Lamothe

We don't need Dom or Osgood. Kenny, bring back Marc Lamothe from St. Petersburg. On a serious note, Dom usually starts off slow... But I don't think I'll ever warm up to Osgood being a starter in Detroit again. I'm sorry, but goals from the red line (no matter how long ago they occured) stick in my mind. I'm sure many of you feel the same way about our defensive core in respect to PAIN TRAIN and Selanne last year. Osgood has played well and will probably, for the most part, split the season with Dom... But come playoffs, I know who I'd pick (if he's healthy).

Personally, I'd expect to see Ellis with Detroit for the first 2-3 weeks... Then probably a swap to avoid Grig's contract option back to Russia. Although I'm not positive that Ellis can be sent down? (I know Meech and Kopecky can't, but I haven't seen anything on Ellis). Also, Grig's has already mentioned that he wouldn't mind a couple weeks in GR... So I think this probably will be the most likely situation.

I hated Lilja for a long time and felt that overall his contract was a waste of Detroit's money, but regardless of the turn over to Selanne, I feel that he (as a whole) completely stepped up in the playoffs last season. He's got one year left, and if he has continued to play like he did last April, I see no reason why we would need to cut him. Unfortunately, although I think Meech deserves a shot... I would probably rather go with Sopel, thus allowing Rafalski to play with someone other than Lidstrom. I think Sopel has the skills neccessary to be more t han a 7th D man, where Meech doesn't. Yet. If Sopel makes the team, I doubt Meech will appear in many or any games with Detroit in the future.

Anyone remember Jesse Wallin? I don't think Meech is THAT bad, but I definitly think Quincy is the better choice.... Unless he has a super camp.

Great series overall. I looked at this the exact same way you guys did. If San Jose beat us, they were my team for the remainder of the playoffs. Its duck hunting time.

I think Hudler has done fantastic in the games he's appeared in. Keep the kid in.

AGREED.

Actually, I believe Valtonen is Polish. Anyway, I agree. I was looking forward to seeing him in GR.

As am I... However, he still needs time to develop. Him and Howard will hopefully stick with us and turn into something great in a few years.

Ahh, very nice. I like this idea. Also, I wouldn't mind Bombardir or Leschyshyn. Both are decent defensive defensemen. However, if one of them was signed... Well, what with Woolley? Keep him or let him go? I see Bombardir and Leschyshyn as defensive defenseman, where Woolley has a little more offense in him. Sign one of them and get another cheap contract with Woolley and we may have a decent third line. The only problem with that is that Chelios is now on the third line... Hmm...