Mors

Can't say I'm a Crosby fan, but this seems like a stand-up thing to do, I'll give him credit for that one

Don't remind me, that "Wings get tough in 97" video in the other thread with the previous years finals brought back enough bad memories.

Saw this yesterday in the interview with Babcock, also thought it was nice how humble he was in reference to his own involvement in the past 4 years. Only 4 wins away from another 50-win season too...

If Kopecky replaces Franzen and plays as well as Franzen has, I will absolutely admit I was wrong about him. Quote it, save it, whatever you like.

Downey seems like a genuinely respectful guy, he certainly downplays some of the ass whoopings he's given out, while owning up to the ones he's received

I'll put my posts up against your brilliant contributions anytime slick. I never stoop to calling people out or using personal insults which is rare on this forum, don't think I can say the same for you. I've made it clear that I don't like Kopecky, I didn't like him before he was injured, I don't like him now. I never thought he was what the team needed, and I never expected him to become the hard hitting player this team lacks. He's just another big body that plays like a softie. So far, I've been proven right both subjectively and statistically. You guys can keep on debating the future of Kopecky's "untapped skills" for his future role as a "Second-line Power Forward" (the title given to him by the beloved stat-master Eva, I hope for your sake he continues to improve...but I'm not going to contribute to anymore of these premature Kopecky celebration threads.

That's a great point, that you're fully aware of which teams and games I've watched this entire season, thanks for that You're doing a great job of protecting your roommate this season Marian, keep up the good work.

Well the Wings did get smoked in two of the worst losses suffered by any team in the league this season, so even if they're back on solid footing now that's going to drop them down a few notches for the two-week period...

Wow, that's a great list, I'd take just about any one of those guys over Kopecky, thanks for assembling that for future reference.

NHL officiating is the worst in professional sports.

I don't understand the Red Wings system because Kopecky hasn't done anything up until the most recent 5 or 6 games? He wasn't doing anything before he was injured either. If Kopecky isn't a grinder then he's in trouble, 'cause he's clearly not a scorer. Like I said...another premature Kopecky thread. At least let him finish out the season strong before you start with the OMG I TOLD YOU SO.

If Kopecky picks up 100 points in his next 100 games, then maybe the comparison to Franzen will be legitimate (32 points in 170 games vs. 128 points in 279 games). Kopecky isn't an "illogical whipping boy", he's not a good enough hockey player to play on the first or second lines, and he's not what's needed on the 3rd or 4th line. His hits are a joke and he got run over again yesterday. 2 weeks ago this thread would have been laughed off the forums. He picks up a few points and now he's just "coming to form". This is just another premature "I told you so" about Kopecky when he hasn't actually earned it just yet.

Wow, a lot of people in this thread up on their soapboxes accusing people with the word "bandwagon"... are you guys hunting Communists? there's nothing wrong with criticizing the Wings when they play like s***. Getting absolutely destroyed by 2 potential playoff competitors, and then barely beating one of the worst teams in the league, then giving up a 4-1 lead to Calgary? If you're not concerned by that then you have no business questioning other people's loyalty to the team. Get off your high horses and open your eyes. This team will not succeed in the playoffs with this kind of work ethic.

I don't really have anything further to add to this thread, but someone posted this video in one of the various other enforcer/fighting/toughness/boring debate threads and I still get excited watching it

Some of us started watching the Wings before they became a purely finesse team. The Red Wings of the 90s were a different team to say the least.

The Wings' played a strong physical game along with their finesse last year to win in the playoffs, if they manage that performance again this year I don't think anyone will be complaining. So far none of that has carried over into the regular season this year...

Ugh...back to playing the Oilers and potentially Calgary again. Reminds me a of a few years ago.

I didn't claim anything of the sort. Regardless Downey was not directly responsible for the goal in the clip you posted either, you proved nothing.

Until last week the same could easily be said for Kopecky, but alas he's an up-and-coming power forward now who earned his spot through various intangible contributions that are unknown to the rest of us.

According to my calculations on NHL.com, the Wings' went 43-13 with Downey in the lineup last season. I'm not attaching any other theories to that stat, just a fun fact

That is the funny thing about Downey, as much as some poeple consider him a liability, he's never actually done anything in 60 games over 2 seasons to justify this feeling about him. I can't remember one instance where a stupid play by Downey cost this team even a single goal.

Fixed.

LOL at the two known examples of Kopecky's "toughness" being brought up again. This turned into the other Kopecky thread somehow...

Lucky us. No really, I think it's great that we're so protective of our important impact players like Meech & Kopecky

Everyone seems to be forgetting that Hossa is out, Meech is still in the lineup. Downey isn't the only current callup.