krsmith17

Jacksoni, we get it. You don't think Jurco is an NHL caliber player. Give it a rest... Also, notice how I said "I'd like to see...", not "I think we'll see...". I'm well aware Blashill will go with something completely different, but I think that would be some great looking lines. Awesome, Jurco on the 4th line again. Great management of this kid... I love how Jurco gets half a second to prove himself, but literally every other player gets game after game... Jurco definitely slept with Blash's wife in the offseason...

Sucks for Pulkkinen and Miller but let's be honest, out of everyone in our lineup, those two are probably right up there being most replaceable... I hope we call up Athanasiou again rather than putting Andersson in the lineup. I'd like to see something like this... Nyquist - Zetterberg - Abdelkader Richards - Datsyuk - Larkin Tatar - Athanasiou - Jurco Helm - Sheahan - Glendening

Really starting to get pissed with how Jurco is being mishandled here...

Great news on Mantha, I was hoping he'd be back soon. I was hopeful for Frk as well, but unfortunately I'm just about ready to throw him in the bust category. He hasn't been able to stay in the lineup, oftentimes being healthy scratched, but he was inserted back into the lineup when Jurco was recalled back up to Detroit. He was put on that line with Athanasiou and Tangradi, but he seemed like he was somewhat of a weak link out there for the majority of last game. It could partially be due to the same thing Jurco went through last season, it's tough to get any rhythm when you're constantly in and out of the lineup, but I have been completely unimpressed with his game thus far. He has that great shot, possibly harder than Pulkkinen's bomb, but not nearly as accurate, and he's still not a great skater, and is a bit of a liability on the defensive side of the puck. Sproul has been awesome. He has been breaking up two on one's, blocking shots, getting in lanes, and always seems to be in great defensive position, all the things he struggled with before this season. All 4 of Sproul, Ouellet, Jensen and Marchenko are waiver eligible next season, so they'll all either have to make the big club (definitely not going to happen), traded (probably not going to happen) or be exposed to waivers (hope doesn't happen). I'm still hoping that we give Jensen a decent look at some point this season. As great as Marchenko has been, I think Jensen would be an upgrade, and it would be a shame to lose him without at least giving him a look...

I've watched a dozen or so games, and from everything I've seen they've played great, and that includes the beginning of the season when they started out 1-7. In that stretch they were playing well, they just couldn't buy a goal. Since then they've found their game and maybe have bought in to the new coaching strategies, and as a result have gone 7-1-1. As for individual players, Mantha has been by far their most dominant player all season. He seems to make a lot of plays, driving the net and using his body to protect the puck really well, something we seen very little of last season, hopefully it continues. Like the rest of the team, he was stymied early on in the season, despite having great opportunities he couldn't put the puck in the net. He was either ringing it off the pipe, missing by a fraction of an inch, or getting absolutely robbed. He was finally starting to heat up, and then he got in that fight with Bickel a few games ago, and injured what is being reported as a minor shoulder injury. Hopefully he gets back soon and is able to pick up right where he left off. I have been very disappointed in Bertuzzi so far, not just point production but from what I've seen he really hasn't been playing well at all. Ever since that two game suspension for slewfooting Kapanen, he just hasn't looked like the same, hard nosed, abrasive, skilled player that he showed he's capable of the last couple seasons. Hopefully he breaks out of whatever funk he's in really soon. Nosek hasn't been great, but he hasn't really been bad either, despite his lack of production. He hasn't really seen much in support on his line all season. Nelson is playing him in more of a shutdown role on a line with the likes of Cleary and Campbell most nights, and he's also getting a lot of penalty kill minutes and very few on the power-play. Russo hasn't stood out to me a whole lot but he is producing so that's a positive for sure. Sproul has improved an unbelievable amount over the past year in my opinion, his defensive game in particular.

My bet is, once Quincey is healthy, and assuming no other defenseman gets injured before then, Marchenko gets sent down. I can't imagine Q will be back after this season, so that frees up one spot, and my hope is that we can trade Kindl in the offseason for a mid level prospect or pick. I know Marchenko has played great so far but I would like to see him switched out for both Jensen and Sproul at some point just to see what we have in those guys. Sproul has been playing lights out down in GR, his offensive game has always been there but his defensive game is really coming along now as well. I still think if / when Jensen is given an opportunity in the NHL, whether that is Detroit or not, he will run with it. Jensen is twice as good as Marchenko in just about every area in my opinion. The only reason I wouldn't mind Jensen not getting a call right away is to keep him somewhat hidden in the AHL. With 4 guys becoming waiver eligible next season, there's no way we can get them all in the lineup, and as of right now I think Jensen would be the most likely to clear, just because teams probably don't know a whole lot about his game. I think Marchenko and Ouellet would be claimed for sure just because of the amount of games they've already played, and I think Sproul would be claimed as well because of the numbers he put up in juniors as well as the minors...

joesuffP, you're getting way too hung up on labeling the lines. Our third line is not played as a typical third line. Nyquist and Tatar are ranked 5th and 7th respectively in 5on5 TOI/G. Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Larkin are all getting more ice time, and deservedly so. Abdelkader is getting a couple extra minutes due to him being a fixture on that top line. The only other player that you could really argue that should see less time is Richards, and he's ranked 6th with 18 seconds less than Nyquist and a measly 9 seconds more than Tatar...

