Bring Back The Bruise Bros

Was he penalized at all on the play?

It was a good hit. Just because Letang doesn't get up right away, doesn't mean it is susension worthy. Also, just because the head is grazed doesn't warrant a suspension either.

Abdelkader has got some offensive upside. I think he should focus more on developing his all-around game, and we should pick up a guy or two to keep the flies off. Don't get me wrong, the fact that he isn't afraid to drop the gloves is great, but it is a problem when nobody else on the team is willing to go. He's not a great fighter, but he'll learn the ropes, hopefully. He's not the punching bag of the NHL, though. As long as Tom Kostopoulos, Max Lapierre, and Colin Fraser are in the NHL, Abby is safe from that title. I don't mind Abby fighting, but there needs to be another couple of guys that can play and drop the gloves here and there, without being a liability to the team.

I'd like to see Exelby up. He's gotten no chances to showcase himself in the regular season. If he outplays Smith, keep him in there.

Ken does everything to avoid acquiring John Erskine.

In essence, Smith will be replacing Stuart. Hard to tell at this point who is gonna be back next year. I'll throw something out there. Franzen-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi Zetterberg-Filppula-Nyquist Abdelkader-Helm-Eaves Miller-Emmerton-Winchester Tatar Lidstrom-White Kronwall-Quincey Ericsson-Smith With Commodore gone, we'll wanna get a cheap 7th defenseman capable of stepping in when needed. I'd be happy with any one of the following: Jim Vandermeer Sheldon Brookbank Shane O'Brien Matt Carkner Bryan Allen

Holy bitchfest, batman. I don't think we can make it with this roster either, but damn. You guys act like you lost your jobs or something.

Sounds like this is his last season in Columbus. He'll be dealt in the summer.

Tim Jackman re-signs with Calgary for 2 years.

Fixed.

This is all F.Michael's fault.

ZOMG FAIR WEATHER FAN!!!!!

No, he won't, but they definitely lacked a physical presence. Pahlsson will win draws, but I'm happy we didn't get him. I still hate Vancouver, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous they got Kassian.

Vancouver really made a statement today. They're an awful well-rounded team now.

A few thoughts: 1. I understand Ken's position in simply wanting the best for Commodore, which is very classy, but with Ericsson out and now possibly Lidstrom/Quincey hurt (Doesn't sound too serious, though), we are now relying on Smith to come in and adjust quickly to the NHL game, in the midst of our chase for not only the Divison, but the Conference title. 2. I called it from a mile away: This team needed to add a top 6 winger and a physical grinder for the bottom 6. San Jose and Vancouver, our fiercest rivals, lacked in the grit department, as do we, which I pointed out. Vancouver goes out today and makes a statement. Zack Kassian and Samuel Pahlsson were added to provide physical presence, improve the PK, and faceoff prowess. In addition, they picked up a decent looking prospect in Gragnani. San Jose addressed their lack in the physicality department by acquiring Dan Winnik. You'd think Detroit would follow suit? 3 of the top contenders in the west lacked grit, as I pointed out well before the deadline that both San Jose and Vancouver would address it. Sometimes, the inability of Ken to make a move drives me nuts. I think Nashville was stupid to give up a 1st and 4th for Paul fricken Gaustad. I'm happy he didn't pull the trigger there. However, Gaustad wasn't the only gritty guy out there. I'm beyond disappointed, but not necessarily surprised. 3. I find it interesting Boston is taking a real gamble on Brian Rolston. Hopefully, for his sake, he can discover his game again. Zanon and Mottau could be underrated acquisitions by Boston. 4. The New York Rangers are officially the toughest team in the league. John Scott was picked up for a bag of pucks, basically. I wonder where he fits into their lineup. I know he can play forward and defense. Glen Sather proves once again he loves goons. 5. Nashville is really going for it. Re-uniting the Kostitsyn brothers and overpaying for Gaustad. They made some solid subtle moves before the deadline. Brandon Yip has looked decent and fit well into their bottom 6.

Give the guy a break. At least he didn't post something like "BAHAHA WE BEAT YOU!!" I thought we were supposed to welcome posters from other teams, as long as they don't troll the hell out of everything.

People credit Chara for not taking the instigator and waiting until later to settle the score, but I wonder if Chara would've taken the instigator if Neil got right up after the hit. If you look at the video, he seems to rush right over to Neil after the hit, sees him go down, and just stops up. Obviously, he isn't going to beat on him while he is injured. Either way, hell of a hit. Up there as a definite candidate for hit of the year.

And you guys say karma doesn't exist. Bet Joe Thornton will think twice before kicking puppies again.

Probably a prospect (Tatar?), and a defeseman, at the least. Can't imagine Commodore and a prospect would get Darcy Regier to pull the trigger on a trade. Kindl may be on his way out.

With Gaustad seemingly requiring a 1st rounder to acquire, I'd shutter to know what the asking price for him will be.

So is this where we trade for this guy?

Gaustad No thanks. 5/6 year deal? Hell no. Gaustad: 17 points in 56 games. 30 years old. Winnik: 18 points in 63 games. 26 years old. If Winnik is dealt before we can get our hands on him, go after Tim Jackman, if he is available. Honest, hard working 4th liner. Only Scott Howson would be dumb enough to trade a bottom 6 gem like Derek Dorsett away. See if he's taking calls on him. Scratch Gaustad off the list. Although Pahlsson is decent in the faceoff circle, I'd like to see us acquire a guy we can keep around for a few years. Pahlsson is 34, and I think it is safe to say that his best days are behind him.

Assuming Holland makes a minor move or two before the deadline, what "pieces" do you guys feel could be moved as part of the deal(s)? Off the top of my head, here are a few guys I could imagine being packaged to get a guy like Morrow or Moen: Fabian Brunnstrom-1 point in 5 games this year with the Wings. 13 points in 18 games with Grand Rapids. Doubt Dallas will want another go-around with this guy, though. Jiri Hudler-This one is tough for me, because he has been playing well lately. So I guess it depends on what Ken's plans are for him in the offseason. If he views Hudler's play as raising his trade value, then he could definitely be packaged. If Ken intends on keeping him, obviously he isn't going anywhere. Consistency, on a year-to-year basis has to be a concern for management with Hudler, though. Patrick Eaves-Another tough call for me. It is unfortunate he has had an injury-riddled year, but can he regain his spot in the lineup when he gets back? Miller's been playing solid on the fourth line, so I think he's earned that spot on the 4th line. Brad Stuart-If we know he is not going to return this summer, might as well get something for him. At the same token, I think he could be essential in this year's playoff run. Again, an other tough call for management. Anyone think other guys could be on their way out before February 27th?

That's it. Enough of this anarchy. All coaches need to wear visors. In all seriousness, its good to hear he's okay.

Someone needs to find Ken's email address and forward the following to him: