kipwinger

We did though. We really did. If Nyquist had even 80% of the production he actually put up down the stretch we don't make the playoffs. That's it. I'm calling for his head because the single most productive line we've had all season long has yet to play one single second together, and the same if true of a kid line that night in and night out scored consistently against top six competition...in some cases against the very team we're playing now. Those are the two best three man units that we can muster. And they have not played together. So either Babs is ******* up, or else there's some super good reason to not play his best lines and only Babs knows it (because he's so smart). In which case, where are the result of what is obviously such a great coaching move? He's treating this team like it's Team Canada and he can win a game 1-0 because he's got the best defense and goalies ever assembled. It's not.

Sure, the kid line was great as well. Also not playing together so far this series. And I strongly disagree with the "grinding effort won us games" statement. Look back over our schedule. We lost most of our 1-0 or 2-1 games. We won (down the stretch) when Nyquist, Tatar, or Franzen scored two or three goals between them and Jurco or Sheahan chipped in another. Edit: And the only reason any of those high scoring games where close is because after taking a big lead, we'd "lock down" in the third, blow said lead, and wait for Nyquist or Tatar to bail us out.

Don't worry, I do. For probably the first time in history, you and I agree on something.

The line of Nyquist, Franzen, and Legwand got us to the playoffs. That's it. And they have yet to play one single second together over the two debacles that have been games 2 and 3.

I get the feeling that Mike Babcock truly believes that if you just want it enough, and compete like hell, and bring it every single day, that you actually CAN squeeze blood from a stone.

I agree, I've been saying that since before last Friday but apparently Babs prefers to have a 50 pt. center playing wing on the fourth line.

Who would have thought that a bunch of lines that have never played together before Friday would have no chemistry and look terrible against the best team in the league? Bueller? Bueller?

That one wasn't though. Ugh...our defense is terrible.

Good try, that was Smith.

Aside from lines that make me want to throw up, I'm pretty pumped. LGW!

Considering we've got zero powerplay points in the entire series I'd say your argument is moot. If you want to banish Legwand to the "5th line" for not scoring on the PP, make room for Datsyuk, Nyquist, Tatar, Kronwall, Franzen, and the rest of our top players right there with him. But clearly you think it's better to have a guy who scored more points this season than anyone on our team averaging 14 minutes a game in the post season. If you think it's smart I'm not going to argue with you. But it's no secret that since Babs shuffled the lines the offense that played so well down the stretch to get us into the playoffs has disappeared in the post season.

Legwand on the fourth line again tonight huh? Mike Babcock ladies and gentleman. Only coach in the league to bury a 50 point player on the fourth line while his team struggles for offense. Best coach in the league.

Dude, I don't think anybody in the league would want to play Columbus after watching these last three games. They skate their asses off, hit everything that moves, and have some pretty talented offensive players. They're an upset waiting to happen. And as soon as I say that the Pens tie it up...puke.

Dats and Nyquist don't work. Dats and Nyquist don't work. How many times do we have to generate zero offense before we realize...Dats and Nyquist don't work?

If it won us the Stanley Cup, I'd take him out to dinner and kiss him on the neck afterward.

So Ryan Johansen is a ******* monster. How do we get a hold of him? Seriously, this kid is the league's next superstar.

Knocked cold. Wakes up. Sees scrum. Tries to get into the fray. Backes is a beast. Hope he's ok.

I may be in the minority here, but if we keep on winning I'll personally spear Danny Dekeyser in the balls 15 more times so long as I get to drink Atwater Brewery's finest out of the Stanley Cup at the end. I'll also send Dekeyser a really tasteful card in the hospital.

Sucks for Dekeyser, but I'm ok with this happening. Sure Lucic will only get a slap on the wrist, but next game I'll be surprised if the Bruins get the benefit of the doubt on anything. All close calls will go against them, we'll get the powerplays, the frustration will grow, thus leading to more stupid s*** from them, and more powerplays for us.

Sooooooo...can I get one of those bead bracelets or what?

Plus he wasn't very good this year. No thanks on Marty.

Pure Michigan and totally awesome!

The more I think about it the more I believe that if you play anything today other than Michigan music you're ******* up. I listen to a huge amount of music at work, and I'm making a vow to you all that I will not listen to ANYTHING not made in Michigan. Starting with these guys...

For one, I actually do appreciate Kyle Quincey. All he ever did this season was average over 20:00 minutes a night on a depleted blueline for 82 games. Along the way he put up respectable numbers in all major defensive defenseman stats, including hits, blocked shots, takeaways, and penalty kill TOI. Was he as good as Kronwall or Ericsson? No. But he earned his paycheck this year despite being much maligned. Only on LGW can a guy get snarky cheapshots thrown at him for playing big minutes each game, EVERY game, in the most grueling schedule in professional sports. Atta boy Kyle Quincey! Here's one guy (at least) who thinks you earned it.

Did we get this sorted DC people? I'm down to watch with some fans, and Bugsy's is the easiest for me and therefore gets my vote. But I'm willing to yield to consensus.