Like I said, I'd definitely have to consider it for an Ekblad type defenseman but even then, I'd be hesitant. Awesome, we got our number one defenseman locked up, now only if we had a number one center... Oh yeah, we just traded him away... Don't confuse this kid for anything us fans have gushed over in the past, because it's not even close to the same. We literally have not had a 19 year old kid come in and dominate the way Larkin has, since a guy named Steve Yzerman did it back in '83. Combine Larkin's skill level, hockey IQ, compete level and determination, there is nothing that is going to slow him down, other than a serious injury of course. And the same could be said if we somehow acquired Ekblad from Florida.

Dickie, I agree, but out of those 4 players, Larkin is the guy you shouldn't part with. It would take a lot to get a top 2 defenseman, but we have the pieces to get it done. Larkin, should not be on the table of trade pieces though.

I'm assuming you're talking about Todd Nelson? If so, I can't speak on that as I've only been following the Griffins closely for the past 5ish years. If you're talking about the strength of Jensen, I'd say his strength is one of his... strengths... He rarely ever gets outmuscled and more often than not comes out of the corner with the puck. Granted, that is at the AHL level, but if I were to say one thing that is similar from the AHL to the NHL, it would probably be the strength of players. The speed is not the same, the skill is certainly not the same, but the strength of players is likely very similar. He can handle anyone in the AHL, so I don't see it being an issue at the NHL level. Anyway, we can agree to disagree of this one, I'm higher on Jensen than any other defense prospect in our system. I think he has all the tools to be a legit NHL defenseman. Hopefully he gets his shot...

Dickie, I'll ask you again, do you watch any Griffins games? I'm not saying I know all just because I watch the games, but it would be kind of ridiculous to make such bold statements if you don't even watch the games, don't ya think? What gives you the impression that Jensen is an "average AHL player"? The Griffins have one of the better defensive units in the league and Jensen is one of their best every single night. He's never been a big point producer, but he is a very steady all-around solid defenseman. The elite level skating and high hockey IQ make him a standout player. He can be counted on in any situation and I believe it's only a matter of time before he shows he is capable of the same at the NHL level. Also, Sproul hasn't put it all together yet? No he's not great defensively but he's improved more than any other player in my opinion. He took a huge leap this season and it's showing on the scoresheet. The only thing I'll agree with you on is that time is running out for all of these guys, in Detroit, not as NHL defensemen... They will all likely make the bigs, but whether or not they'll be Red Wings is another question. Running out of options could in Detroit could mean they'll have to suit up for another NHL team in the future. I just hope Jensen at least gets a look before someone steals him for nothing...

I agree jimmy. The biggest thing for me is that this is not some hot shot kid that has come into the league and put up points solely on skill, he definitely has the skill, but he also has a calm demeanor, almost veteran like, and that is an extremely rare quality to find in a 19 year old. Future captain material for sure. He has as good a shot as anyone to win the Calder at this point, but if Panarin keeps up his pace, he will likely win it. But there's no question in my mind that Larkin is and will be the better player, as Panarin has 5 years on Larkin... As for the question of whether or not I'd trade him and for who? It may seem foolish but I think Larkin is one of those truly untouchables right now. Like most young kids, he is worth way more to us now and in the future than any possible trade scenario. Everyone says how much we need that top pairing defenseman, well I think just as important as that, we need a future number one center to replace Pav and Hank when they retire / decline. Larkin is that. Again, it may seem foolish, but I'm not even sure I'd trade him for an Ekblad type defenseman straight up. I think Dylan is going to be THAT good... I don't think 70-80 points, Selke candidate is out of the question at all, and the way goal scoring is trending, that would be amazing!

Dickie, have you seen these guys play or are you basing your opinion solely on stats and/or games played at the NHL level?... Sproul and Jensen both definitely have a future in the NHL. Sproul is taking a little longer to develop (which is actually a good thing) for an offensive defenseman, but he has top 4 potential for sure. Outside of Sproul, I think the guy with the highest potential is Jensen. He's like Ouellet in that he's not "great" at any one particular thing, but he's really good at everything. I think Jensen is better than Ouellet and his skating ability is second to none. I'd rank our d as NHL readiness - Marchenko, Ouellet / Jensen, Sproul, Russo. I'd rank our d as NHL potential - Sproul, Jensen, Ouellet, Russo, Marchenko... Jensen is absolutely good enough to be in the NHL, and I think if given the opportunity he would take one of the bottom pairing spots right now from one of Smith, Kindl, Marchenko...

I'd never make that trade. I'm still very high on Mantha but it's not that I think Mantha should be off limits, just no way I trade him for Byfuglien on an expiring contract. And the only thing that would be worse than making that trade for Byfuglien on an expiring contract would be signing Byfuglien to a 5 X $6M contract. I've said it before but Byfuglien is a pretty good offensive defenseman now, but I see him falling off hard over the next year or two. The guy has never been in great shape, so I can't imagine him changing that a whole lot as he gets into his mid 30's. A similar deal for Trouba though? Hell yes!

