Mater_Horn

55 what? Sorry, I've just gone blank...

Ummm, yes, he shot quite a few times tonight, but really, he didn't have more than one quality scoring chance. I liked his play. He had a good assist and another good "3rd assist". Given the relatively short time on the ice for him (14:47), I'm okay with it!

Brunner got his nose fixed.

NIce effort by Datsyuk and Zetterberg in the PK...

Roadbrunner Not my idea though... I clicked on this ad of my stream tonight and ended up on a website of a chip shop, who ran an online competition where people could create their own burger online, which would be rated, and the first 5 burgers will be sold this Feb/Mar. The #1 burger winner's name is... Roadbrunner Here's a pic of Roadbrunner. Apart from that, I'm with GUNNER also.

"Never" sounds about right. Can count his checks this season on one hand.

Apart from it being a terrible game, and not scoring: solid 3rd period, at least the first 14 minutes. Brunner played very well tonight. Working hard for the team, skating a lot, giving premium passes, and still getting into the right spots. Sadly, unlike others, he didn't get any good scoring chances tonight.

Unlikely, yes. But Brunner could still play more solid defensively. He's improved, but apparently that went along with a decrease in his offensive appetite. If I could choose, I'd rather want to seem him just being a sniper, other than being a under-average-defensive-forward. Who doesn't. He'll have to find the right balance.

No offense from you tonight? In any case, I think Brunner has improved a lot in his defense play during the last 3 games. It was good to see him attack in pp when the Wings were in danger of losing the puck. But also, a couple of bad passes tonight, and at least 2 good scoring chances. But hey, let's just book that on variance for today.

I think he's tried it all tonight. Moving from Brunner-Z-Franzen to Brunner-Filppula-Bertuzzi to Brunner-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi. None of it really worked out. Until a few seconds before the end. Note: Brunner has proven successful in scoring late, useless goals Not his mistake, I'm just saying.

While we're at it, if someone wondered about his nose... [edit: new video link, as the old one was deleted. Btw, Brunner wears the yellow helmet]

"Dane on the Swiss - a penalty!" I like this line. But obv. it wasn't a penalty at all.

Brunner, one time floating around with the stick. Good job

ACK. I misread your post, sorry. Of course, "passing" with the skate is legitimate. Scoring by kicking is still not allowed.

Not being an NHL rule expert, I'm 100% certain that goals scored by kicking are illegitimate in all leagues around the world.

"And on there, Tootoo. Looking for a hat-trick?"

Whenever I see him "floating around" in situations where it would be appropriate to attack/disturb, I hope he'll overcome his instincts, and just goes for the man/puck, which is the most ordinary thing in the hockey world. He's 26, but apparently, he still has to "learn" that (huh?!). IMO, he needs to do start doing these things, or there'll be no one who can really afford to have him on the team... No worries, he's not gonna be afraid to shoot whenever he thinks he can score. And he'll be good at this

I wonder what makes you think he'll become better definsively. It's got nothing to do with "adjustment", rink size or no-contact-league-Switzerland (or whatever you'll call it, and looking at the first few NHL games and the ref calls, that may not hold true): Brunner never was and never will be solid defensively. He got used to playing in a line with the best players available, and he'll be able to score a lot more than he has thus far with the Wings. In that sense, yes, give him a little more time to adjust. That said, the defensemen and goalies in the NHL are - on average - a tad bit better than in the Swiss league, so we'll have to see how he deals with this (and in the long run, how opponent's defence deals with HIM). In any case, he'll be good for Detroit, but probably not on pk and 4-4 because of his immense deficits in the defense.

In this situation, Brunner WAS THE D man! That's why it was his mistake.

That's what I've said. He won't do ANYthing defensively. Afraid to go after the puck. D**a.

Post appreciated. I don't wanna start a Swiss war on the Wings forum I think you got me wrong. I fully understand and reckon that Brunner is a great player! You said that the play in Switzerland isn't that physical, and you're right, but nonetheless: Brunner has avoided contact, yet conflicts, even in the Swiss league. So in that sense, "developement" is a bit displaced, don't you think? About the Swiss haters of Brunner: I'm not *sure* where that comes from, but just one thing: I've played against Brunner about age 15-17, and I don't remember him because we was soooo good, but because of his face. He can't do anything about it, but he just looks like someone who you want to punch. And that's what we did, at least one time. Nothing really special, such things happen. Looking at NLA games, some players seem to agree with me as they've targeted Brunner as an arrogant pig, which probably he's not. Long story short: I don't know Brunner personally, he has a professional attitude, and I fully grant him his success!! You also say that Brunner is the best Swiss forward atm. I can't prove you wrong. Moreover, I'd agree. But still, he's a diva

I see. Yes, he shoots, and not too bad, that's for sure. Is he really doing what he's asked? I doubt it. Thus far he's been playing like Jason Spezza during the lockout in Switzerland, i.e., a total diva who really tries to avoid any contact to opponents. No team can afford such a player in the Swiss League, yet in the NHL! That said, I agree that he should get some more time to adapt, but he really needs to go after the puck in every situation where it's reasonable. He hasn't done this, neither in the defense zone nor during PPs... Swiss guy. Know the Swiss League very well but enjoying NHL too. Seen Brunner for years. I'm not a fan of EV Zug (his former team), and as such, not too desolate about seeing him playing in the NHL now

First, HI! Second: I don't understand the hype about Brunner! He doesn't do anything defensively, it seems he's afraid to even touch his opponents. One goal for DAL and one tonight for Minnesota clearly went on his account, as he just refused to (even slightly) disturb the attacking player who would eventually make the deciding pass which led to the goal. Third: I agree he's a sniper, his shootout goal was great (but easy, since there was no pressure. Also: he couldn't do this in Switzerland anymore...) and the goal against Minnesota was nice, too. I agree he can score, but hey! Don't compare him to Datsyuk or Z, because Brunner does not do ANY defense work at all. He's just waiting for a good pass... Fourth: You Detroit guys give him a lot of "rookie credit". Very fair. I just hope that he will adjust quickly. He needs to become a better team player for sure.