes you think they can't compete for a playoff spot? CBJ's problem was having too many 2nd/3rd liners and too many 2nd/3rd pairing defensemen. Right now I think they contend for the playoffs, and if they can acquire another first liner and top-pairing dman next year they can be a credible playoff team.

I'm glad to see Miller back, but this likely removes any possibility of Moen, Konopka, etc being signed.

Have you seen what CBJ has done this off-season? They are now a possible playoff team. If they can make similar moves in the coming years, they could make a deep playoff run.

The percentage overpayment is the big difference IMO.

For some reason I don't think Janik will be the seventh d. If so, disregard my post. However, if Janik isn't going to be up, SOB is my first choice if he's cheap.

Agree. This doesn't mean Holland still isn't great, but it shows he (like all GM's) isn't always perfect.

I can't speak for other fans, but I fully appreciate Holland and all he has done. With that said, it's hard to agree with this deal if it is true. Every GM f***s up, and we are lucky that Holland does less than other GM's. He can't be perfect, so this doesn't severely downgrade my opinion of him, but this doesn't look like a good deal right now.

Thinking about it more, he would be a perfect 7th defensemen for the Wings. If he can be signed cheap, he can provide a physical presence and good performance when needed.

That was for the people who kept saying Holland had a plan, and that trading a fourth rounder for Wiz's rights was ridiculous. Please let this cap hit be incorrect.

Was not trading a fourth still a good move? No.

I'd take him if E isn't re-signed, but not otherwise.

Jerry was at the awards because he loves hockey- watching and playing. His home in KY has a very nice rink (I know many people who have played with him there). He would be a great owner, but I don't think Vegas is the best place for relocation.

I agree. I'm not worried if any of those players aren't re-signed, but Eaves is the one player I would like to keep (most).

With the cap going up so much this year, I think we need to re-adjust our expectations for what a player is worth. Percentage of the cap is probably a better way to think of salaries than dollar amount.