Mater_Horn

Overseas? Why don't you just say "Sweden"? You pretty much said it all. It will be about finding the balance between "getting away from the diva play", "show some aggressiveness" and "SCORE!". How he will do next season? I hope he'll be doing good, too.

it was 0-3 in the last game by that time. So a good start

Very optimistic!

WOW! And I was JUST gonna say "eh, Babcock changed lines alongst Brunner!" Maybe Cleary is the answer to "who has to play with Brunner?"? Hah. I'd have picked Tootoo, Tatar and Abdelkader first, but oh well.

Why didn't the old man at Fox Sports ask some real questions?

Maybe you should just stop posting about Brunner.

You're exaggerating a little ("have not been working the past dozen games"). Time for a change (again). Agreed. But Babcock's job isn't easy, with all the injured players coming back and lines that don't work. One problem is that there's almost no time for a new line to adjust to each other.

not that it matters, but how was that a penalty shot? (compared e.g. to the Minnesota game on Feb 17 where the Wings were denied a penalty)

"quota" is good. When was the last time the Wings score 4 or more in regular time? 8 games... (24.2., 8 against Vancouver)

But Flip & Brunner have, right? That should be enough. But these two could need someone to create some room, someone who isn't afraid to the spots where it hurts. Tootoo's still my favourite.

I think it's too early to try Brunner with Dats again. They had their ice time (first few games of the season, then 2 more later on). It didn't work. That's why I suggested to bring Brunner with Tootoo and Tatar (oooooops!). So now, Brunner + Flip + ??? (not Dats/Z). [edit: ??? = Abdelkader? Would be a good hard-worker IMO]

Yes, meaning he couldn't take the pass. But oh well, such things can happen, I don't blame him. And it turned out well.

... and after Brunner gave it away for no reason, I already thought "well, another great PP". But wait, I did get great.

Aww, ok, sorry. Got it wrong then.

No. Brunner around the goal. Never on the blue line.

They already did.

How could Franzen miss that (almost) empty net in the PP?

Why not? Let's face it. Brunner was expected to be good with good linemates, such as Z and Dats. Everyone, including myself, thought that Z and Brunner would be a good match, since they've done so well in the Swiss league during the lockout. Now, we've seen that: a) Brunner can score b) Brunner + Z can work in the NHL well, but sometimes they don't. They're still very good, but not great. c) Brunner + Dats usually don't work too well (except in the PP probably). I didn't think Brunner would be any good in a 3rd line. But I think this is the time to try it. Let Brunner play with Tatar & Tootoo! Give them some ice time, and let's see how they do! Tatar and Tootoo have both been working very hard all the time, and I think that they could probably be a good fit for Brunner's sniper abilities. Brunner needs guys who work hard along his side. Tootoo and Tatar do. And of course, the two can score as well! That, of course, is not to say that Brunner isn't good enough for a 1st or 2nd line! I'm just trying to figure out the best lines overall, looking at the first 26 games this season, hoping for the best for the Red Wings.

I agree. Neither Brunner nor Tatar make for a good Center, per definition. But hey, why not give it a shot? Especially in a situation where we're trailing by 1, like in the Blue Jacket's game..?.

Hah, why not!? Abdelkader has shown some remarkable aggressivness. He could be as good as Tootoo and Tatar are. Just let Brunner play with guys who are hot. Especially then he wil score.

Tatar would do the faceoffs Both Tatar and Brunner are listed as Centers officially. Defensive liability? Maybe you're right there! Brunner-Tatar-Tootoo could be hell of an offensive line, but likely they won't do too good defensively.

Again, I'm not saying that Brunner needs to be in the 3rd line cos he wasn't good enough for the 1st or 2nd. I don't mind letting Brunner in the 1st/2nd line (these two lines don't make any significant difference anyway atm, right?). He can even play with Z. My point is that Brunner needs another "hard worker" next to his side. Z is one, but if that doesn't work out, and it hasn't, in the last couple of games, why not try some other guys, like Tootoo or Tatar? Babs will try playing him with at least one of the two... I'm sure.

Ok, Brunner didn't deliver tonight. Apart from that, it was still a good game by him. He'll deliver more if he's in with good linemates. Could be even Tootoo or Tatar if you ask me. He just needs guys next to him who are working very hard and are able to give great passes.

Me wants to see Brunner score in the shootout FTW.