I didn't say he "can't" become a top 4, I said I wouldn't lable him as a future top 4. I hope he surpasses my expectations and becomes a 3/4, but I think he's more likely to be a 5/6 defenseman.

I like Marchenko and he's played great so far but I wouldn't say he has "a lot of upside", and I certainly wouldn't lable him as a future top 4. He's very smart with and without the puck, which is great to see from a young guy, with just 30 games played in the NHL. But I personally don't see him becoming anything more than a reliable bottom pairing shutdown defensman. I do agree though, he is more than earning his spot in the lineup. Will be interesting to see who gets scratched for tomorrow's game with Kindl coming back in.

He was expected to be playing again tonight in Grand Rapids... I'm assuming he's not now with the Red Wings playing tomorrow afternoon, not to mention 3 games in less than 3 days would be a bad idea. Excited to see what he can do now that he seems to have regained some confidence again. I just hope he's given the opportunity (more than one game) with competent linemates, somewhere in the middle 6. I'd still like to see that Tatar - Shehan - Jurco line reformed again.

I just don't understand the desire to change the game at this point... I'm not completely opposed to making the nets 1-2 inches bigger, but I just don't see the point in changing any part of the game for an extra half a goal or whatever it would work out to be. For me personally, I'm fine with the way the game is right now, and I actually like that it is harder to score these days. The NHL has some of the best athletes in the world at every position, and the skill level has increased dramatically over the years, with more focus on training, and bigger, better equipment. Goalies are a little bigger and more athletic, and they can and will continue to have games where they stand on their head and only allow one goal or even shut the door completely. But at the same time, players can still pick corners, deke goalies completely out of the net, and rack up 5+ goals any given night. There is still plenty scoring, still a lot of 7+ goal games, and still some 3- goal games. It's not as if, we're getting to a point where goals are a rarity. There is still more than enough scoring, so why change it?

Reduce the "size" of the goalie equipment or actually reduce the goalie equipment? Maybe make goalies choose between a glove or a blocker? They can use one or the other. That should increase scoring for sure...

Again, it's more about scoring opportunities for me, not the final score. Obviously I was exaggerating a little with the 7-6 games, but I don't feel the need to make any changes to increase scoring. The problem isn't goals, it's the chances to score these goals. We still do see games with 7+ goals, and we STILL see games with only one goal. No matter what changes someone comes up with, teams will always adapt and adjust their game plan to win games. Don't increase the size of the nets, don't decrease the size of the goalie equipment, don't move the blue lines, there's no need to change anything in my opinion...

Xym, I agree with everything except I'd switch Larkin and Nyquist. I know people don't want to break up that top line, but I honestly don't think it's really that Zetterberg and Larkin have this great chemistry together, they're just that good. Zetterberg and Nyquist do have great chemistry together, and it seems like Nyquist is always at his best on Hank's line. And really, how can you go wrong with Pav and Larkin on the same line?... I completely agree with that third line of Tatar - Sheahan - Jurco, it was money in the past, no reason to think it wouldn't be again. I'm not in love with Pulkkinen, but there's no denying that he has been producing, so it is tough taking him out. But I don't know how he stays in unless he remains on that second line, you bump Richards down in Sheahan's spot and have a forth line of Sheahan - Helm - Glendening... Either way, a ton of depth, not the worst problem to have... Helm does create a ton of opportunities for himself which is awesome, but what's the good when he rarely capitalizes on all these chances? Abdelkader had at least 5 breakaway opportunities last season and scored on all of them. For a while there it looked like he couldn't miss... There's no question in my mind that Abby is a better finisher, whether that be on a shot or banging in rebounds. I'm a huge fan of Helm, but I think he should remain in the bottom 6 for now, 4th line if it were up to me...

I think for the most part, hockey fans in general don't give a s*** if it's a 2-1 game or a 7-6 game. What matters is quality scoring chances. A huge save is just as exciting as a goal in my opinion, and personally, I prefer the lower scoring game. More goal scoring means less excitement on each goal. If games are higher scoring, a 2 goal deficit doesn't mean as much, but with lower scoring, every goal has more of an impact on the game. That's my take. The game is fine, don't change a thing. You want high-flying offense? Follow junior hockey...

LeftWinger, I don't think you're wrong at all. Jurco is too good for the AHL, but he just hasn't quite figured out the NHL yet. But he's not going to do that by watching games up in the press box, and certainly not by only playing a game or two every five or ten. He needs to be a regular, and I hope he can bring enough to justify being in the lineup, in the top 9 every night. Jurco's potential far exceeds anything Pulkkinen has, hell I even still believe that Jurco's ceiling is higher than Tatar's, but he needs to show that can be a fixture in the top 9 first. The production will come, I'm not worried about that.

4-0 Griffins in the second. 2 goals for Jurco so far... Another hatty?

1-0 in the first... Guess who scored?...