larionov_8

I've got a soft spot for the funny one's like Major League. But kids sports movies are among the classics. Mighty Ducks was great to watch as a kid, but even better is a film like The Sandlot, that I can still watch now and enjoy.

Agreed. It's not likely that Naslund will be moving anywhere now -- although by the deadline is a different story. As for the Canucks, not much seems to be going well....here's to seeing that trend continue tonight.

The gentlemen of Sportsnet's HockeyCentral panel were just speculating that the Canucks will try to move Naslund. The only team they mentioned as a possible suitor was Detroit, on account of the many Swedes. While I can't say for sure there's much too this - it may just be that all Swedish players are rumoured to be here -I would not be suprised to see Naslund move. I'd like the move, although I see him moving by the trade deadline, not now. He's in the last year of his contract and Detroit has cap room to bring him in. Any objections to Naslund wearing the winged wheel? If not, perhaps the question is: how much would you be willing to give up/pay for Naslund?

If nothing else, the idea of having a player of his calibur come here is exciting. McGratten would be an interesting experiment too....but I doubt Ottawa's just giving him away. Any word on why, anyways, they apparently want to trade him?

I'm surprised at the lack of support for Naslund! He was considered an elite player not long ago. But whoever said it is right that I wouldn't want to give up a good prospect for half a season of Naslund, because there's no guarantee he'll put up huge numbers here. Perhaps Naslund would be the sort of guy to go after during the off-season....he very well might have some incentive to come here at a good value, considering the Swedes and Detroit's competitiveness every season. But that doesn't mean the Canucks have much incentive to send him here for cheap - unless he has a no-trade clause and singles out Detroit as a destination....but I don't know about his contract, and I find that unlikely anyways! Personally, at this point, I would take Naslund of Forsberg. While Naslund has recently because completely inconsistent, he is still more consistent that Forsberg overall -- at least Naslund makes it to the rink! Floppa's one of a kind, but he makes a lousy bench warmer. There is no doubting that Naslund is a more skilled player than Sammy (let's not exaggerate too much!) and that he's put up huge numbers only a couple of seasons ago.

I'm all for letting Kronwall step up. But we have to have someone to step in to the lineup if something unfortune happens (I don't think this needs elaboration). THAT player could be Kindl. Letting Kindl go for a skate for is one thing, but having him out there besides the likes of Lebda, Meech, Quincey, even Lilja, etc would be a mistake in my opinion. And even if we essentially replace Schneider with Kronwall and Kronwall with Kindl, that might be what we're forced to do, especially barring an injury. So, in short: we need some depth.

Question: Has Kindl even played in GR yet? If not, I really don't see him jumping into Detroit's lineup, let alone replacing Schneider's role. While I agree that Schneider is not a great defensive defensemen (that's always been his profile), the fact is that he's a veteran who can minimize his own stupidity simply through sheer experience. The same can't be said for Kindl, who does not have NHL experience, and perhaps not even the AHL experience, under his belt. A sidenote on Kindl: I saw him play twice last year with the Kitchener Rangers. While I was impressed that he played a lot of minutes and in all the key situations, I couldn't help comparing him to another Czech d-man -- Jiri Fischer -- because he just seemed to make really unfortunate decisions (euphemism) with the puck. In fact, he shot a puck right into a player's shin pad at the offensive blueline, which resulted in a breakaway and the GWG for the other team. I'm not trying to bash him, because I really do hope that he is this "stud" we're all hoping for. Just don't expect him to be great anytime soon. Expect the growing pains we saw with Jiri. How many of us were calling for his head while he was still playing? And after all this, I won't be terribly upset if Schneider is lost. But I would be distraught if Kindl was the man chosen to replace him.

I'd say chase after one big forward (ie Smyth) and bring back Bert, as mentioned. Sammy will likely be starting someplace too. Bring in one quality defenseman - Schneider, Markov, a UFA, etc - and if possible, another D for depth. Lilja plays, Meech, Quincey and a depth player to be named later will be the 7th (and 8th, and 9th) D-men. Somehow I imagine these guys will get some playing time in the league this year.

