HankthaTank

Got to cut me some slack here. Baby steps.

It's Babcock, no line lasts past a couple weeks. Plus, they had starting losing again and you can't have 1 line with all the production.

Sickening. Figured this game would have something in it that would cause some sort of discussion today. Didn't expect it to be this and from a player I actually really liked before this. Stupid, pointless hit at a time in the game where they are getting bent over and smacked. Real nice Z and he will get some games for this, no question. This is a chance for Campbell to do something about a hit from a star instead of one of the goons in the league. Now, we wait.

SCREW OHIO STATE!!!!! Have loathed that school since I was like 2 and it grows by the year. And no, it is not because we have lost 6 straight! but because their fans are easily the most obnoxious, douchenozzly humans I have ever seen. And this includes Blackhawks and White Sox fans....I know so now you understand how bad they are. Hope this ruins them for decades. Go Blue for life!!!

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Cleary GIT R DONE! Clears with 2 tonight and Hank even notches one because well he needs to damn it!!! Wings win 5-2 and actually decide that the 3rd period is a little more important than we seem to believe.

You have asked this before but I am sure plenty have retired after winning something like a Cup or an individual award. Assuming you are talking about the Norris, I don't think that would be enough to retire for Nick especially knowing he can probably notch his 8th and 9th pretty soon after

To use it as an excuse for why Abby has declined as a tougher type player is pretty lame though. I think most of us can relate it to him trying to develop other parts of his game. He is by far the most active in the hit department, but I can't say I can remember the last time Abby has had a bone crushing type hit or a solid game where he has really looked like someone who couldn't be replaced currently.

Pavel Datsyuk. Then yes, probably Helm.

A line that they skated with in practice today: Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Cleary Excited to see how this one pans out. I feel like it has potential to be very productive to have Clears surrounded with players that are actually willing to work and backcheck with the same intensity that he does. Now not too sure about Franzen-Flip-Bert but hopefully anything can get those 2 wingers cracking again. Still no Raf and Eaves either.

None of the above. I COULDN'T CARE LESS. Sorry just a peeve of mine that people say "Could care less". That is all.

Over the course of this entire season, I feel that Lidstrom, Stuart, Rafalski, Kronwall, and Kindl at times has been better than Ericsson. His play just gets outright sloppy, his passes are shameful, and for being 6'5" 220 lbs. he uses none of that size whatsoever. It's too bad considering the potential he had/has. I wanted him to develop in that top 4 guy and really start scaring guys when they come to the net and in the corners but it is just not happening. Ericsson started out the season very impressively but has rapidly declined since. The last few games were awful on his part. Kindl has a higher ceiling than Ericsson and I just think for most that's a difficult thing to accept.

Agreed. If it's based on him being a top 4 d-man, we shouldn't worry about Nick going anywhere for quite a little while here. Just consistently one of the best conditioned, best prepared, and just simply the best. Perfect Human....no more fitting of a nickname has been attached to someone.

+/-!!!!!!! How has it affected you lately??

And Bertuzzi a few years ago says, "Bubblegum, what??"

But we had a grinder like Dallas Drake that won the Cup for us!!!!

How much longer are we looking at here?? I am not sure people realize how much we need this guy back on that 3rd/4th line.

mlive Good news here.

Me either Pav. Thanks for posting. I wish I could have heard the interview, always makes for a comedic affair.

Speed is meeting skill. It's been a beautiful thing to watch it all come together for him this year .

Boesch has edge to earn outfield spot I instantly became a fan of this kid during his streak. He seems like the right kind of star for this town. Quiet, country kid who just goes about his business and hitting frozen ropes. Hopefully he can get it going for the 2011 campaign.

^^ With lyrics!

Right, but given the ice time, Kindl has looked better to me with the puck, without, and more physical even. I realize neither are going to be top 4 elite defenseman but my point was that Ericsson has been much worse. That's all. On top of having quite a bit more experience than Kindl as well. We all know that Kindl is just getting his NHL legs while Ericsson's issues should not still be happening and at this point, getting more prevalent.

Turn left.

Every season has its different ups and downs. No one can truly say we knew we were going to win any Cup with the exception of maybe '98 and '02 and even those seasons had their low points. Take it easy chicken littles, I am just as skeptical as all of you are. But to say "NO! 2nd round exit and no more" is just outright lunacy to me.

The ESPN Hockey Night commercials back in the 90's are just classics. This one is my all time favorite....