rick zombo

The blessing and the curse for this Wings team is that they have the offense to squeak out high scoring win. Of course, knowing they can do this makes it hard to commit to the defense-first discipline that's made them successful the last few years. But, in October, a wins a win. How they win becomes more important as they get into playoff mode.

Yes, I'm totally whacko to suggest that Hossa will score 40 goals this year. Who's the one being naive?

Hossa is going to score his first goal on Saturday. And then about 39 goals after that.

Well, given that AO is awesome and a cool motherf*cker, this only verifies that Malkin must be soem king of a-hole/loser.

It's hard to feel bad for Zetterberg when one of his linemates, Franzen, has one more goal than himself, Datsyuk, and Hossa combined. Z's goal was an empty netter. Franzen was half an inch away from goal #3 last night. Also: Zetterberg's job on the 2nd line is to make his linemates better regardelss of who that is. But I do agree that Hudler's minutes should come from playing the 3rd or 4th line and the PP> edit to add: I think Franzen - Zetterberg - Cleary is the way to go.

Holy s***. That's 7 lives left for Clint the cat.

ugh. I was hoping they'd get to meet Obama in January

Cool idea. Almost made me barf though. My head's still dizzy.

Well I think the scenario the original post referred to was that Iginla was hit, there was no call, and he retaliated; putting hid team on the PK. Iginla's not exactly the most disciplined player in hockey. I have no problem with him playing a nasty game like Messier, or for being physical. And I'm not anti-Iginla. But every player, no matter how good they are at doing what they do best, always have parts of their game that need work.

How about this? Get Hudler the hell off line 2. Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Homer Hossa - Flip - Franzen Cleary - Draper - Maltby Kopecky - Hudler - Samueslon

I agree. This is totally what I thought too. (+ I added something) This game clearly meant more to the Leafs than the Wings. Kronwall was terrible, Zetterberg looked slow, Hudler was useless. Also, what's with all the icings and offsides on top of the turnovers?

Nothing wrong with sending the other team a message late in the game when you're getting beat. I totally agree. I think the tone of the original post is that Iginla, for whatever reason, can't seem to take a clean hit. And that is a part of his game he needs to improve on if he ever wants to win. It's no secret that personal sacrifice leads to winning. Players like Yzerman and Messier have showed us that. Team first.

Goalies are weird. I haven't given up hope for Howard yet. The Wings are relatively deep in goal now, with McCollum and Larsson. If you still consider Howard a prospect, then surely one of these three will have to stick. Edit: Also, I wouldn't put too much stock in Howard playing another year in the AHL. Conklin was signed for cheap don't forget. That kind of bargain vs the uncertainty of Howard's status made it a no-brainer for Holland. Also, it's mostly Babcock who has raved about Ericsson and we know that Babcock rarely ever praises his goalies in this way.Think about it. When has Babcock ever really gushed about any of the Wings net-minders? Goalies always get different treatment from the Wings' brass.

I'll I know is they better replace or update the visual before the seaon starts. Watching Neiderweiner hoist the cup at the end is heinous. Also, not enough Crosby

And Helm has been sent to GR. http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/

Z didn't play last night. But point taken.

Maybe none of the GMs wanted to help Burke out with a trade. Because he's an *******.

Great news!!!! now trade the bum

nm

This seems like a good set of parameters. And I agree with the list. To which I will add: Markov Bertuzzi Schneider Paul Coffey Bob Essensa

Al Strachan is a prickly old bastard. Kudos to him for having the nards to write this. Brian Blowfish is an excellent lawyer/lobbyist, but his hockey fundamentals are below average.

The genius thing about "Babcock Hockey" is that this Wings team plays like a group of emotional robots. Emotional as in: they have heart Robots as in: they have insane discipline Avery couldn't crack that egg with a maul.

Thanks for posting it. Those highlight clips were amazingly entertaining.

If Lidstrom plays 2-3 more years, imagine the top six: Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Ericsson - Meech/Lilja/Lebda/Quincey/whomever One of the best parts of this is the time it will give the Wings to be patient with Kindl and Smith. Pretty great situation.

One can only assume he plays this year in GR. Then into the top six rotation next year. He might be top 4 material by next season, but who's he going to usurp? Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Stuart? Man, what a D !!!