RedWingsFanatic

It's tough, though, because you HAVE to take a better European player over a weaker North American player. I don't think you can take a player just because of where he is from. It's about winning.

Hey, I'm right with you, OsGod. I just thought I would post it.

Tonight's Attendance: 16,913 I believe that number is down about 900 from opening night. I know I yelled at people earlier for bringing this up, but I thought it might be interesting.

Samuelsson - 1 goal, 1 assist Zetterberg - 2 assists Lidstrom - 2 assists Shots: Detroit - 35 Edmonton - 20 Power Play: Detroit - 1 for 5 Edmonton - 0 for 4 Face-Offs: Detroit - 39 of 58 (67%) Edmonton - 19 of 58 (33%)

What a play by Zetterberg. He was a puck-handling machine tonight. 7 points in 3 games for him. He's going to have a great, great season.

The simple fact that Mickey just started humming the song that was playing in the arena is enough to make my night.

I think he got taken down, which obviously can't happen when the guy chasing him is half his size.

Dallas "not just a city in Texas" Drake has not been very visible this evening. It's funny, the loss of a player might actually result in LESS playing time for him.

When Kronwall hits somebody, he just sort of stands there stunned. Almost as if he can't believe he has the ability to do it. He needs to utilize his size much more.

Roloson has been solid tonight. Obviously much better than that bum of a goaltender, Dominik Hasek.

I can't help but cringe every time Kronwall goes into the boards at any sort of an odd angle.

Maybe it's just the fact that I watch them so often, but in these last five years or so, the Wings must be at the top of number of goals given up in the final minute of a period.

Ugh. That goal is killer. And from a Wolverine no less.

I know, I know. But there are already threads for that, no? Anyway, let's all be happy and enjoy the Red Wings.

I know, I know. But there are already threads for that, no? Anyway, let's all be happy and enjoy the Red Wings.

OK, we get it, guys. I'm starting to get really sick of all this attendance talk. Yeah, it sucks. But, please, discuss it elsewhere. The building is not half-empty, the world is not ending. Let's enjoy some hockey.

I'm actually fairly surprised that Babcock has put Datstyuk/Zetterberg/Holmstrom back together so early into the season, even with Franzen's injury. I really thought they were going to commit to rolling four lines, with D and Z split up. Can't say I'm entirely disappointed, however. As much as I don't want to wish for more opposition, Hasek needs more work than this. I'm not really sure how to fix such a problem, but it's disconcerning to see so many games in which the Wings completely out-shoot their opponent, yet the score is even. But, again, not sure what to do about this. Just an obversation more than anything. Dan Cleary looked nice in the first period.

Hey, I'm not saying he's the second-coming of Bobby Orr, but he's certainly a solid defenseman.

Yeah, not so much.

The Senators are going to be tough to beat.

Putting Downey on waivers had nothing to do with how the Wings' brass looks at him. He was placed there only because it will make it easier to send him down and call him up as the season progresses. It was something that needed to be done. They risked the possibility of losing him, but I know they were pleased that he wasn't plucked.

Well, I think it's both. Why would a Capitals/Islanders game be altered by Canadian Thanksgiving?

It's funny, even though Ellis played in a wealth of games last season, I honestly have no recollection of him. I guess that can either be looked at as a good or a bad thing. He hasn't done anything to distinguish himself, good or bad. I don't know, I think I might be inclined to go with Downey here for a bit. I mean, it can't hurt. Give him a shot and if he gets in the way, stick in Ellis. Anyway, the Oilers are a very intriguing team. It has become in fashion to look them over, and I can certainly understand that temptation, but I think they will certainly challenge for a playoff spot. They are off to a nice start and always seem to play well against the Wings, so tonight should be fun. It's nice to have Sheldon Souray in the Western Conference, as I have hardly had the opportunity to watch him play. The big thing for the Wings tonight, and moving on, will be the ability to score at even strength. Scoring on the power play is great, but not being able to score 5-on-5 is deadly. It's still very early, but they need to get going on that front.

I think that's what the first line should look like, including instances when Franzen is in the line-up. I think Flip is due for an incredible break-out season, more so than Franzen, and I think he would be best utilized playing with Datsyuk and Holmstrom. Putting Franzen on a third line with Draper and Cleary makes much more sense. I'm excited to see what Filppula/Datsyuk/Holmstrom can do tonight.

Columbus Day.