RockyMountainWingGal

Is Tonya Harding still available for hire?

Yes that was pathetic - he quit just because he was down. I have no idea why this tournament is held in the middle of the sweltering summer down there, outside in the sun in the middle of the day for the most part, BUT the other players were dealing with it OK for the most part. Anyhow Roddick looks like he got back into good shape - will he ever beat Federer? Dunno, maybe someday - I'm personally tired of Roger although I do like him. I'll probably miss the men's final since I'm skiing that day (yes it might be 40C there but it's -17C here), but might catch the women....

That's funny because here I thought Federer had lost for the past few days. lol I saw a replay of the Berdych match and he was up so big - I had to go somewhere and I thought - wow Federer already lost! lol I was actually a bit intrigued by a Federer-less final. Oh well, I dislike the Djokovic character. One set each him and Roddick. Directv had the Aussie Open network for the first 8 days and now it blacked out (?). Don't know why they don't just do the whole thing - tv rights I guess, sigh.

Yeah I'm pretty sure it's a done deal - as usual ESPN is out of sync with the NHL. Is it too much to ask for one of our goalies to steal us a game for once this season, while two of our stars sit out? Or for our D to play a solid game - yes sans Nick and Stuart? Hopefully the Wings are motivated by this, play a solid game, beat Columbus, and we can just move on....

So....anyone know what's up with the appeal? The ESPN ticker says the Wings are appealing the suspension but I cannot substantiate that. It seems it would be too late for them to make the trip unless they decide tomorrow morning....

I actually find it interesting that the league asked for other Red Wings players instead of the two that pulled out, and reportedly (TSN) the Wings said no. Maybe that was when they decided to go ahead with the one game suspensions. Crap I would have sent Huds and Raffy or something similar and just avoided the whole thing.....

lol that's pretty funny. As mentioned, you can't kill the ratings for a game that is barely a bleep on the radar. Nobody watches anyways. And in the scheme of things - one more game of rest for Lids and Dats - and it's the Jackets - a team we should be able to beat without them (good test for the Wings actually).

I would like to know if the Red Wings organization can actually decide that they can't play? I suppose a doctor can refuse to clear them - which is unlikely in this case. You have to admit, this isn't something that one would think a guy like Nick Lidstrom would do on purpose. I guess you cannot state "refuse" until we know all the facts.

Bettman has always hated the Wings - anything to stick it to us - and he rarely gets this kind of chance. Not sure what the Wings have to do with this - are the two really nursing ailments? In Datsyuk's case he had to leave the game vs. Phx in the third. If they really are just resting them - and for good reason - then they should fly them into Montreal for a few hours on a private jet - and let them participate in some event - sign some autos - then fly them back. Maybe that would suffice for Bettass. If they do have to miss a game, at least it is Columbus...... Hey Gary - how about doing something useful for the ASG - like fixing the fan voter fraud?

Giving up 6 goals in each game is just bad not matter who is in net. Trying to say one 6 GAA game the goaltender was better than the other 6 GAA game is ludicrous. Neither goalie is playing great AND our defense is slacking. Hopefully the week off and the end of a long west coast road trip on which the Wings always struggle will help....

The Lidstrom situation is worrisome. However, I'm suspicious he just is worn out and wants the rest - something sore but not not serious (?). I'm glad the Wings are resting and non adding more miles to their long travel schedule - i wasn't going the watch the ASG (joke) anyways. As far as injuries, we have been fortunate so far. Got lucky with Stuart it looks like - that could have been much worse . Banged up Datsyuk, Franzen, and Nick is not good - but I think we can live with it in January.... here's to the Wings' health. :beerbuddy:

^^^ Yes this was kind of a good control game. Both road games, D slacked in both (worse tonight) and both goalies gave up 6 GAA. Slight edge to Oz because of Sharks vs. Yotes. But all in all our middle-of-the-road GT has been exposed by our poor team defense....doesn't really matter which guy plays. edit: yes i know some were PP goals - but 6 is 6 in the end no matter what actually gets charged to you - for both guys.

