RockyMountainWingGal

Overpaying for Guerin is not what the Wings need to do. I don't know why everyone thinks our offense will suck so bad. I rather liked the lines in the playoffs - and we scored alot of goals. While it's not the cure for everything, we can pick up a winger in March if needed....

I think he did a good job getting Bertuzzi this year. It was a gamble - didn't really help or hurt our playoff run - but we didn't lose much for him anyways. It's not like any of the teams who made a big trade at the deadline outdid themselves in the playoffs anyways (ie Nashville, Forsberg, out in the first). This team will be a contender in March and Holland will make some kind of move to improve our chances - we might not need much anyways - who knows right now....

The Wings didn't win the Cup - but were as close as they've been in 5 years. I had doubts about Hasek coming back last year too - alot of people did - but the fact is the Wings haven't gone to a WCF without him. The last time they did was in '98 with, yes, Osgood. I think this team is good enough to contend - but to do so next year they need Hasek - that's my only point. If you're OK with developing a young goalie and possibly missing the playoffs (not going to happen in our division anyways) then it makes sense to try it. I'm all for trying to win now - so we need Hasek back - even with the risks...

We all know the risks with Hasek. But realistically, he is the Wings' only shot at going far in the playoffs and being a Cup contender. I agree I'd like to see Howard back him up - to give the kid some more playing time. Aside, we might get 'younger and healthier' if we lose Dom and go with Oz and Howard, but only people glaring through their red glasses would think we have any shot at a Cup with that tandem right now (sorry Osgood fans, I like him too, but he's not Hasek). I'm also a bit nervous about the signing - it is Dom - he tends to do strange things, change his mind.....

My point is that with guys like Kiprusoff, Giguere, Luongo, Nabokov, etc starting on the elite teams, Ozzie would have to start on a , what should I call it, a second tier team(?). I think he could start - it's just my opinion it would be somewhere like Chicago (Kabibulin fell off the map) or St Louis, etc. I like him as a goaltender - I'm not sure he can carry a team in the playoffs anymore though - we just differ on that. Although since he's bound to be the backup here- we'll never know. I think a guy like Hasek, on the other hand, can carry a team. Although, his age and health worry the crap out of me....

I'm not sure what you mean by this? You don't think we can compete with them? The Ducks-Wings was maybe the best and most competetive series in the playoffs. Ducks are probably going to lose Niedermayer AND Selanne - they were very well prepared and have tried to sign *our* free agents to compensate. I certainly wouldn't hand them the Cup or suggest the Wings cannot rival them - if that's what you are saying....

It seems alot of good teams are sitting still: Stars, Sharks, Canucks, Flames...for the most part. Stars have kind of been jinxed in the playoffs the past several years. Turco is good enough to go further than they have - I think - but maybe there's something I'm not getting? Modano as much as I'm a fan - is too preoccupied with that Hollywood chick - I fear for his career! I guess I'm surprised they haven't signed anyone, yet....

Have to disagree with you on that. We got bounced in '99, 00, and '01 with Ozzie in net and we needed a big change in '02. Hasek wanted to win a Cup badly - he started off slow in the playoffs (I remember the heart attacks) but ended up strong - outplaying Roy in what was essentially the Cup finals....I'm not saying Osgood was why the Wings were losing, but we needed that change in goal. I think Osgood could still be a starter - but only on a pretty mediocre to bad team. So essentially it's back-up Hasek on a great team - one he likes and is comfortable with - or start somewhere abyssmal. I certainly fine with him as the b/u but I wouldn't be comfortable with him starting in the playoffs. I'm actually hoping prospects like Howard can get in a fair number of games. Our division sucks so bad it will be worth testing them out even if it means losing a few games...

The Blues will be better, who's in net for them - didn't they get one of the Wild's players? If it's still Legace, enough said. I think this will work out well for the wings - we still have 4 games each vs teams like SJ, Anaheim, Dallas, etc. We will win the division and be able to pick up what's needed again at the trade deadline. I'm not worried. But the intra-division schedule is a joke - it MUST go. Who wants to buy tickets to see Columbus or the Hawks 4 times each - yuk!

Agreed. Wings will be fine. Looking at our division schedule, we will be in a great position in the spring. I really think we'll be in a great position to make a trade next year. Some of these other teams will not. No need to panic in July. I disagree on Hasek, he'll come back for one more year. He did say he would make up his mind on retirement BEFORE FA began - can we trust him? Am I going to read tomorrow he's Giguere's backup? Seriously, what's up with the Ducks though? I guess they think we are such a great organization they need our players - lol.

So, so true. That's worth having Bert on your roster for a few months.....

I saw the grittiest team I've seen in years from the Red Wings this playoffs - and that includes the 2002 cup winning team that smoked everyone on talent alone. Sure we have skilled "finesse" players but I think we have to give the nod to Babcock for getting these guys to play tough. They have the Cup because the ouplayed us by a very very slim margin - happens. Right now I'm seeing the Ducks trade in Niedermayer and Selanne for Schneider and Bertuzzi. Good job by them to at least try to replace these guys (I'm not figuring there's any way to keep all of them so the Ducks may know the first two won't be back). That said, they haven't improved necessarily if that's the case. Burke and Bertuzzi belong together - think about it.... Wings will be fine - no reason for Holland to overpay a guy who is at a very questionable point in his career right now.

