Nightfall

An interesting story, but I think I would have put "Mission Statement" or "Goals" as a header above the sign.

Multiple choice question: You are the GM for the Ducks and are looking to get maximum value for Selanne who wants to get traded to Detroit. Selanne will retire at the end of this season. Ken Holland has offered these choices. Which do you choose? 1. Emmerton, a 4th line player 2. Eaves, a 4th line player 3. Hudler, a 2nd line player in a contract year that had a poor season last season. 4. None of the above Given the option for any of these players, I would probably pass on the deal. Emmerton and Eaves are easily replaceable players. Hudler would be the best choice of the bunch, but based on the season he had last season, I don't think that will happen. If anything, the Ducks GM will be going after a big prospect. I like Selanne too, but I don't see the Ducks trading him.

I agree, but the backups to the best teams in the NHL are playing every 4 games. I would rather see Joey playing more often than just on back to back days. Keep him fresh and ready for action. Part of the problem with Conklin was the fact that he wasn't getting steady starts. If they are going to keep Joey up, then put him to work every so often.

I agree. As a goalie, I see the crap defense being played in front of him and I wonder what the heck the Wings were doing. Chicago is in the middle of an 8 game losing streak and they have really sucked, just like the Wings have sucked with Conklin. You can tell when a team is just not motivated to play or is not playing well. When Conklin is in net, its as if they don't care. I know that rubs off on Conklin's stats, but if he was lights out and doing his best, you can bet that the Wings would feel even worse. As it turns out, the team responds with Joey in net. I say keep him up with the wings and start him every 4th game. Keep him fresh. Send Conklin down to work with Pearce and McColloum (sp?). Those two young goalies need a veteran to assist and Conklin would provide that.

Yea, I know its a douchbag move. I would rather see Joey get some starts and not get rusty. I think a lot of the problem with Conklin was that he sat on the bench and played only 1 game a month. A backup needs more starts to stay fresh and in the game. For example, look at the Rangers. Henrik has started 41 games while Marty Biron has started 14. So thats about 1/4 of the games. I have no problems keeping Joey up with the Wings so long as he gets 1 start every 4 games. I say make it happen.

I was all about having Joey be the backup and waiving Conklin. At the same time, I would send Joey down to GR and keep Conklin up at the Wings. Joey will get more ice time, plus he has a two way contract which means we can bring him up and send him down without any restrictions. If you want to play a backup, then bring Joey up and scratch Conklin. I do agree with everyone here, Joey has played well the last few games. He deserves his shot.

Very much so. I think that the pundits will be pointing that out a lot, but they won't be pointing out the parity in the league at the same time. I think it all washes out in the end. Keep it rolling Wings!

As a motivator in the locker room from a coach to the team? Absolutely.... As an excuse from a fans perspective? Baseless

Speaking of Talbot.....

Yea, I used to think the same thing, but IMHO, the team that is playing a back to back can be used as a convenient excuse or reason for a win or a loss. For instance, if the Wings win tonight, it could be viewed as a game they should have won or that Philly was tired. If the Wings lose, then they were lazy or Philly was lucky. Either way, I learned a long time ago that these back to back games don't really mean crap.

In the new NHL, the stats for back to back games don't lie. Teams playing back to back games don't seem to have any better or worse chance to win the second game as they do the first. http://blackbluegold.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/vulgar-statistics-back-to-backs-nhl-scheduling-hell/ Just the fact that the Flyers played last night really wasn't going to matter tonight. These guys are so well conditioned, that it doesn't matter in the end.

And just like that, after Dats scores, the doubters that all but gave up on the 20 home win streak have their faith restored.

Where was the defense? I mean, MacDonald does need support in order for the Wings to win.

What? You mean that another GM won't take crap players for top line talent? Maybe they think that we will get the Ducks GM drunk prior to this signing.

I think that you have too lofty of expectations coming from Franzen. The best players in the world can't show up every game. Sidney Crosby is probably the only guy in the NHL that can do that and he is making 8 million a season, and even he is not an impact player every game. I know there really isn't anything that I or anyone else can say to change your mind on this though. Usually, those that are biased in one way aren't going to change the way they think, even if Franzen became a 100 point guy, then he would be bitched at for something else in your eyes. Lack of speed, poor decisions with the puck, and so on. Ah well....

Lids is in the Norris hunt again this year, and that alone is good enough reason to sign for one more year. At the same time though, if the Wings do win the cup this year, I think it will be his last. The other thing to think about is the CBA. If that doesn't get passed, I think that Nick will retire. I trust in Pavel though. I hope he does return.

I agree. I think I am just trying to squash the "Franzen can't hold a candle to Perry" argument. They are both about equal all things considered. Perry has youth while Franzen has a track record of performance.

#1 - Joey deserves the backup role. His play over the last 3 games has decided that by now. If you haven't seen that, and are still calling for a backup, I don't know what you expect out of a backup goalie, except that what you demand isn't realistic. Did Joey give our team a chance to win the last 3 games? Yes. Hell, he has only allowed 2 goals in 1 game that he played. Every other game he played he has only allowed 1. I mean, isn't that good enough? I say keep playing him. He has deserved the opportunity. #2 - Wings didn't play the best game tonight, and they still won. #3 - Playoff stats Perry - 18G, 25A, 43P in 53G Franzen - 37G, 35A, 72P in 83G I think you need to stop comparing them because Franzen is by far a much better performer in playoffs. Perry has a little better upside because he is younger, but thats about it.

The Flyers will be a tough test. Bryz has been playing well as of the last couple weeks. The Wings will need to be on their game to beat them. I still won't bet against the Wings though. I hope they get #20 on Sunday.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to choose the best goalie between Conklin and Joey. Joey has taken the spot easily. Conklin has had his chances, but has not played solid enough to take the spot. Its a no brainer choice. I have to agree. I did not disagree with any of his calls through the game. The Ducks played a solid game tonight, and Joey and the Wings played well. Joey especially. Hell, the Griffins have zero consistency. Maybe a veteran goalie would be the thing that shakes them up enough. They played a crap game tonight and lost 5-1. I am willing to put a freaking construction cone in the net if it would help light a fire under that team. Its obvious the coach isn't doing his job.

I suppose if I was dreaming, then I would make that trade and they would accept it. The bacon would seal the deal. Conklin will clear waivers easily and he will provide the Griffins with a veteran NHL goalie. After watching the 5-1 ass-whoopin at Van Andel tonight, they need the help.

I didn't know lack of hockey skills was a qualifier for that award. Who said Kenny was that close? I don't believe it personally.

Joey deserves to be our backup for the rest of the season. Thats for sure. Send down Conklin to the Griffins.

No clear break for Flip.

No penalty shot, good call. No clear break for Flip. Score Wings!