WingedWheel91

Sorry it wasn't a personal thing - I just think those who have actually played at any level of hockey (higher than houseleague) understand coaching decisions better than those who didn't, mainly because these same decisions have affected our lives/playing time/careers etc - I have no idea if you played or not, but I said it in support of Blashill. If you don't agree that Anderson is a better fit for our 4th Line than Mantha - that's your opinion. But it obviously isn't what's happening - so to say it's laughable is kind of strange... It also implies you know more about this team than Blashill might, but I believe there are alot of people who would rather see Anderson plug the 4th line while Mantha develops as a scorer in Grand Rapids. Again, Mantha scored 3 points in 10 Games and was a -6 on Pavel Datsyuk's wing. Furthermore, 2/3 of his points came on the PP - which is rare for a rookie to even be a part of. At even strength (which is much more important in the playoffs) Mantha registered 1 point, and was -6 while playing with one of the best 2 Way Center's of our generation. Laughable is an interesting word you used, but Darren Helms even strength numbers with Pavel Datsyuk are much better. So would you rather have Mantha developing as an integral part of the Griffins playoff run, or playing on the 4th line in the NHL Playoffs? His lack of physicality, defensive awareness, and experience are exactly why he is where he is.

I have played NCAA hockey... I don't love it - but I get it. Jeff Blashill also played NCAA hockey - and now coaches in the NHL... He just made the playoffs in his rookie season, so it's possible he also get it. It's easy to complain about coaching decisions when you don't understand the game. I guess our team would be in better hands with Richdg and Krsmith running the show - did you guys apply last summer?

Do the Math - there are 60 Minutes in a game - how many minutes do 4th line players typically play? 7-10 Minutes is about the average. This season, neither Helm or Sheahan have seen extended time on the 4th line - hence their MPG averages. Glendenning is our best penalty killer, and averaged a more reasonable amount of ice time because of it. To put 3/4 of our most physical forwards (who all play Center) on the "4th line" is ridiculous, and a waste of time to discuss because it never has and never will happen lol. To say that Mantha is better than Andersson is debatable, but those who have played hockey understand Anderson's superior defensive + faceoff ability (in relation to Mantha) make him a more valuable 4th line player. If Mantha failed to outscore Helm on Datsyuk's wing - which is statistically true - Helm is obviously the more valuable 2nd line player because of all of the other things he brings (Speed, Physicality, 2-way Ability, Creates space for Pav, Faceoff Ability etc.) In terms of Anthanasiou - what makes you think he has the ability to play at the level we expect for more than his average of 9 MPG? He's an unproven commodity who has done well on a PPG basis considering his MPG, but it also isn't uncommon for players to lose their productivity when the minutes increase. Happens all the time.

If you have Sheahan - Glendenning - Helm as our 4th line, they might average about 7 minutes per game - so you would have Anthanasiou, Mantha, and Richards playing extended minutes in the top 9... We can't afford to have 2 rookies and a washed up vet playing significant minutes without a hint of physicality in the post season. This is why you need a guy like Helm on Datsyuk's wing - just like you need Abdelkader on Zetterbergs wing. It's a much different game in the playoffs - and were going up against a very physical group of defenceman. Our talented players will need all the space they can get. You also can't put Mantha on the 4th line in the NHL playoffs - and if Helm is the better option on the 2nd, there is no room for him. Hence why Anderson (who certainly fits a 4th line mold better than Mantha) is in the lineup.

Mantha produced 3 Points in 10 Games (0.30 PPG) playing exclusively with Datsyuk and (also) the PP. Helm has produced 26 Points in 77 Games (0.34 PPG), playing everywhere + killing penalties. Mantha is -6 in 10 Games, Helm is -2 in 77. I don't know how you can possibly say Mantha has produced "more next to Datsyuk" than Helm and Richards (0.41 PPG / +4).

If you are talking about Mantha - he only had 3 points in 10 games. Not terrible for a rookie, but how many rookies play on the 1st line with Datsyuk, and also see regular PP time during the first 10 games of their career? For the "pure scorer" he is said to be, I was expecting a higher scoring output while understanding his defensive limitations. The decision for Blashill is pretty simple: If Mantha is going to produce similar offensive numbers to Darren Helm, it makes no sense to keep in him on Datsyuk's wing because Helm is much more physical, can also play C (depending on matchups) and is 10X the defensive player Mantha is at this stage.

