Nightfall

What did everyone think of the timeout? I thought it was pretty bush league, but maybe the Wings will have a more positive reaction after that.

Last season, they scored more but had more defensive lapses. This season, with improved defense, they aren't scoring as much. I think everyone wants to see better defense when the playoffs come around. I think this team is going to be just like any other top tier team in the NHL. They are going to have their share of good and bad games, but the top tier teams are going to have 100+ point seasons and do some damage come playoff time. Then, anything can happen.

If you are talking about the game, no. If you are talking about the LGW forum members hitting the panic button and laying blame on the lazy forwards, horrible goalie, coach, etc, that is also a no. Surprised? I'm not.

Just in 2008, they had some ugly games and losses where nothing energized them. I remember a game against Atlanta when we lost 5-1 and everyone was flat that game. The Wings are on pace for another 100 point season and defensively, they are better than last season.

I have to agree. Every team has bad games. Lets not overreact to a single loss.

Last I checked, this was a team sport. I didn't see Conklin play out of his mind tonight, thats for sure. At the same time, the team in front of him took the night off. Anyone willing to give the lazy team in front of him a pass to heap the blame on Conklin is a moron. I do have to agree that Howard has been stellar this season, and its that stellar play that has earned him accolades from his critics. If he played like last year, the results would probably be the same as last year. Conklin hasn't been able to match Howard's skill this season. I don't know if making a play for another backup goalie is the answer. Especially if the team responds like this while he is in net.

Just think of it this way, Kane had several chops at that but couldn't knock that tree down. Just shows that Kane is a pansy.

I think people need to temper their expectations a bit. The Islanders are not the worst team in the league or some punk rec league team for that matter. The parity in the NHL really is apparent by the standings. Conklin played well against Chicago, but as normal, the Wings winning or losing will depend on their desire to win the game and some puck luck. Nabokov is no slouch goalie even though he has only one 5 times this season. This is a game the Wings should win, but anyone can win a single game. I firmly believe the Wings are going to be ready to play tonight and are going to bring it against the Islanders.

I agree. They played flat in Toronto in that first period which resulted in 3 first period goals for Toronto. Then, after they tied the game, they went to sleep again on that game winning goal. I know its a long season, but I really feel that they pissed that game away. First place at not even the half way point of the season isn't really notable. I am looking for them to make the playoffs and then win the Stanley Cup. Overall, a great game by the Wings on Sunday night though.

UofM's alcohol policy in the big house would also be an issue. I think he would put it at Comerica Park before he would split the revenues as well.

Nothing official. The ratings were very good though which probably makes it happen again next year.

I do agree with you to a point. We don't know if the NHLPA was invited to get input from this plan or not. What I do know is this, there are two sides here. We cannot speculate that Bettman is totally in the wrong here. Just like we cannot speculate that the NHLPA is totally wrong for rejecting it. What we can say is that this could have went better. Both sides should have done their part, and I believe that the NHL and NHLPA are entering a contentious period. Bargaining is going to start up here in about 4 months. Both sides are getting ready for a big fight, as what happens with every professional league when billions are at stake. In short, lets not say that Bettman is lacking in diplomacy. Its like saying the Republicans lack diplomacy because they don't talk to the Democrats and vice versa. I believe that both sides are set in their ways and neither wants to budge. I really fear for another lockout for next season. I wouldn't doubt it if we saw 1-3 months lost, or maybe even the whole season.

Fixed it for you. Seriously though, I thought the new realignment was good. It would have reduced travel for teams, but I guess the NHLPA isn't interested in that. If there is anything we as fans should take away from this, it is that nothing is certain when the CBA expires. We hope the process will go smoothly. We hope that there will be a new CBA in time for training camp and the season. With this NHLPA, nothing is certain. This really was a slam dunk for the league and fans. By rejecting it, I believe the NHLPA is setting the stage for a very difficult and contentious bargaining off season.

31 points in 61 playoff games is pretty good for a 2nd/3rd line player.

I guess if Hudler isn't sucking, then no one wants to talk about it. Ah well.

Already been done by someone.

I get ESPN the magazine and I get insider for free as part of my subscription. My ESPN Magazine subscription costs me less than $10 for a year.

Hudler so far has 11 goals and 14 assists in 38 games. Not bad at all.

Patty LaBelle wasn't spectacular either.

Why are there asshats in the crowd booing the Canadian national anthem?

When the Wings are motivated to play, they can beat any team in the league. That is for sure!

It happened a long time ago. I will look it up later.

I want to note this is the second time in LGW forum history that I am agreeing with GMRwings1983.

I have to agree with Mick on this goal. He is in the right position and Howard didn't have it covered. You have to give the ref credit for being in the right position to make that call.

Babcock bitched them out after two periods of crap hockey. The wings deserved to lose tonight.