Dabura

I think the thing I like about Konopka is, simply, that he's a center. He'd be an upgrade over Emmerton or Abdelkader, IMO. Unless I'm way off in my assessment of him.

I'm not so keen on Penner myself, but...6'4, doesn't adequately utilize his frame, underachiever - though was once a force...the prototypical Detroit Red Wings power-forward. Point being, I can see Holland signing him. (To be fair, it's hard to argue with his size. And he does have good hands. And he's having a pretty good run right now.) I'm not sure why I listed Konopka. Brain fart on my part, honest. So - Parise Penner Prust Wideman I don't see us signing both Parise and Suter. I don't know why so many of us are treating it like a done deal. No GM who isn't named Ken Holland wants to see the Wings pick up this summer's two marquee men. The Universe will not allow it, IMHO.

Parise Penner Prust Konopka Wideman Do-able, $$$-wise? (Too lazy to do the math myself. Apologies.)

Help! I fell through a wormhole and now I'm stuck in some alternative universe wherein everyone is cool with Gary Bettman!

Well, so much for trade speculation.

Crymson is laughing uproariously, guys.

I predict... - Stuart will walk - Nick will return - Quincey will be retained - Smith will be our seventh defenseman - We'll get Suter or Wideman

Is everyone here afraid of being fined?

Thinking the same thing.

Agree with so much said in this thread. - Rinne's good, not great. He's being exposed - Wings made him look great; we're being exposed - Throw a wrench in the Wings' system and they fall apart. We're not especially physical, not especially fast. We're not good enough on the back end to play true shutdown, lockdown D. Our top 6 isn't dangerous enough to ever win a game for us on offense alone. Howard can't be counted on to steal games for us. We're skilled with the puck. That's it, really.

Second intermission. Second half of the second period was great.

Holy shiiiit, great action!

I wasn't referring to our roster. If I was, it's a roster with the likes of Suter, Prust, and Lucic.

Drake, We clearly need Parise and Suter. I don't think anyone here would disagree. The thing is, Ken Holland might. This team has needed to get bigger and tougher for the better part of a decade - and even now, Holland is giving no indication that he even believes it's an issue, let alone something he must address. Do I think Holland will make a hard push for Parise and for Suter? Yes. Do I think he'll push as hard as he possibly can (i.e. sign them both)? I'm not entirely confident he will.

Re: Lucic - Would be a fantastic addition. Don't see it happening, though. Penner, on the other hand - I could see it happening, but I'm not so keen on the idea. Robert Lang, Johan Franzen...Dustin Penner.

Lame. IMHO.

To be a key part of a killer roster that looks poised to win the Cup in 2013? Mind you, I don't think he'll end up settling for 6.5. But, well, you asked why he might do it.

No, he'd better deliver.

The way the Kings are playing definitely has me feeling better about our exit. Two reasons: 1) These Kings would've owned us. 2) I really like this Kings team and feel they deserve to win it. Moreover, should they win it, it'd prove there is indeed some justice in this league. The Kings are doing this thing the right way. They're playing hard every night, they're overcoming their weaknesses (e.g. problems scoring), and they're playing to their strengths without looking like a one-trick pony. They're hungry, and they play an aggressive game - but they're disciplined. They're playing solid hockey, keeping it simple. And they're an eighth seed! What's not to like (aside from them not being the Wings)?

Sure you can. But we don't even need to get into that. Franzen's getting paid good money. He's got long-term job security. He plays on a line with Pavel Datsyuk. By his own admission, he doesn't care much for the regular season, preferring to save the goods for the playoffs. The Preds beat us in five games. Franzen scored all of one goal, and it was flukey. He was essentially a no-show - and I'm not just talking about his point production. Worst of all, he wasn't having fun. (The poor, poor guy.) Is he the reason the Wings lost? No, it was a "team effort." Is he the only lazy guy on the roster? No. Is he the only one who disappeared against the Preds? No. Is his disappearing act completely disappointing and unacceptable? Yes. Cleary was a bigger force for us against the Preds, and he was playing on one leg. Cleary elevates his game in the postseason. It's not magic, it's not rocket science, it's nothing any pro hockey player can't do. Cleary gives it his all. He plays with serious heart (and balls of steel). The competition is tougher in the playoffs, so he works harder, invests himself more deeply, more thoroughly. He's totally committed, totally engaged. Franzen? Not so much! Which is a genuine shame, and absolutely worth bitching about. Why? Bottom line: he has incredible potential. In this, he is, ironically, not unlike young Dan Cleary.

It's just silly on so many levels. Read between the lines - this isn't about "team rules."

The Kings are going to win the Cup.

But it's ok to ram an opposing player's face into the glass.

(I kid. Hope he has a good one. :beerbuddy: )

Oh, hey, a whole day of people telling Nick he's a year older (42, to be exact). Thanks a lot, Universe.