I agree with you Roberto - this COULD be the beginning of a good rivalry. This was the first year the top two seeds met in the WCF since '02. I know you guys have been there a few times - but it's always to play the one-playoff-wonders. The Ducks OR the Wings aren't that kind of team. In the new age of free agency, it will be hard to establish long-lasting rivalries. I'm really hoping for a Ducks-Wings series in next years' playoffs. I don't know what some people are smokin' on this board, but these are two good teams that will be in the mix next year regardless of the signings right now. The FA pick-ups of Schneider and Bertuzzi will only add fuel to the fire. I guess this means we need to sign on of your players in return - who do you want to give up??

Pretty gloomy for July. Take a look at your first sentence - we will almost win the division by default. The central sucks so bad, I hate to be haughty, but I just don't see how the Wings could miss the playoffs even if they tried. Therefore, there will be opportunities to TRADE for some player(s) by the deadline. Assuming Hasek signs: Schneider for Rafalski is at wash at worst, upgrade at best. Losing Bertuzzi really doesn't cost us anything - he was a rental for the playoffs, he has health issues, and is a risk. Lang is gone - so that frees up room, if not now, then later..... I wouldn't throw in the towel yet....

Am I the only one that's missing how the Ducks can afford to sign these guys???? I just don't see how they have any more cash than anyone else - esp with their roster. Schneider and Bertuzzi leaving must mean that neither Niedermayer OR Selanne are coming back..... Anyhow, I was so-so on signing Bertuzzi. I just don't know how he's going to hold up and he's not the player he used to be. But the Ducks - wtf again? Burke has some personal vendetta against the Wings for some reason.......hopefully it comes back to bite him in the ass....

Apparently he's made some phone calls to players in Sweden.....

Like I mentioned above, Fedorov, Carolina, guideline broken......

Can you clarify for me why Scott Niedermayer would retire? I guess I haven't been paying attention since the Cup was lifted - got on with my summer...But he's only going to be 36 this coming year. Maybe he wants to go out on top? But the Ducks have a pretty good chance of repeating....I'm just curious as to what his reasons might be... Also, as for coughing up the cash if he stays - does that put the Ducks over the cap? I wasn't aware there was a luxury tax system in the NHL. Because if so, Ilitch would have not problem going over to get the guys he and Holland want on the team....

It is a big loss - but the Wings at least had a plan to replace him if he did bolt. I'm pissed he went to the Ducks of all places - but I still like the guy and I wouldn't boo him. I never felt he was truly part of the Wings core for some reason. Actually, I'm surprised we resigned him after the lockout - he was asking alot - and alot of people here questioned the signing then. I won't root for the Ducks of course, esp since they could be our new rival, which just makes it harder to swallow Scheids going there. Everyone here would be wishing him the world if it were any other team. Why didn't he go back to the Kings? they have tons of cash.....

Guess he really isn't all that interested in winning a Cup..... p.s. will there be anyone left in Nashville?

You mean like Carolina did to Fedorov? I guess noone told them about the unwritten rule. That drove the price up on Feds quite a bit if I remember correctly. Quite an unclassy move by them - but it tells you people will screw the unwritten rule if they think they have a shot..... Well the Smyth deal will be good for me, since I'm probably going to buy some kind of package for the Avs this year. Gives me someone recognizable besides Sakic. The Avs have so many holes on their team, Smyth isn't the *missing piece* so to speak. Who knows if Theodore will show up - they didn't even try to move him. Budai is OK but I'm not sold on him being a playoff contending #1 goalie. They have no defenseman. They have a few promising young forwards - but not enough to scare anyone. Plus, they're in a tough division. I hope they make the playoffs for entertainment's sake, but I don't see Smyth alone getting them too far.....

Good for the Rangers, and the best thing - Drury stays in the EAST! I didn't want him to wind up with the Avs again. Well I guess that got Smythe - but the Avs have a ton of holes - he will only marginally help......

Bummer. Let's face it, Schneider's been a rental player ever since we traded for him. I like the guy - but that's alot of dough for a 38 yo defenseman (unless his name is Nick). In fact, I think Schneider benefited alot stats-wise from playing with Nick. Esp on the pp. Let's see how he does with the Ducks..... What is it with the freaking Ducks and our free agents anyways? If it were any other team, noone would give a damn and would be wishing him all the best luck.... Also, what makes everyone so sure that Neidermayer is retiring? He's only like what, 35 (although the gray beard adds a few years)? Wouldn't he have let the team know before the free agency period? I don't see how they can sign all of these guys either - so someone (aka Selanne) must be retiring.... Schneider and Pronger - not so scary imo.

Soooooo the end of the week is in two days - no hear yet? Maybe Dom is going to see if he gets other offers next week to gauge his market price? In a week, I guess we'll know alot more about this team...

The guy is like 75 , and hasn't he has health problems? Enough is enough - he went out on top. Noone will ever win that many cups again as a coach. I'd be disappointed if he returned anywhere - he needs to just enjoy his semi-retirement and scout for us in his spare time.