Jacksoni

Whatever the lines we field at puck drop off in october it's gonna be exciting. Different configurations are possible. I won't speculate about lines except that I'd really like to see Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Franzen as the top line in January, when Dats should start firing on most cylinders and Franzen very hopefully is healthy and has 20+ games under him. One last push with the vets.

I agree. Thinking he might break out to a legit 2nd line center. Maybe unpopular but I'll add Jurco to the list of possible breakouts.

Wasn't a fan of Kindl but he looked pretty sharp the last games he played. I saw an improvement overall, which is always nice. Don't wanna judge him to be a lazy bum just yet. Let's see what preseason brings.

Yep and seems you know the answer while typing it, but I like what you're getting at. As a recipe when all d-men can't play offensively, they (now Blashill et al) mix the defensive pairings with 1 offensively capable and 1 more defensive player. This year that means (5 on 5): 1st def line: Ericsson - Kronwall 2nd def line: Green - DeKeyser 3rd def line: To be decided This is within the system of the team tactics. Easy to see if you watch carefully. Of course it'd be nice if all defensemen stickhandled like Datsyuk or outlet passed like Keith but we aren't quite there yet.

Datsyuk is still superb, up there, in his mind. I still watch some of his deke's from the early years just when he's practicing, so special to see. The range of motion, speed and control is almost superhuman. To spice it up, I watch some games when 2 guys are shadowing him without approaching, fearing they'll get dazzled out. Looks ridiculous. However have to break it to you, he will never be the same again. He will show flashes, initially, and when it really matters. And in those moments he will be unique, and that might be enough, whatever the task might be. He has been to injured.. What I'm trying to get at is that someone that is so good as Datsyuk but hobbled by injury could play elite level all the time. But he'd pay the price in form of injuries. It's inevitable at this stage for him. So what do these masters do? They pick their spots. Be it overtime, a game 7. Add some luck, and there we the redwings go. Lots of moves he's made, but this one is special to me. Wonder how many could ever make this. 2, 3?

I agree. A crazy, healthy and reinvigorated Franzen would be a perfect winger to Zetterberg, but that's probably fantasy.

I'd be willing to bet that Cole is done, given that it could risk his life to play hockey with the spinal injury he has. Zidlicky looked like a grumpy old man on the ice after the nice 2 weeks of "I have to impress" mindset. As long as he doesn't return to Detroit I don't care.

I'm fine with Green on board, much needed. Can't say much about how good of a fit he is until I see him play in the wings system. He is injury prone though, so need to keep an eye on that.

Exactly. This trade has to be sen in this context and when you do it makes sense. I'm not saying it's going to work. Just that it makes sense. If they click somehow, it could get scary. Unlikely though. Will be interesting to follow for sure.

He won't. Don't get caught up by the current youth love. I'll put him on 3m right now. Ken Holland is a harder bargainer than me, he won't reach that if wants to be paid upfront. Guessing, Holland would say something like : Your best bet is to show up this season. Cover for Dats. Then we talk. Else you got 2.75.

We could set up Weiss on dope charges and then immidiately cancel his remaining contract. That should allow us to sign a good top 4 defenseman.

I think it's great that Fedorov gets inducted to the HoF he clearly deserves it. And I think his greatness should conclude here, as in he should not have his number retired at the Joe. As to Lidström, there is nothing to say. He belonged amongst those guys even when he was active. He's just 'coming home'.

Well you make a point. Tyler Johnson wasn't even drafted. And the scouting staff is renowned for it's ability. Will certainly be interesting to see what Vili has in a year or two.

And on this third line, while leading a break he gets caught not watching and consequently gets kronwalled by Dustin Byfuglien. Physically out for a month and mentally will never be ready for a top line.

Well he's staying. https://twitter.com/HeleneStJames/status/615526583877693440 I'm curious to see how Blashill will employ Jurco. He has coached him and knows him pretty well. I dunno.. I smell a strong breakout year. He certainly has the tools, good hands, big, strong. Hasn't used his attributes to the max.

Yeah, that was damn nice. The kids led by Nyqvist really shined, great memories. But still Dats is clearly the teams best player, Hank seems to have taken one damage to much. It's gonna be a dramatic fall I believe in terms of team points. -- Well at least it's good they lock him up until November. He'd probably go out and skate with one leg otherwise. I project a decent Datsyuk in January if he doesn't hurt something else, which is very common.

I agree with krsmith. I also believe today's NHL premiers the offensive D-men. I'm fine with that, IF you as a defense man prioritize defense first, THEN can find offensive within the system implemented by the coaches. Seems some do not agree with that. Well good luck with that, at least you're in prime position to contend for the draft lottery. The qualities of a defense man in following order (to me): 1. Defensive skill and positioning (Lidström best in this category of all time), superior skating also in this point 2. Size, strength and hitting, also corner skills reside here 3. Outlet passing + superior understanding and feel of the game 4. Offensive skills 5. Death Ray shot from the blue line capable of breaking bones. So to conclude he clearly doesn't have size, but could still be a top 4 backend. Time will tell. I think Victor Hedman fills all of these points as a reference defense man in my oponion. But then again he was drafted at number 2, not 73.

Why not more response on this topic? I consider this very serious and could threaten our playoff run. Don't expect Dats to get his speed up until mid season, and that's at best. Provided he has no setbacks, which are common, it's probably closer to playoff time. I've been injured a lot, including ankle surgeries. If he gets to wear a cast for 4-6 weeks, despite proper strength training and rehab his leg will have lost considerable muscle mass & coordination. It will seriously impede his ability to play competitively for at least half a year.

Keeping Granato was big I believe. He knows his special teams stuff and the players respond to him. Great resource. Chelios´s title is something like "Assisting advisor to the general manager" or the like, I read it on mlive if I recall correctly.

Good point, made me laugh.

It's coming up. Can also be viewed live at http://video.redwings.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=616&id=828763〈=en&navid=DL|NHL|home And here's the direct link at freep: http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2015/06/09/jeff-blashill-red-wings-coach/28729753/ updated the links

You all make excellent points was a pleasant read. Nobody argues against Bowman's capabilities as a coach and he certainly hasn't messed up as a GM. As to some sort of effect, only (a little more) time will tell in my opinion. But you guys are forgetting something when throwing in the Red Wings in the discussion. We have a great prospect coming up in Daniel Cleary, who will probably be signed for another contract with Detroit. Something tells me he's the next Bowman.

Well the Blackhawks do deserve a congrats. And I much prefer the trophy staying up north, I can't stand the southern teams playing to be honest, playing in a refrigerator when it's 90 degrees outside and retirees suntanning a 5 minute walk from the arena. Doesn't fit. Anyway, made 3 bets in the finals, got them all. Good enough for me.

Bolts only hope now is the Stamkos line. I'm betting on the Hawks.

Perhaps because you don't care about the teams? I agree, I'm watching the NBA finals, hoping to see Steph Curry dance & 3pt shoot his way to championship.