McAwesome

I think you mean "Fairy". Ferry is a boat, fairy is a slang term denoting effeminacy and homosexuality.

You're wit is quickly becoming one of my favorite things about this board. I had to vote Pronger, he has a history of seeking to and often causing severe bodily harm to opponents. Oddly enough, I have grown a grudging respect for Crosby over the past season and a half. I know he has earned his reputation as a diver and a whiner (and he hasn't completely outgrown it), but you can't deny that he has talent, and he has grown up under media hype and scrutiny, so it's natural for there to be resentment for that, but I doubt that very many true hockey fans would be upset to have him on their team, not saying they would take him over players x, y, or z, but hypothetically, if the Red Wings had been in a position to take him #1 overall, would you really have passed up that chance? I tend to think not.

Officiating, hands down. Basically, the lack of accountability with which the on-ice officials operate is to blame. For example, going back to the shootout goal in the Dallas game, one referee who is two feet away from the play calls no goal while the other official 60 feet away calls it a good goal, and everyone seems to think that is OK. My question is, who is in charge here? If both on-ice officials have the same level of authority, then how do they decide who trumps who? If there is a disputed call on ice (especially on something as crucial as a goal), it needs to go to video replay. Far too many games this season have been decided by bad calls, and the fact that the league is sweeping the whole thing under the rug is a slap in the face to all of us fans who watch not only for love of our chosen teams but love of the game in general, and the game is frankly being ruined by the incompetent officiating. Any one of us who made so many mistakes at our jobs would be disciplined or terminated, but the NHL officials not only do not have to worry about being held responsible for making incompetent mistakes or, heaven forbid, purposely making the wrong call due to some personal agenda, but the rules have an out clause, namely intent to blow, whoever heard of something so ridiculous, "Oh, I didn't make the call, but I meant to".

I remember the Molson ones, the tag line was "I am Canadian". Here's my favorite from that series: Also, gotta include this one:

OMG!!! Do that more often Flip!!

I support Leino in the way that I support all Red Wings players, I hope he succeeds so that the team can succeed. I have been disappointed with his performance this season, but the same could be said about most of this team. I know he has the potential to perform at a much higher level than he has been, and I'd hate to lose him on waivers, but he should not be entitled to a guaranteed roster spot when our regulars return from injury solely on the basis of his contract, when guys that were brought in off the reject pile (specifically Drew Miller) have been not only out performing him numbers-wise, but have been playing Red Wings hockey the way it should be played, back-checking, sacrificing the body, winning physical battles, etc. Again, I'd hate to lose him outright and I'm not giving up on his potential, but he needs to prove that he belongs here, and so far he hasn't.

I don't know how I missed this the first time I read through this thread. That is pure unadulterated WIN I don't know which is better, the "I'm gonna drink your blood out of the Cup" look on Fischer's face, or the reaction of the fan in the background. Priceless.

At this point, I don't see how anyone could prefer keeping Leino over Miller. If Leino wants to keep his roster spot, he needs to a) hit the weight room HARD and bulk up so he doesn't get knocked off the puck every time he touches it, and b) realize that while he was brought in for his offensive skills, he needs to skate hard without the puck and go into the corners and along the boards to battle for the puck if he wants to be successful in the NHL. I'll admit, Leino has more offensive upside than many of the other forwards on this roster, but he will never come close to realizing his potential as long as he floats and is only concerned with scoring goals. Miller has figured that part out, and he is actually scoring because he plays a complete game.

When we have everyone back, I think the lines should look like this: Datsyuk/Zetterberg/Holmstrom Franzen/Filppula/Bertuzzi Cleary/Helm/Eaves Williams/Draper/Miller -Maltby/May Lidstrom/Rafalski Stuart/Kronwall Ericsson/Meech -Lebda Given the recent differences in play, I cannot seriously see Leino being kept in the lineup over Miller, and Meech has played better than Lebda lately and unless they decide Meech has better trade value than Lebda, he should stay. I also doubt that anyone would claim Leino or Lebda on waivers if either were to be sent down, and Leino would probably go back home to Finland before he would play in GR if we were to clear waivers. That being said, I have faith in Holland and Babcock to make the best lineup possible when the time comes, and if we make the playoffs with the roster above, I would hate to be the team that has to play us in the first round. I kinda hope it's Chicago, it would be sweet to knock them out two years in a row, and imagine what that would do for the rivalry that's been brewing over the last couple of years.

I can realistically see Jack Johnson developing into the same kind of defenseman as Brad Stuart, albeit with more offensive upside. He has all the physical tools, and he's young enough that he could be taught to play defense in the NHL. If there was a serious offer made that wouldn't cost too much, I would be pleased to bring JMFJ on board. That being said, I was very surprised to read Lombardi's comments about the Michigan program and Red Berenson in particular. His observations about individual players aside, to throw an entire program (and one of the most respected coaches in college hockey) under the bus because one of your players has had problems with on-ice IQ is a questionable move. Pride aside, Jack was right to respond the way he did, and if this exchange ends up souring his relationship with Kings brass, then maybe it's for the best. Let him get moved to an organization where he will be allowed to develop and learn to play the position without having his boss pull this kind of stunt. edit: spelling

Long time lurker, new poster here. I've noticed that a lot of Filppula's critics like to harp on his "secondary" assists to diminish his value, well since returning from his injury, all but 1 of his assists have been primary, and in the Washington game he got the only assist on both goals. Not taking sides in this particular arguement, but just pointing out this fact.

I lol'd, equal parts amusement at the well-turned phrase and the saddening reality portrayed by that statement.

What'd I miss?? Just kidding, what a great shootout. About time we won one. Huge win, now let's keep our fingers crossed that the Miller family magic stays intact on the left coast. Go Banana Slugs!

Wings to the PP, let's get that last one back.

Figures, ultimate fluke goal.

Happy B-Day Helm Street

Yikes, Bert blew the breakaway, then Howie having to make snow-angels, I thought this game was going to take a turn for the worse.