mmamolo

With Lidstrom, the ideal Cap Sitation: Datsyuk(6.7) Zetterberg(6.083) Franzen(3.954) Filppula(3) Cleary(2.8) Draper(1.583) Hudler(2.875) Holmstrom(1.5) Bertuzzi(1.75) Abdelkader(0.85) Helm(0.85) Miller(0.75) Eaves(0.75) Ritola(0.5) Rafalski(6) Stuart(3.75) Kronwall(3) Ericsson(0.9) Kindl(0.88) Lidstrom(5) Lilja(1) Howard(0.717) Osgood(1.416) TOTAL:56.608 Without LIdstrom, Add in Volchenkov for $3.75M Total Cap:55.358 Franzen - Datsyuk - Holmstrom Bertuzzi - Zetterberg - Filppula Hudler - Abdelkader - Cleary Miller - Helm - Eaves Draper, Ritola Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Lilja - Ericsson Kindl Howard Osgood W/O Lidstrom Stuart - Rafalski Volchenkov - Kronwall Lilja - Ericsson Kindl

Ya I see what you mean. I do agree that we should sign someone with the defensive abilities, like Volchenkov (for $3.75), but then we have the extra cash due to Lidstrom retiring. So if that were to work out you want to make use of the extra money by upgrading a roster spot. I guess you could opt to go with something like: Rafalski/Kronwall - Volchenkov Rafalski/Kronwall - Stuart Lilja - Ericsson/Kindl then with the extra money saved from Lidstrom's retirement upgrade any of our pending UFA forwards. Although, personally, I like the chemistry and combinations of our perspective group of forwards next season. Franzen - Datsyuk - Holmstrom Filppula - Zetterberg - Bertuzzi Hudler - Abdelkader - Cleary Miller - Helm - Eaves Draper, Ritola Or other combinations there within So suddendly you'd have some spare cash - which also wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

Oh I absolutely 100% Lilja should be brought back, no question about. I was only saying that in my mind that was the only way other option (in terms of how to spend Lidstrom's money) that made sense since all the forwards rosters spots are all but spoken for. I like Seidenberg as all, but in my mind that is way too much money for him. I haven't seen him play that much so maybe I'm missing something but I also wouldn't give him more than $3.75M/yr. Even that might be too much actually. You do make a very good point that both Ericsson and Kindl do have offesive upside. It's been strange to see Babcock not give Ericsson more of an opportunity on the PP (especially over Stuart at times). I definitely think we'll see Kindl on the PP next year at times on the second unit. But let's assume LIdstrom does retire what are our PP D pairings? Rafalski - Kronwall Ericsson - Kindl? Both wont be in the lineup everynight Ericsson/Kindl - Stuart I don't know right. I mean we'd need a defenseman who can put some points up to replace Lidstrom.

If Listrom retires I would love Volchenkov here but the problem with that is that does nothign to replace the offense from the blueline you just lost. If you feel like Kronwall will elevate his offensive game then that's great and that certainly is possible. I've always liked Dan Hamhuis and he'd be a cheaper signing than Volchenkov but with the return of Hudler saving that cash doesn't really do us that much good because we just don't really have the roster spots to do a ton with it. Either way, Volchenkov at anything more than $3.75M/yr or so isn't worth it my mind because he doesn't produce any offence from the back end. The only other way to look at it, in my mind is, if Lidstrom retires, you look for a defenseman who can produce some moderate offence and then you sign Volchenkov or Hamhuis (or whoever) to upgrade over Lilja. Lidstrom (7.45) + Lilja (1.25) = 8.7 gives yous you plenty to sign a solid puck mover and Volchenkov

If the instigator penalty is given out in the last 5 minutes of a game or in OT it comes with an automatic 1 game suspension. However, within the rulebook the NHL has an outclause that gives them the ability to rescind the suspension so they can judge the merit in which the penalty was called. The suspension is in the rulebook to stop teams from putting players out on the ice to 'send a message' or to 'goon' it up. In both the Chara and Malken cases the NHL felt neither was doing so (which by the way is bulls***). That's the explanation the league gave. What's particularly dumb about this is that the referees know the rules and have the power to give out the penalties. It should be up to the referees discretion to give out the intigator penalties and with that the one game suspensions when given out in the last 5 minutes of the game and overtime. Malken hunted down Zetterberg and clearly instigated a fight for a purpose (to send a message). Chara, although slashed, cleared instigated a fight for a purpose (to send a message). The NHL wussed out and didn't want to go ahead and have games in the playoffs played without its star players. Just as it has wussed out by not suspending Hossa after his clear hit from behind on Dan Hamhuis.

This is what the line up should look like next season with obvious tinkering and line juggling happening. This is 100% accurate.

