RyanBarnes!

Don't worry about it matt198913, the same people are going to continue to ***** about Smith, because he was a first round pick that hasn't matured quite as fast as we all thought he would. Never mind that he has taken huge strides within the last year. We should just be thankful that Holland isn't as short sighted as some fans, and Smith isn't going anywhere (unless it's in a package for a significant upgrade)... I don't expect him to ever become a top pairing defenseman, but he still has the potential (hell, I think he is right now) a very solid 2nd pairing guy, that should get more power-play time...
Another great game by Smitty and a great shot from his right side.
I really hope Holland can insert a couple righties into the lineup over the next 6 months, whether it be through trade (without Smith going the other way... and obviously Kronwall and DeKeyser aren't going anywhere), or free agency (Franson), or promotion from Grand Rapids...

How typical for management to just mess something up totally. Under 23 NA team and an All Star Euro team?! Who cares?? I do like the idea of making the event a series of games though. Seeing Sweden take on Finland or the US take on Canada for a best of three etc sounds great. It should be the same format throughout the playoffs though, and not change from the quarterfinals, the semis and finals.

WC is still lightyears ahead of the All Star Game but it should only be one outdoor game a year.

WC is still lightyears ahead of the All Star Game but it should only be one outdoor game a year.

Yes I did, it appears Babcock needs to have a player in the doghouse at all time to make a point to the rest of the team. I think Weiss' play of late should earn him more ice time, I hope he can suck it up for a while longer. Jurco is a better fit for the fourth line. Weiss and Sheahan should split second line center duties imo. That is where he is needed.

You cannot get rid of all veterans. Someone has to teach the kids how it works.

I watched the game last night and to be honest Mantha wasn't near as dominant as he was in the first few games I watched. He still had a few chances but not a great game overall for him. It's just taking him a little while to adjust like it does almost every player making the jump from junior to pro. Pulkkinen is by far the most ready top 6 forward down there right now and he should get the call before Mantha for sure. He has been playing unbelievable hockey down there for over a year now and seems to be getting better every single game. Athanasiou is also playing great right now, the kid spews confidence, and the things he can do out there really make you take notice. I've heard Bob Kaser say numerous times, the same thing Ken and Mick say about Datsyuk, "he is worth the price of admission every night". He has Helm type speed, with much much better hands. I'm as high on Andreas as any prospect on our system.

I think Weiss still had plenty of supporters around here.

Yes, Jurco has done well on the fourth line. Love that he is not the type of player that will disappear on a checking line, like for example Hudler. That versatility will be an asset to both him and the team.

Maybe so, but still, no reason not to give them another chance. It is like a hot goalie, you ride him till the streak ends. Jurco did fine on the fourth line.

It would be dumb to break up the Helm, Datsyuk and Weiss line after their performance vs the Flyers the other night.

I think rolling three lines gives the team some much needed depth. I dont view Sheahan, Tatar and Jurco as a legitimate NHL second line, more like a third. I also dont think Jurco belongs in a top six role in the NHL yet. On the other hand I dont think he needs to play top six to develop at NHL level.

It would be dumb to break up the Helm, Datsyuk and Weiss line after their performance vs the Flyers the other night.

But you'd have to be crazy to think that a Jurco 4th won't score way more than an Andersson 4th. Right?
I agree with joeseffP. Jurco needs to get back to skating and banging, two things he excelled at last year. Keeping him on the 4th line with two hardworking grinders is an interseing way to do this. Let him not worry about scoring and get him physicaly engaged. I bet it does wonders for his hands and his overall confidence.
I know you want him playing big minutes in GRs but, IMO, this team needs Jurco in the line-up now, whether it's on the first line of the 4th. Not in GRs.

It would be dumb to break up the Helm, Datsyuk and Weiss line after their performance vs the Flyers the other night.

Samuelsson got more chances and so should Weiss. But it is not looking too good right now.

Except no ones predictions have been wrong or right....ITS OCTOBER.And since it's clear you don't pay attention. When people were complain when we were 1-1-1 I said the same exact thing then. ITS OCTOBER.

I would like to see Babcock take over Holland's position as GM in Detroit and Blashill be the coach some day.

I like the new defense pairings. More ice time for Smith, who has outplayed Ericsson thus far plus Ericsson will be a steady partner to Kindl. Quincey probably had his best game as a Red Wing yesterday, he was terrific in his own end and even joined the rush a few times.

I like the new defense pairings. More ice time for Smith, who has outplayed Ericsson thus far plus Ericsson will be a steady partner to Kindl. Quincey probably had his best game as a Red Wing yesterday, he was terrific in his own end and even joined the rush a few times.

I like the new defense pairings. More ice time for Smith, who has outplayed Ericsson thus far plus Ericsson will be a steady partner to Kindl. Quincey probably had his best game as a Red Wing yesterday, he was terrific in his own end and even joined the rush a few times.

Kyle Quincey is playing terrific. Kindl isn't, but hey can't expect too many miracles.

Quincey has already made a couple sweet defensive plays.

Keeping the streak alive and hopefully watching Mantha debut is enough for me. Tank job? No thanks!

Keeping the streak alive and hopefully watching Mantha debut is enough for me. Tank job? No thanks!