MadMan Mark

Chi still has a mediocre goalie who has never won anything and a mediocre D. Pens didn't do anything to help their D, in fact they lost Gill (no great loss) and Scuderi. IMO, Hawks dump in 2nd Round next year and Pens go out in ECF to Washington, who will be hungrier than Pens, suffering from a Cup hangover. Wings in 5 over the Caps in the Finals. Lidstrom hoists the Cup in June 2010 and calls it a career with 5 Cups.

It was a miracle if, after a hit, Kopecky was still on his feet.

If not Huet'sa fault, then it must be the D for letting so many shots get to him. . . and I see the Hawks REALLY addressed their D needs during yesterday's frenzy. Good luck with that.

But you lost Game 5

I prefer Franzen's GWG's. . . plus, he is only going to get better, and at that cap hit, it's a Holland steal. Oh how the Central is going to be fun this year.

This thread has been pretty interesting. I agree with most that Chi is looking at a 1-yr stint to try and grab the Cup. I doubt it will happen because I think their goaltending and D are the biggest question marks. I don't care if they added defensive forwards. . . are you going to sacrifice scoring so the forward is in a better D position? The Hawks only movable player is Hossa, but that would be stupid to move him at the trade deadline. Why did they pick him up for this year then? I was laughed at because I called Talon the dumbest GM yesterday. All season long we heard how Chi is back and with their youth movement, they will be around for a long time. With signing Hossa, not addressing their mediocre goaltending, and not really beefing up their D corps, it will be nearly the same Hawk team of last season with no cap room to sign the oh-so-talked-about youth movement in Chi. Especially if the cap decreases or remains stagnant again. Holland knew what he was and was not doing, and doing nothing yesterday proved best. If we sign Hudler and Sammy, we have essentially the same team minus Drake and Cheli that won the Cup in 2008. What is wrong with that? And, the Wings are positioned very well for FA signings following 2010 season. There is no way the Wings offer Lidstrom a contract any higher than $5M and I'd be surprised if it were that high. IMO, I think Holmer and Maltby are done after next year. I say, GO WINGS. I'm going to enjoy watching the Hawks implode. Remember, they are only 1 big injury away from mediocrity. . . what happens to "their plan" if Hossa goes down? Interesting.

I always felt with or without Hossa, Wings were in a win-win situation. So get Hudler signed and offer a 1 yr deal to Sammy. It's still the same team that won in 2008 minus Drake. Yes, Chicago looks better, but they did nothing to help their weak defense. Also, they lost the goalie that got them to the WCF. Chi may challenge us a bit more for the Central, but in the end, Detroit wins the division and has a more successful post-season than Chi. Then the Chi brain trusts can start worrying about who and how they are going to pay all the RFA's due a significant raise over the next 2 years. Meanwhile, Wings free up $10M to re-sign Lidstrom and go after additional tools to fill out a successful team. Go Wings!

Wow, big price tag. . . I like him, but not that much

Defense is the issue with both your Cup finalists. As of now, I like Detroit back in the Finals against Boston.

With no attention to the next 2 years, Talon overspent for Hossa AND Kopecky. Havlat is gone and the core of experienced youth will depart Chi over the next few years. . . they just don't have the money anymore. Gotta love Campbell and Huet eating up so much cap money.

Habs filling holes

Amen

Bulin wasn't on the payroll for next year, unless I'm mistaken, so Talon didn't do anything.

Wings not one of three teams talking to Neil, according to TSN

From what I hear, Antropov is asking too much money, but you never know what happens. Keep in mind, we didn't get Hossa last year until July 2. Holland doesn't panic, just re-tools a wel-oiled machine.

Remember, we get Helm for <$600K. He'll give us energy, hitting, and 10-15 goals.

I forgot about Pahlsson. . . not a bad idea, especially if he can be grabbed at a good price. All you hear from the media is how so many players want to come to Detroit. . . hopefuly, Holland is talking to some of them now.

I'm anxious for Holland to reveal his hand. Just tough watching quality players (Hossa, Conklin) leave, but that is the NHL today. Wings can only make 1 or 2 moves this year, but will be well-positioned next year. I'd like to see Holland replace 30 of those 40 goals Hossa scored. With Cammalieri, you almost replace all the offense, just don't know if they could find a number that would make Cammy happy and keep us under the cap limit.

bring back Niedermeyer. . . too much $ in my opinion

sure was fun watching Helm blow by him on the breakaway

all I hear from the Kopecky signing is the kid on The Simpsons. . . ah-HA

Holland should look at working a deal for Cammalieri. The D is set, young guys in GR, and a lot of money opening up after 2010 season. Wings are still the favorite in the West (screw Chi) and add to their depth next year with some big FA signings, if necessary.

Is it just me or are Hossa and Kopecky TOO close? They can have him. He'll be hurt and at $1.2M/yr, way too much for his services.

Hossa left for the money, plain and simple. If he had an ounce of integrity, he would have stepped up, said he didn't produce in the Finals, and sign with Detroit to correct his weak play when it counted.

So much for all the BS about wanting to stay in Detroit. He is the new ***** of the NHL. . . just call him Money *****-sa Wings are almost the same team that won the Cup in 2008 minus Drake. I'm sure Holland was prepared for this and he will show his hand soon. Still some good names out there.