Lamothe

Chara

Amen to that, seriously.

First through eighth row on the second level I've always enjoyed, either directly above the benches or the penalty boxes. Worst seat is if you end up sitting next to a guy that takes up his seat and most of yours, which has happened to me once before. Aside from that, I've never had a bad experience anywhere in the Joe.

Hopefully he finds himself a deal somewhere. Seemed like a nice guy from what I've heard.

So, I don't know how many of you visit espn's website on a regular basis, but in their NHL section every SINGLE one of the polls over the past 3 months has been some bulls*** about Crosby. Oh, or sometimes Ovechkin. Or my favorite, both. For instance, lets look at todays: What would be better for the NHL? [ ] Sydney Crosby winning back to back titles. [ ] Alex Ovechkin evening the title count at one. I don't mean to sound biased, but it really gets to me when every other NHL website I go to has some crap about these two. Don't get me wrong, they're amazing players and I did vote for them in the running "Top 20 players in the NHL" thread, but am I the only one who thinks that we need a little variety here? And how would either player winning a title be in any way "better" for the NHL than some other franchise with some other star player? A more appropriate question could've been, "Will Phil Kessel propel the Toronto Maple Leafs to the playoffs this year?" or "Will Heatley's pressence on the Sharks finally enable them to reach a Stanley Cup Final?" I'm not a 'poll generating author' for ESPN, but my God... My entire summer was filled with this crap. Anyway, just something that annoyed me that I decided to share.

A-FRICKIN-GREED

This was quite surprising. If an NHL deal is offered and deal = 1 year at league min, then I = Happy.

I'd include Borque on Boston as well. Rest looks pretty good.

I usually use TSN and ESPN to read articles or whatever in my spare time... But God, I've lost it with ESPN. I'm on that bandwagon, for sure.

But also remember Hasek or Joseph were injured at different times throughout the entire season. Also, Joseph spent a little time in Grand Rapids. Additionally, this happened prior to the cap I believe. Hasek retired in 02', came back the year after... Jospeh filled his shoes till 04'. CBA wasn't agreed upon until 05'. They of course can carry 3 goalies, if money were to permit... But we don't have the cap space.

HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAH

Kovalchuck I would vote for Chara, because the list is lacking defensemen... But I can't justify saying that Kovalchuck isn't in the top 11 or 12 or so.

Awesome guys, thanks for the site.

So I wanted to see what everyone thought about what our defense will look like next year. So first, let us take a loot at what we have this year: Player Lidstrom 2010 UFA Rafalski 2012 UFA Kronwall 2012 UFA Stuart 2012 UFA Ericsson 2011 UFA Lilja 2010 UFA Lebda 2010 UFA Meech 2010 RFA Kindl 2013 RFA Pyett 2011 RFA Kolosov 2010 RFA *NOTE: I did not include Delmore or Janik, as I'd assume they won't be resigned next year. Now, I'd also assume that Lidstrom will resign for at least one more year. It is possible he may sign for 2 or 3 even, but I'd guess that most of you would agree he'll probably be back for at the very least one more season. So, given Lilja's injury, Lebda's play, and Meech's utility but somewhat uselessness to be more than a 7th D man... Plus the fact that Kindl is up and coming, what do you guys think will happen next offseason? Will we let Lilja, Lebda, and Meech go, then sign a Free Agent to fill the void, or will Kindl take the #6 spot and we'll resign Meech, Lebda, Lilja, or some other 7th D man from the league during the off season? Or will some other course of action take place? My guess: Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart Ericsson - Kindl Meech Ericsson and Kindl could be moved around to provide a "Youngin / Vet" mix, if desired. But I don't think that looks half bad. Thoughts?

I like that as well. Provides solid depth across the board.

Just as a side note... I disliked the idea of acquiring Stuart when we did, but I'll be honest in saying he proved me wrong. I for one like him here, and wouldn't want to trade him. I think he and Kronner form a great 2nd pairing. It's throwing Ericsson in the mix that gets everyone "excited."

ROFL

I thought Parker "refused" an assignment to Hersey from the Avs...? I was unaware he was hurt. And I agree on your comment of Downey.

Only if he is played over Maltby / Draper / Eaves. Holland and Babs said they won't use Abby unless he's playing, so he won't fill the 13th spot on the Wings at any point. They don't want to stop his development.

When does his no trade clause expire? I wasn't sure which year he was eligible to be traded.

I'm all for that. More Griffins games for me if that happens. For the record, Downey isn't THAT bad of a player. He serves a role... Just a small one. Also as a side note, I think he and Scott Parker are the only two goons of the past few years to win a cup and then have an elephant s*** all over their careers. I'm sure that counts for something.

Someone may start here until Helm is back in two weeks. Holmstrom Datsyuk Franzen Cleary Zetterberg Bertuzzi Leino Filppula Williams Maltby Draper Eaves Newbury (Helm - out with shoulder injury)

I'd agree with you to a point. I think when Stevens, Neidermayer, and Rafalski were on the team, Brodeur was also in his prime and playing fantastic. Yes, those defensemen helped... But Brodeur was also playing great. Both of those two factors worked together in years past to take New Jersey to the finals. But... Years of playing 60-75 games a year, then trying to carry a team in the playoffs has really gotten to him. Is Bordeur one of the best goalies to ever be in the NHL? Yes. But the clock is ticking, and I think he's past his prime now.

My guess is it'll be Newbury or Williams, though I'd love to see Tardif up there. I think Newbury has a slight advantage over Williams because his checking and defensive game is better, and William's sick shot but lacking defensive skills don't exactly fit on a 4th line made up of defensive forwards and checkers. Newbury, overall, might be a bit more suitable for the 4th line until Helm returns. Williams could provide an offensive edge, but I'd be a little leary of putting him in with Drapes, Maltby or Eaves. I just think Newbury would fit better.

What do you mean by part ways? Pearce has a contract with the Wings until 2011. He'll end up in Toledo, I believe.