Lidstrom, Chelios, Kronwall, Lilja, Lebda...and Kindl? Frankly I'm not convinced Kindl is NHL ready. I'd rather see someone with experience filling that spot. That leaves Quincey as the 7th man. My point is that Detroit ought to be bringing someone into the fold, whether its one of these guys or someone else on the market. But I certainly wouldn't want to see them get the sort of money that was dolled out to players such as Timonen and, previously, McCabe. As for Hasek, he might want a raise, but I would guess his salary would remain relatively low. An obvious replacement would be Raycroft, if it came to that - my guess is that he could be had cheaply from the Leafs at this point. Not totally sure about Osgood's contract status, but my impression is that he also was on a one-year deal.

I agree that Tempo would be a good d-man -- Detroit pursued him over the last few seasons. But let's not discount Schneider's abilities. For all of his reputation as being a defensive dud in the past, his veteran smarts are really key to his good play. Thats why I think that he, similar to Chelios, can keep playing a few more years. I'd say a two year contract would be optimal, but I wouldn't be bothered by 3 years either. Numminen will probably have a few years in him too, but he also has that heart condition...and we've already lost one d-man to a bad heart.

I think its evident that Datsyuk is showing up. That is, in fact, what he's paid to do. Forget all this "Dats is paid to score goals, Draper paid to play defense" - it's true in one sense, but these guys are out there to play hockey and that includes a constantly changing role depending on the circumstances of the game. You obviously recognize that Datsyuk is going up against the other teams best players, especially on the road. But consider that he's also playing with a Zetterberg who appears hurt/ill, and a Holmstrom who is not exactly the kind of player who sets up a lot of goals, relatively speaking. Dats was on the powerplay for Homers' goal last night, and although he didn't get a first or second assist, isn't that at least worth recognizing? It's not as if he's done nothing. Considering the huge burden of criticism that Dats faced pre-playoffs, I think we should all be thankful that he's turned up his game. Hell, I even saw him throw a few hits out there last night! If I'd have one criticism of him that i think is fair, it would be that he should be willing to occasionally put the puck into the corners when he's going in on a 1 on 4, 2 on 4 etc. As good as he is, its tough for any player to pass or skate through those 4 guys, and I think he's been turning over the puck more than is necessary.

If you want depth and someone who knows his role here in Detroit, Maltby is your guy. No one is expecting Maltby to be a star player, but as someone mentioned, players are inevitably going to get hurt, and I am comfortable seeing Maltby in the lineup rather than simply plugging in a bunch of young players to fill holes. For the price, I don't really see how anyone can complain much.

Lang silences his critics for now. Can't wait for overtime!

I just see this as ridiculous for numerous reasons: 1) its clearly an attempt by politicians to rag on the encumbant government / win "Quebec-nationalist" votes 2) who knows if Doan even said what he is accused of 3) there is no reason to politicize something over which the government clearly can't and should not control 4) this is as close to discussion as they seem to ever get in Parliament - typically they just communicate like school children (think South Park: "rabble-rabble-rabble")

Here's hoping it isn't too serious and that Homer can play again soon! Regarding his "replacement", I think that Bertuzzi ought to get a shot on the first line and ought to be the guy out front on the PP. I think he's already been sitting there, just as a member of Lang's line. And yes, Sammy's no superstar but I haven't been totally disappointed by his defensive play. He's been checking, although he sure scares me when he carries the puck up the ice. Anyways, my point is that I don't think it would help to simply replace him. And frankly, I don't think sticking him in front of the net on the 2nd PP is too bad of an idea. After all, we all know that his shots from 50 feet out never have a chance, so why not let him try to battle it out near the net? other lines: Franzen-Lang-Sam Hudler-Filippula-Calder I don't think the 4th line should even be a regular line. Saying that Calder is a veteran presence is a bit of a stretch, and although Filippula looked good in the last series, whoever pointed out that these guys (esp Hudler) looked tiny last night was correct. My personal opinion is that these guys on the 4th line could be interchanged through the Sam's spot on the other line and whereever else for that matter. Of course it would be great to have Homer, but just the play of one player is rarely enough. Whatever the lines are tommorrow, they have to play better. Hopefully as many players as possible in the lineup are healthy too! my 2 pennies.

Actually CBC has been pretty weak so far too. Early the guy said that Regher was out for the Red Wings, then I'd swear he said Hudler was out, Calder in, when the opposite is true. One announcer also called Kipper "Hasek" but then luckily corrected himself. But I agree, I think the refs make the announcers look like all stars this game....and not just calls against Detroit either. And Dom has kept us in it -- if he did indeed stop that shot by Huselieus late, that was just a huge save. My two cents.