It would definitely solve the issue of unbalance conferences in terms of competitiveness (how the west is such a stronger conference than the east). It would also even out travel issues for teams like Detroit and Columbus who are forced to deal with much heavier travel during the playoffs than any other teams in the league. Since the draws would be completely random team fatigue come the Stanley Cup finals would also be lopsided and the Western team wouldn't also be at a disadvantage. Another great plus is being able to have any combination of playoff matchup between any two teams in the league. The crappy part is that it basically destroys the ability to form playoff rivalries since the chances of the same two teams meeting in the playoffs on any kind of frequent basis is next to impossible. In terms of not having West Cost representation in the finals if this sytem was adopted it's really no different than when the Wings make the finals. Last year we saw Detroit vs. Pittsburgh in the finals and those are essentially two East Coast (geographically speaking) teams. I don't know off the top of my head how the ratings did but other than the fact the Wings are in the WEstern Conference (which is ridiculous in itself) they aren't actually a West Cost team. But I do know what you mean... The way the schedule is made right now the same inbalance already exists. Maybe not quite to the same extent but it's already there. Teams is stronger/even divisions are already at a disadvantage in the current playoff format. If anything, when you really think about it considering how much weaker the Eastern Conference any team in the East that gets to play all the weak teams in the East that many more times is at an advantage. Looks at Pittsburgh, who had a crappy record against all the top teams in the league but crushed all the weak teams. They played all the East teams more times than say the Sharks. I understand what you're saying in the fact that their division is the same as the Southwest so it's not the same as the Caps but when you take into consideration the fact that the Pens get to play the Leafs, and all the teams in the Southeast it's that much more to their advantage - when compared to the Sharks. This is a good idea...if there are the right number of teams geographically to do it.

This is spot on. Obviously refs try to give both teams a fairly even amount of PPs but what doesn't show up on the stat sheet is when those PPs occur. Momentum changing penalties and 3rd period powerplays are huge. Not to mention how many times you see 3 or 4 penalties go against one team and then while on a PP the refs make an evening up call and the teams play 4 on 4 for a minute and a half so the other team gets a 30 second PP. How and WHEN matters most.

Way, way, way too much pessimism on this thread. Personally, I don't buy the fact that Lidstrom will retire or that the Wings will lose Game 7. Obviously, there are no guarentees in life but for ppl to just roll over and die is a little ridiculous. It's true that the West is a tough conference but right now every team has holes (including the Wings) but that gives Detroit just as good a chance to come out as anyone. Luongo as a sub 900 save percentage and if it weren't for Quick's meltdowns LA could have beaten the Canucks. Chicago is getting by Nashville by the skin of their teeth and although Niemi has had his moments he has also been exposed at times. San Jose's top line hasn't done a damn thing. Marleau has one goal and that was the fifth goal of a 5-0 win. Heatley and Thornton are goaless while Heatley is clearly banged up. If the Wings can win game 7 they'd face the Sharks and in my mind that is a great match up for the Wings. So for everyone who thinks the Wings have no chance well I think you're just being silly. Obviously their chances aren't nearly as good as years passed but if Howard settles down we can defintely make a run. Not to mention most of the goals yesterday weren't Jimmy's fault.

Franzen(3.955) - Datsyuk(6.7) - Holmstrom(~1.75) Bertuzzi(~1.75) - Zetterberg(6.083) - Filppula(3) Hudler(2.875) - Helm(~1) - Cleary(2.8) Eaves(~1) - Abdelkader(~1) - Miller(~1) Draper(1.583) Lidstrom(~5.5) - Rafalski(6) Kronwall(3) - Stuart(3.75) Lilja(~1.25) - Ericsson(.9) Kindl(.883) Howard(.716) Osgood(1.416) -(~) indicates a conservative estimate as to their new salary -Some salaries were slightly rounded -Total Cap: $57.411M -Although we don't know exactly where the cap will be next season some of projected salaries were conservative estimates (a little high, i.e. $1M for Eaves) so the Cap Hit could possibly come down. Even Lidstrom may in fact take less. I think Eaves, Abdelkader, Miller, and Draper split time and get regular playing time as injuries occur throughout the course of the season and would all play a minimum of 50 games. Ericsson and Kindl also split time as well as the 6th defenseman as a good way to ease Kindl into the rotation. I think the Wings learned their lesson with expecting too much from a rookie defensmen this season with Ericsson and full time duty. With injuries they'll both also get minimum of 50 games. This would mean that since Ritola is out of minor league options he would most likely be out of the organization but considering the situation I wouldn't be too upset. Thoughts on the roster? Like? Dislike? Changes? Etc

clever The NHL has done so much in terms of penalties, the trapezoid, eliminating two line passes etc in order to increase goal scoring which helps to end OT games sooner. There is no need to adopt a 4 on 4 playoff overtime structure in order to simply end games sooner. The whole idea seems ridiculous and would absolutely hurt the integrity of the game.

