PavelValerievichDatsyuk

He's not another Gretzky. He's had a lot of success with the Quebec Ramparts and shown that he deserves the job regardless of his playing career.

I don't know how "fresh" Tootoo's legs would be. He hasn't played much recently.

He was definitely pushed, but it didn't look like he was trying stop and I don't think the force of the push was enough for the impact he made.

Eaves was great tonight. I keep seeing these other threads with people saying he's deadweight or a bad contract or taking up a roster spot. And then I watch him play like he does. Go figure.

WOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Leino, Conklin, Hudler, Lebda, Lilja (just off the top of my head) - all players that earned a cold with their play. Maybe you were just using overstatement, but it's not true. Not to mention Draper, Holmstom, and Maltby basically forced into retirement. Cleary has a NTC that's why he came back. You can judge if he's back next year

It was the illuminati I say!

I agree that it's unlikely that Holland uses buyouts. But Colaiacovo doesn't qualify as a loyal player. I could see him possibly being bought out or traded if he has value to another team

Can they take Sammy out after he scored. He didn't look great other than the goal...but since we're having trouble scoring... This board is funny - series over? We're down one game. If Brunner scores on the breakaway, we win. It was a Good game and saw a lot good things. Really liked Nyquist's poise with the puck. Just too many youthful defensive mistakes from different players.

How about a drink for every time Howard sniffs in an interview. You'd think the guy was a coke addict.

Well done, sir! (assuming that was you)

Okay, I understand your point of view and think, at base, I agree. A return to the top does depend on a couple of our prospects emerging as higher impact players or stars. That does mean outplaying projections for most of them, but I've seen very good signs this year. The other ways of obtaining such a player, of course, is free agency and trades and we can still lay hope in that.

What? Howard's the only one to build around? Is this forced pessimism? Zetterberg, Kronwall..both here for a long time. We saw some great young talent this year. A young defense that forced white and colaiacovo out of the line up. Nyquist, andersson and Tatar all demanding full time slots. Yes, we need pieces, but I'm constantly surprised that people look at this year and see such a dark future. Are we watching the same games? A year like this is the price you pay for transition, but there has been a steady changing of the guard throughout the season.

It will probably be this, but maybe with Bert and Brunner switched. Brunner and Nyquist played really well together last night. We lose Eaves penalty killing, but I think they'll want tootoo against the physical Kings

We also lost Stuart, of course. He wasn't a big producer, but his stability allowed Kronwall to get his career high 15 goals.

We also should be positioning ourselves to look attractive to potential free agents. If we're not a playoff team we look like a much less attractive destination.

Okay, Maybe I picked the wrong battle. maybe I'll stick to I disagree. But i was just questioning the logic of your statement. I don't know why this got such attention. Usually defending your opinion is part of regular forum conversation

I don't know anything about the interactions between owners and GM's. That's why I don't make conjectures about their disagreements. "seems" is exactly what I have a problem with. You're just going with a gut feeling that supports your own view point. If not, then list the evidence that makes it "seem" that Illitch is unhappy with the direction of the team and also what makes Illitch "seem" that he's "afraid to put any pressure on Holland."

It bothers me when people claim to know the thoughts and feeling of others without knowing them or having some kind of evidence. How do you know Illitch doesn't completely support Holland? How would you every know about the interactions between owners and GMs?

Look again

You mean like the one raffi torres got against against Howard tonight.

He didn't compare Brunner to St. Louis, Fleury, etc. He was just giving examples of undersized hockey players showing that size isn't everything.

No more Pity Parties!!! This is the going forward thread. No looking back and grumbling. GO WINGS!!

Umm... two goals, spun his magic so that the colorado announcers wouldn't shut up about him. got one call against him that was so bad the other player went to the box. Indeed, get him out of here

Wait, you're cheering for the Blues!? They would then possibly pass us while Columbus would only potentially tie us if they win. I say go Blue Jackets! Oh and, of course, GO WINGS!!!