LeftWinger

true, but I was referring to maybe the players with NTC's were automatically protected from getting selected, so they wouldn't have to put a tag on them. That would allow more protection for players without NTC's.

My uncles, sister, next door neighbor dentist's apprentice's dog catcher's boss's secretary tells me that rumor has it that Homer was so effective in front of the net because he had awful gas issues and would light up the goalies while standing in front of them causing them huge discomfort and also making them lose their train of thought....sounds legit!

You need net front presence, thats for sure. That is what a lot of us meant by Holland should've changed the makeup of this team at the deadline. That is why a player(s) like Okposo or Hartnell would've help us out. Hopefully these last two gut check wins help propel them into a solid playoff spot. For all the drama, they are only 3 points out of 3rd place. A nice 5 game win streak could mean possibly a 2nd place finish. I am encouraged by the last two games and if they pull off another win in TPA, we could be looking good. We need to handle our business, but help from other teams is always appreciated!

Difference is, Smith has peaked, Marchenko has that "potential" tag still. To me, deciding which one to keep all depends on what happens on July 1st and/or which one would bring you more in return. One thing for sure is, Smith won't hanfg the KHL over your head if he doesn't get to play. Remember last summer when he said that if he goes back to GR he may as well go to the KHL. Other than being right handed, I don't see a reason right now that he could've had any advantage in that negotiation, he is not that good. BUT, Smith has peaked, makes tons of bonehead errors. From a business standpoint, I'd stay with Smith, because since he has peaked, he really won't be holding out for more money on his next contract. You will always have the threat of Marchenko bolting to the KHL if he doesn't get what he wants. Having that over your head ties your hands a bit. That being said, I'd keep both of them over Erection, but nobody is going to take his contract from us and both Smith AND Marchenko would be easier to move, with a higher return value. Not much higher, but a bit. It all depends on the draft and July 1st. If they sign a top guy and feel confindent enough in XO, then one of Smith/Marchy becomes expendable. Also Sproul and Jensen need to be dealt with, I know they aren't top 4 guys, but I am really tired of losing players for nothing. We were able to get a 6th for Kindl, it'd be nice, if Sproul/Jensen are not in the plans to get a couple of picks for them, or maybe something in a package. KFQ can go and I hope and pray Holland doesn't re-sign him using the whole "he knows the system" garbage, because the system sucks and along with personel, system changes are needed as well. May as well start fresh with a new system and new components. But, in regard to to original question, if I have to choose between Smith and Marchy, I guess I am picking Marchy because of his age, and potential. Smith had that once and has disappointed us, Marchy could do the same, but I'd take the gamble.....again.

Lidstrom was also still winning Norris Trophies while he was signing 1 year deals. He won it the year before he retired. That is why he was still getting $6.2M per year. I can see Holland still paying Datsyuk whatever he wants, just like Lidstrom (I do remember each we we were all like, "Lidstrom will sign for $4M-$5M, but it was always $6.2M) but hopefully Dats takes that $5M or so, if not, I can see Holland giving him whatever he wants to stay a year at a time. Dats between AA and Mantha would help them tremendously, along with helping Dats extend his career. We have that opportunity now to see that combo, but for some reason Blashill sees AA in a different light than everyone else. He needs to be in the top 6, period. ...fixing this mess starts with Larkin-Z-Abby and AA -Dats -Mantha as your top 6. I'd even question Abby, but we all know that will not change.

You let Datsyuk make the decision. You tell him you want him back then let him decide. I fully believe he will play at least one season at Cadillac Centre ©.

AA is practicing on the 4th line today with Richards and Glendening. WTF is Blashill's problem? I am begining to hate this guy with each passing day.

If the NHLPA wins that then all Holland has to do is re-sign all of his RFA's and whatever UFA's he may to contracts with NTC's, then he could protect more young players...

Don't forget Niskanen...I will do my best Donald Trump, we don't win in free agency anymore. I still hope he goes haRd after Stamkos or Lucia or Backes or someone to help change the makeup of the team both up from and in back.

...still think AA should be promoted to Dats line in place of Tatar. No, no, Smith must go!

Nice gut check win. 8 more please.

Another reason to dump Smith.

Nyquist is the worst player on this team.

AA continues to be the best player on the ice....let's give him s***tier linemates...

My God, Z is the slowest player on the ice....

Another makeup call....

WTF smith.....

Makeup call

WTF was that Smith? That there would seal his fate on my team...buh bye!

No doubt, the PP coach needs to be replaced before next season. I am tired of the same old setup. Get to center ice drop it back to the blueline. Ugh!

AA with a great play, let's reward him by putting Helm with Datsyukian and Mantha...

Not seeing enough AA...he's been one of, if not the best player since he's been here...needs more than 3rd line minutes and linemates.

If Stamkos is going to get $10 per year, letting the contracts of KFQ, Richards and Helm come off the books covers that. Howard will get traded as will Smith. $8M more right there. If Stamkos doesn't want to come here, then at least you still have a ton of cash to pursue other options. It's been proven since the deadline that Holland cannot stand pat this off season. All we can hope for this season is that they squeak into the playoffs, but I doubt it. Holland needs to redefine his team this summer or needs to be fired.

IMO, this should be the lines tonight... Larkin-Z-Abby AA-Datsyuk-Mantha Tatar-Sheahan-Jurco Helm-Richards-Glenn I sit Nyquist to send a message not only for him stealing money from the team, but that play the other night needs to be addressed in this manner. The D is a vortex of s***ty players right now. Can't bench them all.

The latest fall is not on the goalies. Howard and Mrazek have both played well enough to win all of their last few starts. It's on Holland for not making the team better and Blashill for not putting the right guys together. Not benching or demoting guys to lower lines for playing with no heart and like garbage.