Hmmm thanks - I was just perusing MLive and didn't see that. Would much rather have him rest than go to Montreal anyways. (Phx-Det-Montreal - ouch long road trip)

Ditto - if we are going to pin our season and PO hopes on Conklin - that is not a good sign. It might be good for Ozzie to have some competition - he definitely needs to improve - although I too think he has slowly improved since he came back from his hiatus. Conklin also gives up terrible goals routinely - I was at the Avs game - 3 in a row in the first period. The Hawks on Jan 1 - 3 in a row the first period also. While he plays well at times (like Oz) I'm just not seeing this knight in shining armor some people are picturing. We certainly have goaltending issues - but I am not convinced a career backup GT is going to save us. Also, comparing playing vs. the Kings to playing vs. the Sharks is like comparing apples and oranges.

Our defense still needs some serious work. They play fine vs the Jackets, Columbus, etc., but are giving up way too many SOG to better teams. Those two brainfart giveaways in the third turned a sure OT into a W for SJ. And we seem to get pinned deep in our zone ALOT! And had a ton of trouble clearing, getting the puck up ice. But hey this was one of the top 3-4 teams in the league we played tonight (not sure I'd hand them a 1 outside the points) so things are tougher. We just need to make sure we take care of business next time SJ visits the Joe - that will set up a 2-2 tie for the season an make for an interested collision course in the POs.

Exactly all the reasons this is BS. When is the last time Kenny or the Wings handed out a 10 year contract? I cannot think of any. While it is interesting to discuss all our off season signings and predicaments - it's only halfway through the season. I'll get more concerned when it's closer to the POs (about Hank at least) and when I see this in print somewhere...

As usual with stats, it all depends on how you look at it: the Habs do have 10 Cups since '67, but only 2 since 1980. Don't know if I'd call that a downhill slide, but now they are in even competition with the rest of the league. On another note - it might be interesting to look at Division winners and the Cup...cannot find that easily, but I bet non-division winners rarely if ever win....

Exactly. A pretty amicable departure. I loved Shanny as a Wing - but Yzerman retired after the season that year, Fedorov had already left, Scotty was gone, etc etc. It was time for the Wings to move forward and for Shanny to finish the last years of his career somewhere else. As for his current signing, I wish him well with the Devils. Although at this point, I think he should pretty much just hang it up and retire.....

The Wings need to circle the game at the Shark tank in about 10 days - they are undefeated at home - we need to be the first ones to soundly smoke them at home - and get in their heads! Here's to hopin'

THe replay just started on NHLN today if anyone wants to burn it/ see it again..... oh and NICE pics, looks like it was a game you'll always remember!

But it's not even that. Do you think if all hockey fans each cast a single vote that guys like Getzlaf and Campbell would be the favorites? I don't. Obviously it's ballot stuffing/scripts by fans of some teams. I never watch the game - won't this year either. I'd say the NHL should address the issue, but nobody cares about the ASG anyways, so why bother...

I'll probably vote for Turco, but what about the goal on Huet the other day? I think that one was worthy of a top 3....

My reply to that is always "NOT TODAY" Awesome game - congratulations on an excellent job by the NHL. I'm sure they lost a few viewers in the third, but wow that was an up-tempo spectacle to watch - even when we were losing! Q will never beat the Wings - it's in his blood. Great job Wings - they looked like they had a blast! Now the rest of the regular season games are going to seem real boring compared to that! Happy New Year everyone!

I voted for Denver merely because I might get a chance to go to the game. I figure it would be Avs-Flames, or Avs-Nucks, since they are keeping to division rivals. However, it is very doubtful that will happen for a few years. Unfortunately, I doubt the Wings will get to play in the next few either. Other teams will want, and deserve the chance. Very nice job by the NHL today - I hope alot of people watched!

If I were in Vegas, I would place my money on Cheli playing. I cannot see the Wings scratching him for this game - in his home town, vs his former team. I would be disappointed too. Bench Lebs and keep Cheli in.....