PavelValerievichDatsyuk

MOnster's 1st game with the Bruins and they're up 5-0 near the end of the 2nd. Could get them their 1st win.

Cleary's situation effects no one. He's just not playing. We don't even know if he'll get paid since he's not playing. I think it would have to be a guaranteed contract for that to be the case. Maybe this misunderstanding accounts for the hatred thrown at Cleary in the other thread. He's probably weighing options (KHL, retirement, office gig, etc) before he announces plans. Andy and Ferarro are the first men out with returning players. People are complaining about the forward logjam, but there were a number of uncertain things that make it make sense: The organization didn't know that Larkin would be on the team or that he would be able stay there (we still don't really, though it looks really good). Franzen's uncertain situation also means that we shouldn't count on him being there. Pulkkinen and Jurco were also sort of question marks about how much they would bring to the table. Also, it is just good depth and recent years have shown how important that is.

I agree they should add Subban. But realistically your leaders are usually older vets. Especially, if you're adding them from outside the organization.

You mean declining 35 year olds?

Yeah, I thought they originally said 3-4 weeks or something like. Would be huge to have him back. What are people's feelings on the competition on defence. When DK does come back does Smith or Kindl stay in? There was some bad mouthing for Smith in the last GDT. I didn't watch him very closely during the game - I just noticed one great play Z made to him where Smith skated into a seem for an area pass... Edit: I just had some memories of the dreaded Q-Smith pairing. Let's keep KIndl in. I'm partly joking, but I do think that pairing looks better.

What's so difficult to understand about development? Development is getting players to the point where they can play in the NHL and maximize their potential. In the lower leagues they are taught the specific systems that they will use, they work on their skills against lesser competition and round out shortcomings in their games with advisors and coaches such as Nelson and Mike Knuble (who are almost definitely more experienced and knowledgable than any coaches they've had before). The organization has personal trainers and nutritionist that help players get in the best shape possible learn about off-ice training routines. Many players don't have that before they were drafted or don't have to the point that will help them at the NHL level. Many young players also haven't played anywhere close to the frequency and travel demands of the NHL. The AHL has similar demands that will let them handle a full season. It's a big jump from the QMHL or WHL (where AA and Mantha come from) to the NHL. AHL files in the gap. Both Mantha and Anthanasiou have called their past seasons in Grand Rapids disappointing and acknowledged that they struggled. Let them work on their games there and get to the point where they're dominant or at least close to that league's elite and then they'll be solid players when brought up. They both did look very good in Preseason and it's encouraging, but preseason it's always an accurate reflection of how they'll do, especially over a full season. If they light up the AHL, I'm sure they'll get their shot soon enough. I think both player are going to be important parts of our future, but I doubt they would be "top talent" on our team right now. You can mess up a player's development (Edmonton has had numerous examples). Wings have done pretty well with their way of bringing up player if you look at the young players on the team so I have trust in it.

Larkin with the Jerk or just an incomplete line change?

Was it Mike Milbury? I think Asshat is his middle name.

Good to see Jurco's back in. I think all the comments people have said about him being misused and not given a chance don't make sense to me. This will be his 100th NHL game. He put himself in this situation with his play. He didn't start last year on the 4th line - He failed to produce and then that was the only spot for him. Also, If he had outplayed Pulkkinen in the preseason, I think the organization would have preferred the more rounded player be in between the two. I do think the mistake made with him was that he should have been given more time in the AHL to develop so that he could stick once he was up. But anyway that's all the past. For going forward his path to success seems to be the same as Abdelkader's - Play a solid defensive game and chip in as much as you can on the lower lines and take the opportunities from injury. Don't love the lines with Larkin on wing. Nyquist looked good for the first time this year when he was with Z. Hope the secondary scoring kicks in tonight.

That does sound right. Dekeyser was on the 2nd PP for much of the year, but Zidlicky was on one of the powerplays at the end of the year and maybe took DK's spot. I actually forgot who was with Z/Abby/Kronwall/Nyquist - I just assumed it was Datsyuk. My point, though, was that it wasn't Franzen because he was out most of the year and wasn't part of last year's successful PP. And so they have changed it up at least a bit. Do you remember who the missing guy was with Z? Weiss?

