kipwinger

If it was easier to beat the Rangers, Tampa, or the Habs than it is to beat the Wings, we'd be where they are right now. Regardless of the "anything can happen" stuff that Holland and Babs regularly push, it's going to be an uphill battle for us. Sure, upsets happen. But less frequently than the favorite winning does.

I like to think we've all got a little Mcgrattan in us. Especially when we need it most.

This is a really good article which discusses the organization's philosophy regarding AHL veterans. In short, they seem to place a premium on ensuring that there are always hard working, career AHLers around to mentor the young NHL prospects. I'd be surprised if any of the guys you asked about weren't thought of very highly by the organization. http://www.mlive.com/griffins/index.ssf/2015/03/griffins_transformation_traced.html

Everybody snickers about Florida, but they're just like Columbus. They're going to come out of the blue suddenly and start kicking the crap out of all the regulars. Tallon has done a good job drafting down there, and that team is moving in the right direction.

Troy Bouwer rules. I really wish that guy played for our team.

It's so weird watching other teams play. For instance, Washington actually maintains possession in the offensive zone for extended periods of time. It's like bizzaro world.

Well good to see Boston's playing desperation hockey through the first period lol.

Chara goes down awfully easy for a giant.

I agree, but screw Rask.

Close playoff races are exciting. Am I missing something? Do you think any of us would give a s*** about game 75-79 of an 82 game season if it weren't close? Everyone ******* about parity, but it's way more exciting. Kinda like how close games that go down to the wire are more fun than blowouts.

Ahhhh, you're probably right. Welp. Andersson as third line center it is then. Ugh.

I know. We really needed Cole.

No sweat. Washington is going to spank the Bruins. Those dumb ass gorillas from Beantown can't stop taking penalties... and Washington has this guy on the powerplay.

Helm won't be on the third, and Weiss won't be a center. So, wishful thinking I guess.

My kingdom for a Drew Stafford right about now! On the plus side, at least Detroit gets to keep the 3rd round pick that came over with Cole in the trade. So final tally is Janmark, Backman, and a 2nd for Zidlicky and a 3rd. Still a good trade considering what a ***** Backman is.

I don't like Tatar and Nyquist on the same line together. They're too similar, in both their strengths and weaknesses. PLUS, it's a total waste of Sheahan's size to put him with two small, fast wingers. Also, I'd call up AA if we clench before the last game of the season. Because Andersson as a third line center all but ensures that line isn't scoring at 5 on 5. Ever.

With Cole out for good., I'd roll these.. Z-Pav-Helm Tats-Sheahan-Abby Weiss-Andersson-Nyquist Miller-Glendening-Jurco Puke. We're so f***ed.

s***.

Missed the game last night, but looks like putting Dats and Z back together worked fairly well. Also glad to see Weiss get another point. Now if we can get Abby and Cole back, and get those top lines shaken out, there's a chance we might be sitting in a reasonably good position in a week or two.

Why do you have a Malkin sweater?

Understood. But taken together, the two comments seem to suggest that the coach finds some (key) things better than the teams he's coached since 2009. Which in turn seems to (partially) invalidate the claims (made by some) that there's something particularly bad about the roster Holland put together. But that shouldn't come as a surprise right? I mean, you've correctly pointed out the that offense is objectively better. We've all heard the praised heaped on our defense for it's shot suppression ability. Our point production from the back end is slightly above average, even amongst playoff bound teams. We're also younger and faster too (objectively). Goaltending is the only way in which this team is probably not better than the several rosters previous, and even that wasn't an issue for about half the year. Unfortunately, insane goaltending is a very critical part of Babs' game plan. So the fact that we're weaker in net is amplified by quite a bit lately.

These lines are pretty close to what I'd ideally like to see. Only with Abby and Cole added in eventually.

Well, to be fair, about ten days earlier he said... "We have more players than we've had probably since '09 that can score," Babcock said. "It didn't look like it early, but it does now." http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2014/11/theres_no_shortage_of_power_in.html.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2014/12/mike_babcock_this_is_best_red.html

Words to the affect of "Babcock sucks"? How about right here?