Don't let Carman bait you, he can be a pain in the ass. The point was that considering the fact the Crosby has been so dominant thus far in the playoffs for him to seemingly disappear, in overtime no less, was a little strange. No one was saying that a player has to dominate every single possible shift out there. It was just odd that of all times, while on such a dominant hot streak, in overtime Crosby was seemingly ineffective. Let it go Carman. Just let it go.

I just dont see it. Despite what ppl may say it seems that both still have a lot to offer to the game and to this team.

Bud, take it easy. THat comment was meant to be taken in jest. It wasn't serious.

I dont think they'll do anything major. They still have a great core of players. I do however think Kovalchuk will be testing the UFA waters despite Jersey's attempts to re-sign him. For the record, Kovalchuk's playoff record is now 1-8. Any NHL teams still wanna throw $10M/yr long term at this guy?

Forget Cobo Joe's. For the whole first game at the Joe experience get lunch at the Hockeytown Cafe

I went to an afternoon PO game during the 08 run and in terms of crowds for warm ups and stuff it was no different than an evening game - at least not on that particular occassion.

That's awesome that you're finally going to make it to the Joe. It's an experience like no other for a Wings fan. Personally, I would just buy the jersey inside the Joe. Prices are reasonable and you can get whatever you want. You can get game used sticks and all kinds of cool s***. Plus, it'll save you the hassle of roaming around Detroit. With the game starting at 2 you may want to spend your free time at the Joe. You can get to the Joe a couple hours early to get in and see the warm up. Never worry about getting there too early. I remember I got there really early once and couldnt get in but there are always fans around the Joe and cool stuff happening to burn up time. Plus, if it's your first time you're love soaking up the atmosphere. It's usually not too crowded during warm up that you can't squeeze up against the glass somewhere. However, it is playoffs so it may be somewhat crowded. But the way the Joe is set up there'll be tons of space to see everythign you want to see so I wouldn't worry about it much. From Greektown Hotel you can always take the ppl mover or even just walk so you can kind of get your bearings around Detroit. I've walked it before and it's not that big of a deal but the ppl mover is dirt cheap.

Perfectly said.

I've always kinda liked Philadelphia as well...or at least the last maybe 6 or 7 years anyways. Unfortunately for them there is no way Mtl comes back against Washington. Plus, without Carter and Gagne their O won't produce enough against the Caps. They'll have to pray their D can contain the Caps somehow.

I'm with Egroen on this issue. Age has no bearing on salary. It's about performance. It's the same thing as the debate about Howard and the Calder. Ppl don't want to vote for him just because he is 26 while Duchene and Meyers are ~20. Howard is within the age limits so it should have no bearing - it's all about performance. As is the case with Lidstrom. He could be 60 for all I care. If he can still shutdown the best players in the league and produce points then you pay accordingly - unless of course he is willing to take a discount to better the team.

The East is a joke. The Caps should crush the Flyers just based on the fact the Flyers shouldnt be able to put up enough goals to keep up. Once the Pens dispose of the s***ty Sens and the Bruins upset the Sabres the Pens will punish the Bruins. What a cake walk both the Pens and the Caps will have to get to the Conference Finals. There is such a massive inbalance in the quality of teams when comparing the Eastern Conference with the Western Conference.

I dont know that I necessarily agree with that but it seems to be a growing opinion shared by more and more ppl out there. If he does return I think we might all be surprised to see what he ends up signing for (less than expected).

Personally I still think he is one of the best in the game but that's a matter of opinion. Maybe I have a bias but that's cool. Either way, whatever he is worth, I put in high numbers for salaries to keep the estimate as conservative as possible to see if the roster would be possible - which it looks as though it is. You could be right. Although there were a couple articles a few months ago that said both Bertuzzi and Holland wanted to work something out for next year. If I remember right Bertuzzi said that money wasn't a huge issue. I'll actually try and dig them up. But at the end of the day, you're right. Bertuzzi may go and chase some money and he could probably get $2.5-3M somewhere. But if he likes Detroit as much as he seems to this could be the way to go. Plus, as I mentioned above there may be more money to work with as Eaves, Miller, Helm, Abdelkader, and Lidstrom aren't necessarily going to get as much as I listed. Even if you say gave Eaves, Miller, and Helmd 850k each you could toss the extra 450k to Bertuzzi if you wanted...or something like that.

Detroit Zetterberg Filppula Datsyuk Phoenix Wolski