Stiffy

Spot on. This is my absolute most despised attitude in the game, you know why? Because it fails. Lewis used to say this over and over. The trick is to adapt and change things. If its not working change it, if it works, do more.

Yea, I would trade winning that game for Ice Girls in burlap sacks all season. Brutal.

Trying to see the up side of this. It should be a wake up call. Injuries are not are only problem. Lack of injuries does not = great playing team. On the plus side, I think Howard played good enough to win this game. He is not the problem. Defensive collapses or better yet, meltdowns, cannot be tolerated. Everyone out there except Lebda can play well on D if they put their minds and asses to it. They need to get their act together and keep it together. Damn, great performances by Lids and Eaves and we get this.

An I couldn't agree with both of you more! Though we are tied up, it has a different feel. Kronner was missed.

Mine would have to be the excessive amount of clothing worn by Ice Girls.

Well, it ain't going to change now. These things catch on no matter what.

I agree, but even though I am a huge Datsyuk fan, he is by far my favorite player to watch and has been since his rookie year, I am not satisfied with his performance and there is one crucial difference between him and every other player besides Hank and Lids - he is paid to be a top performer and a leader by example. Tough times, playing with less than ideal line mates... are factors but not excuses. He needs to take charge. Up until this year I would say nobody in the NHL has adapted and evolved their game year after year like Datsyuk. Time to take it to the next level. P.S. Do not agree with the OP's idea that ice time should be given away.

Does he have a mentor on the team? I never hear much about this, but of course that certainly doesn't mean it isn't happening. Flip spends a lot of time with Datsyuk and of all the younger players Flip gets my vote as someone who is very serious about improving his game. Are others like Ville seeking out advice and spending time with the big guys? I'm wondering that with the cap and so many good quality older players fading away, is it possible to hire them as "player development" coaches or something. For example, when he wants to stop playing Chelios would be a good pick as someone to spend time with our younger D.

I didn't read the entire thread, but the first thought I had was that Robert Lang must be a smoker!

I'd hate to see one of the worse forums. Welcome and enjoy! So let me get this straight. You started watching hockey on TV and graviated to the Wings and became a fan? No connection to Detroit or Michigan right? That's great! Can you tell us why the Wings? What about them made you like them over all the other teams?

Okay, I am changing my position (perhaps a first for LGW?). Osgood's comments about getting points and SCF's was out of line. Besides, it's a waste of time. Babcock is focused on the hear and now. He is treating Osgood like he did Hudler - "You want to play more, then play well." Osgood wants it the other way around, but it won't happen with Babcock.

Can you believe this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40_(number) Is there one for every number or what? I don't have time to look.

I think we will miss him more than we realize.

Okay then, given all the injuries why not blame the trainers! What the heck are those guys doing to our players? :-)

I've been watching you take heat for this point of view, but you are obviously a guy who sees when the emperor is naked (or empress - take your pick). Serious question. What about coaching? Seems the coaching staff is made of teflon this year. How could the lack of performance and heart witnessed so often NOT be in some part due to coaching? I'm a buck stops at the top kind of guy.

I hear you. I'm trying to imagine those awkward encounters in the locker room. Personally, I would probably fall on my knees and blubber for forgiveness to Babcock's steely gaze ("Coach, Coach, I'm sorry, I'm sorry man...), but Ozzie may not care. Still, he was given a talking to before by Holland and it made an impact. How long until Holland steps in?

So, can we expect more jabs via the press soon? I know some of you are pissed, but I kind of like Ozzie being a little sassy, even if he isn't playing great. Come on guys, its so American (and maybe Canadian) to question leaders, especially when the ship is listing. Babcock could use a little ruffling to keep him on his toes. However, I give Babs the Vegas line on this war of words. He is one tough customer.

I guess there is no point in saying it, but there are many kinds of fans and I don't believe one is better than the other. Those who can be critical of their team and their performance and those who hold out hope and faith. Being cynical and being hopeful can be good things, but of course going to extremes in either can really bother those on the opposite side of the spectrum. So, if I take the evidence as I see it and think this team may not make the playoffs, does that make me a lousy fan? If I ignore the evidence as others see it and have faith they will somehow come through and show up when it counts does that make me a better fan? Some people need to vent and some people need to hope. I don't see the problem with either.

Since when does saying a 7 million dollar player is underperforming mean you are saying: 1. His career is over 2. He sucks 3. You hate him 4. Bertuzzi sucks and so on. No wonder Detroit can't get its s*** together, nobody can accept the tiniest bit of truth about a problem.

Really? Not me. It's easy. The guy who is performing the best gets the job. If he chokes, pull him and the other guy get's his chance. Anything else is playing to favoritism or wishful thinking. Why over complicate it and second guess everything? You said it right there - "if he gets us in the playoffs." If he does, then do you think someone else deserves to take his job? How could that be right?

I'm a HUGE Datsyuk fan and he has been my favorite player since his first season, but I have to agree 100%. You don't get 7 million a year to do nothing less than succeed and lead. Datsyuk is not living up to his salary or expectations this season. Excuses are for over protective mothers. He needs to lead by example, now more than ever.

I guess I have been too optimistic about the professionalism of refs. I thought they took some professional pride in being impartial. I hope this clown isn't representative of the larger population of refs.

Loved the comment about 'early season Ozzie' Kind of a wake up call if your play at a particular point in the season is known.

Why not try them? Especially when you earn your living in front of the net. By the way, Free Press says he is now maybe out 2-3 weeks only.

Interesting article on Helm here in the Free Press - seems some of the other players think one of his problems (and it's not a real bad one) is that he is often going TOO fast and needs to know when to turn on and off his Battlestar Gallactic Viper-esque afterburners of his. I think he will do fine.