haroldsnepsts

Honestly the thought of that pairing scared the crap out of me, but they have looked good so far. Kindl's first pass has improved, and Ericsson is minimizing his brainfarts. *knocking wood* Hopefully they keep it up and start playing more and more physical, because it would be a great asset for the Wings two have two young, big defenseman who can eat up minutes and punish guys around the net.

That's part of the problem in evaluating defensemen in Detroit. We get spoiled watching Lidstrom, so it seems like they shouldn't ever make mistakes. Chris Pronger got absolutely undressed a couple games ago. That doesn't mean he's not a great defenseman. It just happens to the best of them from time to time, unless you're a robot like Lidstrom.

I didn't realize Jimmy had put a tribute to McCrimmon, Salei and Liv on the back of his mask. Pretty cool.

You're probably right. Holland is generally pretty conservative about these things. At the same time, this if likely Nick Lidstrom's last season. If you're gonna make a big move, I think now's the time to go all in and take a serious run at the Cup.

The reason they send players to the quiet room for 15 minutes is to try to determine if the player has a concussion or not before allowing him to continue to play. They're still a mystery, but one thing we do know is that getting one greatly increases the chances of getting another one. Especially if you're still suffering the effects of the first one. And the point you seem to be glossing over is we're not talking about getting "dinged up," like it's a cut to the face or a broken hand or something. We're talking about a player's brain. You don't get dinged up from concussions, you get brain damage with potentially horrible and lifelong effects. You keep saying "politically correct" and act as if this is come cool new fad that's sweeping the nation. This has nothing to do with politics or even public sentiment. There hasn't been any great outcry from fans to protect players' heads, other than maybe in Pittsburgh after Crosby got hit. But it was an issue well before that. It's coming from the players and management and the league because concussions have become such an issue in the game and has affected so many players careers. If we were talking about the league requiring players to wear a full cage to minimize face and eye damage, I'd be on your side. It's a potential risk balanced with how it affects the player and ultimately I think should fall to the player's discretion. But they're trying to protect their brains, which means basically the players' lives, without adversely affecting the game. I think that's worth some growing pains as the league tries to find a balance.

Don't forget Philly and Pittsburgh. If the Wings move to the East there's going to be plenty of options for teams to hate.

Kings up 5-0 on St. Louis. Kopitar with a great lob pass to Gagne for the 5th goal. Kings are looking good. Nice to have some offensive options instead of everyone just being able to key on Kopitar.

Couldn't disagree more. I thought White had a great game last night. And Ericsson being invisible most of the time I'm okay with. If he's physical and doesn't make big mistakes, that's great. He shanked the one timer, but he also knocked two guys down at center ice that led to the Datsyuk breakaway and was still more physical around the net than last season. And in general looked poised with the puck. He still needs to be more physical, but he's making progress. Kronwall and Stuart looked like the shakiest out there last night. Stuart seemed to be flopping all over the place, and Kronwall had a few terrible turnovers, like the backhander up the middle from behind his own net I thought Kindl had a great game. Not very physical but seemed much more confident with his outlet passes. I'm not sure it will. I think Ericsson's contract was in big part because of Rafalski's surprise departure. IF Holland gets Commodore and White signed first, I don't think E gets nearly as much. But at the time Holland had major holes in his defense. Ericsson isn't a better shot blocker, but overall much better at puck movement. I'd say he's not as useful on the PK but overall more useful because of the Wings puck moving defense system.

Wow. we made it a whole 4 games before this thread popped up. So you're asking if he's worth it 4 games into a three year contract?

By Dats standards it was a bad game. His two turnovers ended up in the back of our net. The rest of the night he was fine, he just looked mortal for a change.

Suck on that Wild. I'm so sick of their snoozefest style hockey.

Mule! The PP scores on a weak call, but I'll take it. White had a great game tonight. That actually looked like it went in off Powe's skate.

They need to run that OT play where Lids charges in and Kronner follows and takes the shot. Though they need to win the faceoff to do that.

Tough call. Especially in OT.

So in OT will the Wild play 0-2-2 defense?

Now that's the Dats we know! Great pass by Z too. I thought Hudler had a slam dunk there for a second.

I'd bet there's been a game where a team didn't crack 10 SOG. And it wouldn't surprise me if it was the Wild.

Great chance by Z. And it looks like the Wings D-men are jumping in to the play more.

Abby Bert Helm line has looked good tonight.

That's why Ericsson's 100 mph slapshot isn't really relevant. He has too much trouble getting it off. He's muffed a few one timers tonight and he still has a super long windup. Falling Down?

Definitely. It's dangerous enough standing in front of the net, but even moreso when your head isn't higher than the crossbar. Edited for grammar.

Huds! Kindl is looking good tonight. Much more confident with his passing. Other games he'd panic a little and put it high and hard off the glass. But tonight he's had several smart first passes.

Abby going to the net but put himself in a terrible position to shoot.

Kings just beat the Flyers in OT.

Ian White! what a play! kicks to his stick and fires it.