Dabura

Sort of the same idea wih Tootoo/Samuelsson. Tootoo's given us some real good shifts, a lot of energy. We swap him out for a sixty-year-old - because, zomg, our second power play unit will crumble without him! - and we all play like it's our fifteenth game in seven days, i.e. like a team of sixty-year-olds. And we only get one power play. I really like Babs - but I do think he's a bit overrated. People act like he can do absolutely no wrong. Here he had something already done the right way - a winning team - and he had to go and change it. I can understand putting Smith in, but beyond that, we did beat the Avs with Gusty in net and Sammy in the press box. And, I mean, if you're gonna mess with a winning formula, why not put Nyquist and Tatar in? Yes, I'm really ticked off about the loss. Granted, it was mostly on the players (who mostly sucked), but still.

Disagree. We're a very good team - when we want to be.

Quincey's penalty destroyed all of our momentum. It had been one of the best starts I've ever seen from the Wings. But you're right - another shameful performance against a team that really, really has us figured out. ******* get Nyquist and Tatar in. We need their hunger and wheels.

I've been wondering if that wouldn't work.

Actually, we're technically in first in the division, the Leafs being in second.

On the bright side: the Leafs lost tonight, so we're still tied with them for first in the Atlantic, I believe. Almqvist.

How frustrated do you think Tatar is? Scale of 1-10.

More negativity, because I'm on a roll: this blue line is not winning a Cup. And that's including Kronwall. And hey, remember Nyquist?

I'm not sure why anyone would be surprised about bad officiating in this game. It's the Coyotes, Gary Bettman's baby, and we're the Red Wings. And a mere two games means it's way easy to - zomg! - sweep the "season series." Hockey in Glendale: it works! Hurray! Conspiracy theory? Maybe. But don't act like you weren't thinking it.

Like I said earlier today - theatrics. An integral part of his game.

The worst part is we look like a team that needs a shot in the arm, badly. Who's gonna give you that, Tootoo or Samuelsson?

We deserve to lose this game.

Or delay of game.

- Weak period. Lucky to be up by one - We look absolutely gassed, not sure why - Need more sustained pressure. Need to stop playing on our heels, being so passive - Smith was giving his team a timeout. Bulls***

- Incredible start - but Quincey's stupid penalty killed all of our momentum - Stop taking stupid penalties - We have had some absolutely phenomenal goaltending in this young season - We've also had a whole lot of luck, mostly re: pucks somehow not finding their way into our net - I had a dirty dream about Shannon Hogan earlier. Hurray for naps

Re: Sammy being in, I'm assuming Kindl is getting promoted to the first PP unit, leaving a hole on the second unit.

So he could be back as early as Monday? Awesome.

Pens win. I hate them. Whoa, Z is third in scoring. He trails Steen and Crosby. Crosby has 17 points. That is absolutely ridiculous.

Speaking of overrated goalies (and I totally agree about Smith. And then there's his theatrics)...is it me, or is Luongo...really not very elite?

Unfortunately, yes. I'll root for anyone before I root for the Pens.

Pens are down 3-2 in the third period. If they lose in regulation, they drop to 6-2-0, same as us. Damn. It. Pens come right back.

Agreed. This is on the hitter, not the one being hit - even if he did put himself in a bad spot. Mcleod HAS to let up, and he didn't. I'm sticking with my prediction: six games.

Wait, Alfie's on the second line? EDIT: Ah. Isn't the rule something like, "If you call it a concussion, it's at least a week"? Hence the coy-ish "mild concussion" - and maybe the "I feel great" - stuff, maybe?

Happy birthday, ET! I like how this is now a birthday thread.

Great to hear! Made my day.