FWIW, Henrik Zetterberg has recorded 1 Goal and 8 Assists with a -18 rating in his past 24 Games. People are worried about Datsyuk retiring? I think I'm more worried about Zetterberg not retiring for 5 years.

You're probably right - but our D gets worse when that happens.

Here's how it works: Kyle Quincey's agent says - if you are paying Ericsson $4.5 Million per year, my client is worth at least $5 Million.We refuse. He signs with another team, and our Defence is much worse.

I still don't know what games people are watching when they complain about "KFQ"... Do you guys understand playoff hockey? Quincey is our only Defenceman I'm glad to have when the game gets physical. Have you guys not watched the past 10 days of "playoff" hockey? He's been our best Defenceman...

Can't say I didn't see this coming... How you feel will depend on which lens you view this situation through: (1) - Pavel Datsyuk is a grown man who should be accountable for his actions. He asked for and signed a 3 year contract which would pay him $22,500,000 less than 2 years ago this spring. Age, Family, Health are all things that every 36 year old NHL player should/would consider before making a commitment like this, especially knowing the consequences the team will face if he decides not to honour this commitment. If he decides to leave and make us pay a massive salary cap penalty, while still playing in Russia at a high level - this is a tough pill to swallow. To use phrases such as "I overstayed" really bother me, I'd like to know when exactly he thinks (in his mind) he should have left the Detroit Red Wings? A betting man might point to the KHL's emergence, or maybe the lockout season when he played for CSKA Moscow for 31 games and NHL salaries became comparable to KHL salaries, but where was this accountability to Russia when they were not paying at the same rate? No, I'm not saying he used us, but to use his daughter as another excuse is also troubling. He had both of his children as a member of the Detroit Red Wings, and signed several long term contracts totaling over $74,000,000 USD after becoming a father - if long distance wasn't an issue at the time they were born or until they were teenagers, what changed so drastically? Also keep in mind, his current contract was front loaded so he is actually walking away from $5.5 Million real dollars, which is a salary he will easily surpass in the KHL next season. (2) Pavel Datsyuk is (soon to be) 38 years old and has given his all to the Detroit Red Wings for 14 seasons. He is certainly not the same player he was 10 years ago, and would have retired at the end of next season anyway. If his NHL career is indeed finished, it is still possible to trade his $7,500,000 cap penalty to a team that needs to reach the cap floor - which could actually benefit us in the long run. If this season is any indication, we wouldn't be getting great value out of Datsyuk next year (at $7,500,000) so if that money becomes available - we probably take a real run at Steven Stamkos. Say what you want about Stamkos, but he is a 26 year old Center who averages close to 40 goals a season... And the Detroit Red Wings desperately need an elite goal scorer. All in all, I believe he should honour the contract he (more than likely) pushed for - and if he doesn't, we better find a way to get rid of that contract without hesitation. If it becomes harder than anticipated, I have no doubts that his reputation will be tarnished (as it should be). At the end of the day, even if Arizona agrees to take on his final season - it will still absolutely cost us draft picks/prospects/bad contract in return.

No but I usually like to go to the Harp after the game and get buckled.

This website is awesome.

Nothing but positives from last nights game... I must admit I feel a little more confident going into the post-season, knowing we can step up our game when the time comes. -Defensive Zone exits were fantastic. -Defensive Zone coverages were so much better, but still not quite where we need to be. -PP looks much more dangerous than it has all season. -Forecheck was fantastic, lead to the Helm GWG. -Quincey was our best Defenceman last night. -Howard stole the show... Looks like he won't be all that hard to trade in the offseason if we still believe in Mrazek. -Happy for Blashill to win a game like this. He was spot on with matchups and did a great job on Giroux and Voracek.

He has made $74,525,000 over the past 14 seasons. I know I haven't made that much money? But I can tell you that if I decided to terminate my contract a year before it expires, and go work for a competitor because it's closer to where I live - my former employer would literally file a lawsuit against me. Forget hockey players - these are professional athletes, and in relative terms they are the most overpaid people in the history of human existence. Yes, you can retire at anytime you wish... as long as you aren't contractually obliged to that team for another year, and will potentially penalize them if you do leave. The interview is what I meant.

