BigE

Too many people have the fantasy hockey mentality. When Datsyuk was playing he was our best defensive forward, much like in the playoffs. He also set up both Z and Mule with countless empty nets that they failed to hit. Hes a playmaking center.. hes not Ovechkin or Kovalchuk and never will be. If his linemates are going to blow golden opportunities than its not that crazy to see him with three points.

How long until the trade Datsyuk threads start?

If Franzen cashed in on the open net passes from Datsyuk early on in the season, Datsyuk would be leading this team in scoring. #1 priority on this team is finding someone that can hit the back of the net, reliably. People expecting Datsyuk to score 45 goals are in for a surprise.

Playing with Datsyuk and Shanahan...

I was just talking about Maltby for this season, as the last time Draper was in a contract year he scored 30 goals and then proceeded to go into ghost mode.

His shot is faster and harder but Sammy brought more to the table 5 on 5.

This isn't the first time that both Draper and Maltby played much better in a contract year...

Cough...