I don't really think we're concerned in saving face with big contracts. I mean we just bought out Weiss which is our GM admitting a failed move. Howard played better than Mrazek in the preseason. That's why he's currently playing. I don't have your crystal ball, but I'd imagine that Howard would be traded if Mrazek takes the job outright in the not to distant future and with the probability of having 2 large goalie caphits. I'll guess that they'll play as a tandem for 2 years at least and Mrazek's big paycheck doesn't come for a while. If Howie plays out his contract splitting for 2 years and as an overpayed backup for 2 that's good with me. Could mean that we don't have to worry about goaltending for a while. Franzen's future is uncertain and I don't know the likelihood that he'll play out his contract. I just hope he keeps healthy playing the way he has so far. Miller has (said in Liam Neesan voice) a very specific set of skills. He's the defensive 4th liner, Pker and has done it well so far and one of the big reasons why we survived the parade to the penalty box in this game. I'm seeing that the discussion is more about the need for these types of players. Anyway, Miller's caphit is 1.35 - less than Larkin's. It's just above most prospect money - 450 000 more than Jurco. His place in the roster is definitely not economically motivated. We sent down Eaves in favour of Tatar, Nyquist, Sheahan... He was a simliar role and a higher caphit - didn't finish out his deal here.

Franzen's with them this year while datsyuk is out so they've already changed the unit by one player. It's more about who's filling in the 5th spot. I'm fine keeping it as the old guard+Nyquist with Franzen. Pulkkinen could work there if we need another shooter, but I do get the Pulkkinen as OV idea with Green. If Kronwall can get shots through than we don't need to consider getting another shooter on the 1st PP.

1st thing I noticed: you're posting in a GDT for a game that Pulkkinen scored 2 goals and you've excluded him from you're line-up. I think that secures his place over challengers (Jurco) at least for a few games. Also, I think: Franzen's looked pretty good so far. Richards is still finding his footing - It's too early to right off his impact. It is interesting that he's already on the 3rd line without Datsyuk even in the lineup. Don't want to jump on that storyline too soon, though... Mantha still has a lot to prove. I'd say I could get behind that as next year's lineup, but Franzen will be somewhere. Edit: And Pulks as an extra forward.

Okay Next game Ny-Z-Abby Tat-Lark-Pulk Mule-Richards-Sheahan Miller-Glen-Jurco ? Hate that 3rd line, kids did well together tonight (Also just want Jurco in and no other spot for him. Also don't like ferarri)

Way to go Mr. No Value!!

Abdelkader's 3rd goal: Zetterberg kicks it up to Abdelkader. Didn't notice it during the game. Awesome little play.

Clean hit

Arby ABbyfiies

Or the return of DK. I actually think he's top 3 or 4 for importance to our roster.

1st larkin point!

That's a little ridiculous. If a player in GR were to get knocked out of lineup for Cleary then they're not of the caliber that is going to be important to our future. Down there we have Tangradi, Rechlicz, Campbell, Frk, Grant, and Hoggan who will almost definitely never play for the wings. Who do you really think it would effect?

The contract would have been after the lockout (13-14) so it wouldn't have been possible to use a compliance buyout on the contract.

Dats-Helm-Kronwall Z-Abby-Green Larkin-Tat-Dekeyser

Okay, that seems to be the end of the Cleary saga. It was sort of a messy way to tie up his time here, but now we can get back to loving him for his contributions over the years. People have held a grudge against him in these recent years, but if you step back and think that it was because he had too much love for the organization that he couldn't think about playing anywhere else - that's pretty cool and rare in professional athletes. He'll probably take a Chelios-like position and help develop prospects. It also seems to me like he could develop into a coach and maybe take one of the GR assistant spots. Anyway, Congrats on a great career Danny Boy! 938 Games, 387 points, consistently better in the playoffs (121 games, 52 points) 1st Newfoundland player to get his name on the cup in 2008. Give those knees a rest and enjoy watching the next generation of wings tonight!

The switch is actually on if you look closely. it's not one of the usual switches that has a nub sticking out. It is less than clear. To me, no one has beat Conklin's purple octopus mask for Red WIng masks.