I certainly didn't get that opinion listening to his press conference. I hope I'm wrong - but if he doesn't what will you say then?

You do realize there is also a cap-recapture penalty if you trade a player to another team, and then they retire before their contract expires right? It also isn't a certainty that the NHL will approve this trade and sign off on it. In terms of his effectiveness, this was something he should have anticipated when he signed a 3 year contract (less than 2 years ago). Nick Lidstrom retired for the same reason - but also had the foresight to take (cap friendly) 1 year deals.

I'll say it again: These people get paid millions and millions of dollars annually to shoot a rubber puck into a mesh net; When these same people push for a 3 year contract at 35+ years old (which is not the organizations idea) - they do so knowing the implications early "retirement" will cause - so I have no idea how you can justify leaving after the 2nd year, to go and do the exact same thing somewhere else because you "want to gives back to Russia people". That's great Pavel - and can you also "gives back" our $7.5 Million salary cap penalty which basically prevents us from signing Steven Stamkos? Stop being emotional, Pavel Datsyuk is not injured or unable to be an effective NHL player... He is literally going to do the exact same thing next season for a different team without caring about the setback it causes the Detroit Red Wings... The same team that signed him in 2001 (when the "Russia people" weren't paying nearly as much money to it's players). I don't know about you, but if someone in a foreign country offered to pay me $74,525,000 over 14 seasons to play hockey, I probably honour the 15th season as well.

I actually didn't know this or read it that way. Even still, my main point was that he is backing out of a commitment he made with us out of preference and not necessity. The penalization for the Detroit Red Wings is still the same... Personally, he will get paid in Russia, or in Russia and in the US (if you aren't correct) while we pay the price for a 3 year contract that was more likely his preference over ours... It's not as though our 3 year contract was front loaded or that it saved us anything... Why would we do that many years? As for trading him, not really sure how that would work.

I don't care what anyone says: In the summer of 2013, Pavel Datsyuk made a financial commitment to this team that would pay him among the elite forwards in the NHL through the 2016-2017 NHL season. He made this commitment as a 35 year old player, fully aware of the ramifications an early retirement would cause this organization if he retired only 2 short years after making this decision. We are not witnessing someone who has "urgent family" matters back home (because he wouldn't be here now if that was the case) and we are not witnessing someone who has career ending physical issues. From all I have read, we are witnessing someone who simply doesn't know if he wants to play for the Red Wings next season, or another team in Russia - but probably wants to play at home and certainly can't say it while the Detroit Red Wings are trying to make the playoffs. Why is this? Maybe it's Blashill, maybe our roster, or maybe he promised a team owner in Russia a couple of great years of hockey... But I can tell you one thing - If Pavel Datsyuk decides to walk away from his commitment to us, collects his $7.5 Million (cap) dollars, collaterally prevents us from signing Steven Stamkos and also gets paid to play hockey in Russia next year... I hope he never gets mentioned/honoured/recognized again by any member of the Detroit Red Wings. Stop being emotional - these people get paid millions of dollars to put a rubber puck into a net. Are we really about to show sympathy and gratitude to a person who is basically telling us thanks for the money, thanks for the memories, and thanks for welcoming me to the team in 2001 when the KHL didn't exist (and the NHL was my best financial outlet) but now watch me go and do the same thing (since I'm perfectly able too) for another team in the country I was born... while you pay me (in full) at the same time. Maybe its just me, but I wasn't aware the NHL was offering $7.5 Million severance packages (against the cap) for players who decided to play in it's rival league.

Hopefully, in 48 hours from now we have a 3 point lead against Boston. DET TONIGHT - VS MIN (Winnable game, Minnesota is on the 2nd game of a back to back on the road - their 3rd game in 4 nights) TOMORROW - AT TOR (I live in Toronto, watch most Leafs games - including last nights - and can assure you they don't want any more points this season) BOS TONIGHT - AT STL (Boston is 1-6 in its last 7, STL has the 2nd most points in the NHL - 8-2 in its past 10) SUNDAY - AT CHI (Chicago has been lethal on home-ice, 24-11-3 - will also be motivated to get a win for Keith...12:30 PM Game...)

