therock48880

Too bad it's not like baseball where you can play a game under protest. The protests never do any good in terms of winning and losing, but it does make major league baseball come out and address the issue. Wouldn't it be great to hear Bettman come out and say that it was a mistake? Instead, we'll hear nothing.

I couldn't agree more. I'm tired of hearing, "Well, the Wings outshot them". It does no good to outshoot them and then have the same number of scoring chances. Babcock's idea is to shoot and then drive the net, I have no problem with that. But other than a few forwards (and now one's out for 2 months) no one does it. Plus, is that really where we want Z going with his back the way it is? Probably not. I hate to say this, but it's entirely possible that come playoff time Z and Cleary will be out of action. Not to mention that Hudler and Flip have gone on vacation recently. Who's going to make up that goal scoring difference? Samuelson? Give me a break. These are the same complaints that LGW members have been complaining about for years, lack of big forwards that can get to the net. That's why people were initially pissed that Bertuzzi left. (Although the contract the Burke gave him was absurd). But that's EXACTLY the kind of player that's needed. A big brute that can score off some rebounds and that's big enough to fight off defensemen in front of the net. (I'm not suggesting Bertuzzi should have been kept). I hate to be so negative after a small three game losing streak, but there are some big, hulking playoff opponents in the West. Yes, the Wings beat a couple of them last year but by the end of the Ducks series they were a walking mash unit. I fail to see how this year will be different unless some of these issues are addressed.

We need them both, imo.

Parros kicked Boogard's ass earlier this season. It looked like Downey may have rocked him early which led to him holding on.

Because he should have been knocked on his ass. Lidstrom said as much today in an mlive article. He said the D was playing too soft and on their heals on that play.

I was thinking about this same question. With Cleary supposedly back for the playoffs or possibly a little sooner, I guess I'd like to see Blake. A big, physical d-man with a heavy shot for the second power play unit would be nice. It's easy to blame the homer call for changing the game (which it did) but the Wings looked horrible on the PP. Blake would help with that. In terms of forwards, I'm not convinced a Hossa-type is what is needed, although I wouldn't complain if they got him. This game showed the value of someone who is willing to drive the net. A player like that would be cheaper than a top forward anyways.

Maybe you should check with Parros about that statement too.

I guess I consider the heavyweights to be the elite fighters. I can't imagine that anyone would put Low in the "elite" category. He fought a lot, I'll give him that and he won his fair share. However, when he fought the big boys he seemed to get pummeled. It's not worth arguing about. It's simply a matter of definition. My definition of "true heavyweight" may be a little different.

I disagree. Low consistently got his butt kicked by true heavyweights. I guess it might be a matter of definition of heavyweight.

A legitimate second line scoring threat, which with Cleary's injury and Z's back problems, isn't a bad idea. Plus, a point man for the second power play unit. Those things are EXACTLY what the Wings need. I can't see how anyone can argue that.

And you think a 36 year old McCarty would make them think differently? I think you're not following me here. I LOVED McCarty as a Wing. But his last couple years as a Wing and his last year in Calgary showed a rapid decline in skill and fighting. Some would argue it was because of drugs, alcohol, etc. He was ALWAYS a big drinker. I saw Grinder and Mac was drinking a ton of beer, and that was 7 or 8 years ago. I think his decline in skill is more due to him being 36 (and those were 36 HARD years of living) than it is anything else. And if you read my entire post before you decide to go off on me, I suggested having McCarty in place of Drake and having Downey fill in occasionally. This isn't a Downey vs. Mac debate. I've gotta believe that Mac would bring as much or more to the table than Drake. You mentioned that Downey hasn't won a fight as a Wing. That shows a lack of knowledge on the topic. You might want to check with Kyle Maclaren on that one. In terms of Mac being an "Enforcer" go to youtube and type in mccarty oliwa, mccarty brashear, mccarty laraque, mccarty kocur, mccarty probert, mccarty souray, etc... Watch the fight and then tell me what an eforcer he is. He was a great wing that stood up for his teammates but when he fought the true heavyweights, he lost. His best fights were against Claudia and Reed Low and neither one of those guys can be called a heavyweight.

I'm not a huge fan of his but the Wings need a good second liner that can score occasionally. They also need someone to man the point on the second pp that has a big shot. Fedorov would fit the bill on both of those needs. I haven't followed them much this year, is he still playing D? I know he was moved to defense last year but I don't think it was permanent. I'd rather have Blake, though.

Couple points: 1. Calling McCarty an "enforcer" seems like a stretch. He was HORRIBLE last year fighting and is only a year older now. To be honest, I would also say that he was never a true enforcer anyways. He'd stick up for teammates but he was NOT a heavyweight fighter. Maybe light heavyweight at best. 2. It's a double-edged sword with his performance in GR. If he plays well, he can be claimed by any team in the nhl. If he doesn't play well, he'll never get called up anyways. I'd love to see him in a Wing's uniform but I really don't think the odds of it are very good, especially this season. I'd rather have Downey on the team, personally.

I think the Wings still need a scorer for the second line before the playoffs come. I know it won't happen but Iginla would look nice on their SECOND line.

Sorry, I thought you were saying Mac would beat Downey. To be honest, I'd love to see them both get ice time (assuming Mac can get in shape) and cut Drake. Then rotate Downey in and out with some people to rest them the rest of the way.

Calfan is actually THE best Calgary fan on this board, in my opinion. I was just messing with him. (Iginla better than any Wing's forward! ROTFLMAO!!! That's a great one!)

Most Calgary fans can be a bit obnoxious but I can tell you've got a GREAT sense of humor, making jokes like that one. Thanks for the laugh!

Did you see Mac fight last year? We're not talking about the McCarty of 5 years ago, we're talking about the McCarty of today. No doubt in my mind the Downey would win. (and I'm a HUGE McCarty fan)

I think Downey would kick Mac's ass.

You're right. Iginla doesn't have time to shed his visor before a fight. Of course other players find time, but Iginla can't.

People think that way because he IS good enough to replace multiple players. I can't see how anyone who's watched him play could argue otherwise. (assuming the "multiple players" aren't Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Lidstrom)

I agree 100%. If he needs rest, he needs to stay home instead of playing a meaningless exhibition game.

Makes me wonder if this changes the Wings' trade deadline thought process. Maybe an extra scorer now instead of a d-man? Or two, strictly rental players, one scorer and one d-man?

Which explains why he has won so many Norris trophies, right?

Like Lidstrom's turnover last night that led to a 3 on 1?