Rice

Well you've go to factor in that Datsyuk and Zetterberg didn't really get going until December. I'd like to see what our PP is ranked since then.

I'd put Burke ahead of Lowe.

Yeah, Stastny has been great. I think Malkin will win though. We actually could've drafted Stastny. We took Abdelkader with the 42nd pick and Stastny went at 44. Ovechkin deserved last year's Calder.

He wore 13 (link).

I'm still wondering if it's his wrist and not his back. I'm hoping it's his wrist and not his back, actually. Cortisone did the job last time and it's only tendonitis. If it were his wrist though, wouldn't he be skating by now?

Cleary brings everything Maltby brings plus 20 goals but without the playoff experience. Either way, neither of them are going to be scratched. It will be Filppula, Hudler, or Samuelsson.

"We need Zetterberg."

No, what's stupid is putting Hudler in the press box when he's just starting to get hot. Sure the first line was great and I'm not opposed to keeping it together but the Wings need to be able to roll four lines in the playoffs. The lines I listed above give the team a very balanced attack that will keep the oppostion's defense on its heels. Datsyuk can produce without Zetterberg and Zetterberg can produce without Datsyuk. Why put all your eggs in one basket? If you need to score, put them out together. If not, roll three capable scoring lines without scratching Hudler.

Hmm...pre-season.

You mean you want our division rivals to win? We play them nine times a year!

I posted this in another thread: I think Babcock will end up splitting up Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Bertuzzi will be on Datsyuk's wing to create space for him when things get tighter in the playoffs. The Swede line from last year will be back together. Samuelsson-Zetterberg-Holmstrom Cleary/Filppula-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi Calder-Lang-Hudler Franzen-Draper-Maltby Three lines that can score. It wont put too much pressure on one line. If worse comes to worst and the Wings are in a must-score situation, put Zetterberg and Datsyuk together again with Bertuzzi or Holmstrom. These lines looking much more balanced than last year (ex. No Williams, no Draper in the top six); each line looks responsible defensively except maybe the third. However, Lang will turn it over whatever line he's on. You've got some size on each line, some great offensive talent, and guys who will bust their asses.

These lines looking much more balanced than last year (ex. No Williams, no Draper in the top six); each line looks responsible defensively except maybe the third. However, Lang will turn it over whatever line he's on. Edit: I was talking about my above post.

Yeah, it really makes you wonder where Bertuzzi will end up. I think Babcock will end up splitting up Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Bertuzzi will be on Datsyuk's wing to create space for him when things get tighter in the playoffs. The Swede line from last year will be back together. Samuelsson-Zetterberg-Holmstrom Cleary/Filppula-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi Calder-Lang-Hudler Franzen-Draper-Maltby Three lines that can score. It wont put too much pressure on one line. If worse comes to worst and the Wings are in a must-score situation, put Zetterberg and Datsyuk together again with Bertuzzi or Holmstrom.

You get what you pay for.

In the press box. Lilja actually isn't that bad in a third-pairing role.

Which is really too bad. He was great last night. How is he overrated? No one calls the guy an all-star. He's a 20 goal scorer with size that can play defense.

For the defense, I'd let Schneider go. Sign Hannan, re-sign Markov and Chelios. Sarich is an option if the Wings can't get Hannan. Lidstrom-Markov Kronwall-Hannan Lebda-Chelios I like that a lot.

I came across this link and found it pretty interesting. It's based on stats so obviously something like this can't be fully accurate because there are a ton of intangibles in the game. However, the Wings have four players in the top 20: 4. Lidstrom 7. Zetterberg 18. Hasek 19. Datsyuk I just thought it's pretty cool. Anyone know how the ratings are determined? Here's to Zetterberg being healthy for the playoffs. Lidstrom is ranked as the first defenseman, Datsyuk the fifth center, Zetterberg the fourth winger (TSN lists him as a LW), and Hasek the third goalie. Hudler also is ranked as the sixteenth rookie.

I really dont know. It's always good to have options though -- and we have a ton of them now that Datsyuk is producing without Hank. Right now I'm just worrried about Zetterberg being healthy for the playoffs.

No, they're not brothers.

Here's a list of the '07 UFA's from HFBoards.

Dont worry, you're not the first to say it. As for the Smyth thing, I agree with Lou. I think it's necessary to have strong NA players to win the Cup. Smyth is the type of guy this team needs.

Ryan Smyth. I'd also want to see more big defensive defensemen on the Wings.

Didn't Holland initially say 2-3 weeks?

Considering you missed that, which was probably a top three goal in the league this year, I'm sure you've missed a few other hits Markov and Franzen have thrown. There have been some nice ones.