Against my better judgment, I will try and be optimistic about our chances. DETROIT April 1st - VS MIN (This will be the 2nd game of a back to back, as well as the 3rd game in 4 nights for MIN) April 2nd - @ TOR (They have done way too much winning the past 2 weeks, currently sit in a 3 way tie for #1 overall in the draft lottery) April 6th - VS PHI (Among the 16 current playoff teams, PHI has registered the fewest road victories - 3 fewer than us) April 7th - @ BOS (This is what our season comes down too - BOS has lost 6 of its last 7 games) April 9th - @ NYR (This will be the last game of the season for both teams, very likely a game without standings implication for NYR) BOSTON April 1st - @ STL (STL has the 2nd most Points in the NHL, 8-2-0 in its past 10) April 3rd - @ CHI (CHI is 24-11-3 at home, Fighting to fend Nashville off) April 5th - VS CAR (Realistically, BOS probably wins this game) April 7th - VS DET (This is what their season comes down too - DET has been long overdue for a goal-tending performance from Mrazek) April 9th - VS OTT (Hopefully it doesn't come down to this) All in all, stranger things have happened

Fans show support in different ways... I would rather miss the playoffs because I feel better about our chances of getting lucky in the draft lottery than I do about getting lucky in a 1st Round Playoff series given the way we have played lately. Like I said, the only reason we are where we are today is because of what Mrazek did earlier this year... If that 2 month stretch was anything less than what it was, we aren't even close to a playoff spot - and if we do make the playoffs, what chances do we have of winning if Mrazek doesn't get back to that level? I can assure you we wont be winning any playoff games 6-5. Hoping that we miss the playoffs to increase our chances of drafting an elite prospect is what a true fan would have to contemplate. I ask you, are Toronto Maple Leaf supporters not true fans today because they are mad about beating Florida last night and now sit in a 3 way tie for last place? A true fan wants what's best for the future of their team... Increasing your % chance of drafting 1st overall is exactly what I would be hoping for - and if I don't think we last more than 5 games against Tampa Bay or Washington, or Pittsburgh even in the 2nd round, I would rather miss out and have a shot at a franchise altering player. Great - we barely managed 2 points out of 6, including a loss to a team which was missing "one of the best players in the league". Which supports my original point... Sense of reality for you: We have 5 games left... 2 of them are Road games as the 2nd game of a back to back (In Toronto, In Boston) - The last one is also on the Road, against the New York Rangers which will be the 3rd game in another 4 day stretch. Should I feel better now?

I love your optimism. I don't love your sense of reality. Did you watch the Boston game last night? Would you say NJ at home is better or worse than MTL without Subban and Price? Yes we outshot them, but how many of our shots were from the perimeter? How many quality 3rd period chances did we have compared to what we allowed? I can count at least 3 unbelievable saves Howard made to keep the game 4-3. Did you watch the 1st period? I also remember a glove save that Howard made that would have made the game 3-0. The last 14 minutes of the Boston game the ice was completely tilted. NJ probably didn't touch the puck in the offensive zone during the last 6 minutes, and I hope there is someone on this board who also watched this game to verify what I'm saying. It was utter domination against a respectable team, yes sometimes a goalie steals you a game but what teams have we dominated lately? We just played Buffalo and Montreal, and we were fortunate to get 2 points. I hope I'm wrong, but to say that we have a good chance to beat Boston next week on the road, on the second game of a back to back is something different than optimism. To say that we "have a shot against any team in the east in a 7 game series" makes me question how many games you've watched lately. Did you watch the Pittsburgh game? The Buffalo game? The Montreal game? What part of any of the games we've played the past week gives you any indication that this team is built and ready to compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Were only missing Drew Miller for god sake. Pittsburgh didn't have Malkin, Maata, and still destroyed us... Do we even have a player on our team as good as Malkin or Maata? Montreal was missing Subban and Price and beat us... Do we even have a player on our team as good as Subban or Price? Maybe its me, or maybe Petr Mrazek's unbelievable stretch from earlier this winter is the only reason the playoffs are even a (slim) possibility. What makes anyone think he can regain that form?

Another sad statistic is that although we are in 9th place in the standings, we rank 2nd in 1 goal wins, and 18th in goal differential. I'm sad because we could easily be entering the lottery among the bottom 10 teams, and have a better shot at a top 5 pick. Instead I have to painfully watch this garbage for another 5 games knowing there is a chance we make the playoffs, lose immediately, and pick 15th.