Some of the CBC announcers have suggested he is hurt. They were talking about him earlier this game and happened to show him speaking to the trainer after he got bumped a few tiimes. Not that this means he is hurt of course; and if he is, he's looked good enough to suppose that its minor.

Great article. No doubt the man is a mental patient off the ice, but a surgeon in the corners.

That's the answer, someone poison Lang with the bubonic plauge and I bet he'll just go away.

Someone noted before why Lang gets his own thread, but why no one is harping on Sammy and Lidstrom (although there appears to be a threat about the latter, and the former is getting bashed here too). But anyways, this is how I see it: I think we can fairly criticize Lang because his play has been poor game in and out for a while. While Lidstrom maybe had a "bad game" last night -- and I don't think he did, even though he was on the ice for at least two of the goals as far as I recall - he plays more minutes than anyone on any team...and is always solid. It's got to be tough to play against Iginla, no less. As for Sammy, he's a younger guy who makes around a quarter of Lang's salary. In the cap world, I suppose your play has to be proportional to your price tag. I agree that it is strange to see Sammy on the PP point. One would think our lesson was learned with Williams. However, short of throwing another forward out there, who would probably be either slow or even younger than Sammy, the defensemen include Markov, Lilja and Chelios, none of whom are offensive dynamos either. Actually, if he can play the minutes I wouldn't mind seeing what Chelios could do out there. After Markov's bonehead play at the offensive blueline last night, I would be a bit afriad to throw him out there. Also, he seems never to be able to keep the shot low/hit the net at all. And Lilja needs no comment. I like how he has been playing, but just not when he touches the puck. But back to the topic of Lang, my personal vision of the lines would be a tendency towards: Hank - Dats - Homer Maltby-Draps- Cleary Bert - Fillipula - Calder Franzen-Lang-Sammy I suppose this is not far from how they've been. But I don't like Lang and Bert together, and I think they ought to be seperated. We know Lang is slow, and while Bert can glid out there and get around guys, I have to think he's not a top-flight skater at this point. If Calder and Franzen and/or Sammy mixed around, that also wouldn't bother me. The key is that Draps' line deserves plenty of ice time considering their awesome play last night. That became a long post.....I'll simply end by predicting a 4-3 Wings OT win on Thursday.

I don't think JR was ever really criticizing Dom. He said that he was one of his favourite goalies, after all. He was simply pointing out what is true of all tenders: its a good strategy to get in their face. Especially more so with Dom: Not only is he tough to beat otherwise, but -- whether or not he did it versus Iggy before -- he would dive or do anything else he thought necessary in order to help the team. And I don't really think that anyone here is criticizing Dom either. He is simply unpredictable and intense -- and in playoff time its already plenty unpredictable and intense. Should be fun to watch!! Most importantly, let's not discount anything JR said, considering his prediction of Wings in 5.

I agree with that, Aki. The same goes for Budaj in Colorado too. And its not like Kipper is any less of a goalie than either Budaj or Backstrom. I guess the argument the other way is that neither Budai or Backstrom have any, to my knowledge, playoff experience.

Hey everyone. I agree that Kindl will need a year at least in the AHL. I've seen him play in the OHL for the Rangers a few times, and while he does log lots of minutes in all sorts of situation, he sort of reminded me of Fischer for his tendency to turn over pucks. I'm not suggesting the guy is a dud by any means; after all, the Rangers are doing great right now, and I would guess he's playing a large role. Can't speak for the other prospects, but would like to see Markov stay, and I agree about the idea of lowballing Schneider. With Chelios, who knows what could happen.

completely agree. Also, my impression is that Calder is the sort of player that goes into the corners and towards the net. Both players had great years last season and were due for a change of scenery. Good trade for Jason, Detroit and Philly...as for Chicago, time will tell....

Yeah , like someone mentioned this hit wasn't so dirty. I've had enough of seeing Detroit players lay off guys. And this hit is not really comparable to the one on Drury, who was completely sidestepped and didn't have much of a chance to see the hit coming. If Lupul would have been looking forward - in the direction he was moving - he would have seen the hit coming. I like to see Detroit play this sort of game against the Oil but its still a shame that Lupul was hurt. But to say a suspension is warranted just because of that is silly.