RyanBarnes!

In all fairness Fetisov, Chelios and Larionov were rather awful before they finally retired.

I would like to see Zetterberg play with Weiss but this should be interesting. A little bit concerned about the lack of speed on the first line maybe.

No speed through the neutral zone. This is killing our offense.

It is time to split Datsyuk and Zetterberg. The other lines have developed no chemistry after 11 games. We cant afford to be a one line team any longer. A split also has the advantage that it gives us two lines that will be responsible in both ends. Until Helm is back use Glendening in his spot. Once Helm is back: Alfredsson/Datsyuk/Abdelkader Zetterberg/Weiss/Franzen Tatar/Helm/Bertuzzi Cleary/Andersson/Tootoo

Really?? Is that where we are at?? I dont like that because that would be a huge step towards eliminating hits. I dont think there is a dirty play and I definitely agree with Tortorella on calling the league out on that one.

It is insane that Samuelsson is still on this team.

How could he possibly, even if he was on the ice, is he supposed to shadow McLeod? Most enforcer's will send a message after hits like this because if you dont, then your stars are considered fair game by the other team. They will try and take advantage. I guess that is why Miller felt he had to fight Sarich later, because Avs were starting to take liberties.

Samuelsson, WTF Babcock??

Zetterberg played a part in bringing Alfredsson to Detroit according to Lidstrom, so yeah maybe you got a point.

Weiss has been allright. He is on pace for a 20 goal season.

He has stepped up nicely when needed. Clutch.

You are overreacting, the hit was not THAT bad, but Kronwall got caught in a awkward position, just like he said himself. Had he not been carried out it would probably be no suspension at all, but now he might get a few games.

Great pass by Abdelkader.

it is on NHL.com. Not pretty.

I hope we can get a big hit or good fight next period to gain some momentum back or this game is done.

obviously. Sure wasnt for us. So time for our enforcer. PP.

Miller got the extra crosschecking. At least Miller showed up for himself. ...and there's the momentum shift from the fight.

Read my previous posts again and you will find the answer. This is getting redundant.

Good for you, I had a feeling that's where we were headed. I didnt think I needed to, but you have said it yourself. He plays a limited role on a team that put most emphasis on skill. Doesnt mean he can or should be replaced by anybody and Eaves is not the guy in my opinion.

Please dont put words in my mouth. I have never stated that Detroit's chances of winning another cup stands or falls with a fourth liner. That is just another debate tactic by people who wants to get rid of fighting and all things physical in the game of hockey. I stated that Detroit has never won a cup without a player(s) with a different skill set, and I think you understand that I dont mean another offensive player like Karlsson. If you have truly followed the Red Wings for as long as you say, you will know that this is not BS. Again, to me Tootoo is much more than a hitting and fighting machine. He draws penalties, he will get the crowd going and add energy to the team but he will also stand up for his teammates. Look, if you do not see the value in the qualities of a guy like Tootoo (that you say you do) then we can continue this discussion forever. You will not convince me that Eaves adds more value to this club than Tootoo with the current lineup and the opposite is true for you.

I have watched this team for quite some time myself, and although I agree that management tend to put a premium on skill I also know that every cup winning team has also included someone with a different skill set from most others on the team. I'm not saying that it is out of the question that Tootoo is being shopped. Definitely not. Holland must be looking at every possibility to solve this mess and if the only way is to move Tootoo he will. On the other hand you would think that there was a reason Holland signed Tootoo in the first place. And between Eaves and Tootoo, well I think you know where I stand on that one by now. As for Babcock's faith in Tootoo I'm not sure I agree. Babcock is using the fourth line quite sparringly overall. I think Tootoo has shown he can contribute in limited minutes over the past few games.

Is Tootoo being showcased? Maybe, who knows right? ...but also remember that Tootoo just returned from injury himself and the lineup has not changed except in goal for three straight wins. Hockey is business and that is something different I'm afraid.

I think any team could benefit from what Tootoo brings. He brings more than hitting and fighting. He brings energy. There is no team in this league that is looking to ice 18 players that play exactly the same, because a team like that would not be very succesful.

I think Tootoo would do just fine in the playoffs if given the chance. He has played lots of playoff games for Nashville. Saying he is not a playoff player because Babcock scratched him most games last year is like saying Tatar is not an NHL calibre player.

And all of the above can be handled by other Red Wings players to equal or superior extent as Eaves, but there is noone else that brings what Tootoo does. Therefor Tootoo is more valuable than Eaves to the Red Wings.