RyanBarnes!

5 years ago I said Zetterberg hands down, but since then I think Datsyuk has really added another dimension to his game. Datsyuk has become more physical and determined and has developed into one of the leagues premier take away leaders. I will now give Datsyuk the slight edge.

Nice shot Tatar...

Pre tournament games mean very little. I dont know how many games Sweden has won before WJC and during preliminary round only to get beaten when it actually matters. And FYI, Sweden will meet the winner between US-Russia, if they beat Slovakia. Canada will face the Czechs or the Finns, if they win. Which is a huge advantage for Canada should they advance.

I hope so, but Sweden usually have troubles with US. I can see Canada-US also.

Have you tried NHL Gamecenter? Should work for most countries in Europe. You will find it on nhl.com or the app store.

Great comeback win by Canada. Fun to see Mantha dominate, he obviously posesses great offensive awareness.

Not unless he learns to control those rebounds. If not, he will never be anything more than a back up.

A healthy Helm would be huge! LGW!

Trading Howard would be unwise and a safe way to take is us out of the elite team category.

Doesnt need to be every shift. Try it now and then and maybe on the PP.

I have been thinking the same thing actually. Tootoo's got decent hands, it could be worth a shot.

You firmly believe Jurco has earned a spot next to Datsyuk after a whopping 5 games?! I think not!

What an absolute joke to send Tootoo down.

I wouldnt mind Matthias. He is only 25 but already has more than 5 seasons of NHL experience. Definite upgrade over Andersson or Glendening.

Holland is not trading Howard. Get over it.

Couldn't agree more. I hate when they put a forward in that position too, because you know there will be a cough up on the blue line and the forward will not stand a chance catching up. And don't get me started on Samuelsson...

Wow, wasn't sure I'd see Tootoo up with the big club again! Good news indeed. I argued he would add more than Eaves at the time, still think so but Eaves has done very well since called up. Proves what everybody knows, Samuelsson and Cleary should get out.

I cannot believe this is just a case of bad luck. Remember this happened last season too.

the point was Smith got the balls. Most Red Wings do not. That's a problem for Kenny to deal with. There are options.

the point was Smith got the balls. Most Red Wings do not. That's a problem for Kenny to deal with. There are options.

Smith dropped the gloves with Neil which proves he got the balls. Main reason for not dropping them more often in the NHL is because he would get an earfull from his coach about being short a defenseman. Not that he is a fighter by any means, but I dont see your point. Guys that are NHL proven "tough" can be had at any time for the right price.

Evans and Grant are tough customers. Thanks for posting! I like the line of Ferraro/Sheahan/Tootoo also. I wouldnt mind seeing something like that on the Red Wings one day. A nice grindline.

Indeed, times have changed a lot since those days, but the principle remains the same. I dont think it is a coicidence that enforcers are highly regarded teammates.

Before the season began Holland addressed this issue with a wait and see approach. I dont think he liked the answers he got. Sadly they will not bring in immediate help in the shape of an enforcer, but if I remember correctly Holland worded it as that it will be a gradual change over several seasons. I feel bad for the abuse players like Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Tatar and Nyquist must endure because of this philosophy. And while it is true that an enforcer would not prevent all cheap shots, slashes etc against our skilled players, it will still do more than Shanahan or the PP will.

Andersson had a weak game. Lost too many faceoffs. Eaves is definitely an upgrade over Samuelsson, but everybody knew this.