Aussie_Wing

I promise I'll try not to harp on it too much this season but I truly hate the empty net...

Well, I think he's been more impressive than that but at least you haven't noticed him for bad reasons.

Ritola sounds really impressive, anyone watching can confirm?

Article Am I wrong, or isn't the whole point of a two way contract to ensure that a play can be sent to the AHL without having to clear waivers? Article written by Ansar Khan, a really knowledgeable guy, who's in the wrong here? They'll be great additions to the Griffins that's for sure.

Been thinking about possible lines this season as the start of the season draws closer. There’s still a few questions to be asked, such as will Abdelkader start the season in Detroit given Helm’s injury? Everything points to yes, so although this line-up features him, it’s factored into when Abs is back in Grand Rapids. Ritola - Abdelkader - Williams Tardif - Oulahen - Newbury Vigilante - McGrath - Pare Axelsson - Emmerton - Mursak Ryno/Walsh When Abdelkader is absent I'd say put Cory centering that 1st line, big ask but I think he could do with a challenge like that. If he does play in Grand Rapids, expect Tatar to possibly slot in on the 3rd line with PP time. Question marks still surround Ryno and where he decides to play when he is inevitably cut from the Wings. Will he once again return home or will He at least start the season in the AHL? What’s happening with Lemieux? Delmore - Kindl Janik - Pyett Kolosov - Piche Ehrhardt Slightly concerned about that 1st pairing as it could potentially be turnover city. I really wish Lashoff was here but he’s off to the OHL again. Hopefully Pyett rebounds from a tough rookie season but the early signs with pre-season play with the Wings hasn't been great. What's the reason behind Kolosov not getting any games, is he injured or deemed not ready? Larsson McCollum Goaltending should be really, really solid. Huge faith in both these guys.

I'm still far from sold on Howard however lets give him a decent shot with our full team out in front of him. I don't think it's ever happened as whenever he's been called up the team seems to have been hit by injury.

Hmmm well okay then, lets just hope neither are claimed, Williams in particular.

And that they can be sent down to the AHL without running the risk of being claimed by another team...?

I've been saying for a while now that Abdelkader is one of our most underrated prospects. He's improved each and every season since being in our system and he has all the makings of a 25 goal, 50 point power forward. He's a terrific prospect. And I think Patrick Eaves will become a fan favourite, obviously a long way to go but I'd put a bit of money on him returning next season.

Kindl back for a third game, nice. Seems they want to get him as much ice-time during the pre-season as possible. Really interested to see Tatar in action, I hope he can impress and stick around for a bit longer. Like the second line but it would be perfect if you replaced Tatar with Draper.

I've got a really good feeling about Filppula this season. Leino with 2 assists, Abs with a goal and assist, these two are rippers! As for Jason Williams, given I've always been in the pro signing Williams camp, I'm happy with his start.

Funnily enough was coming in here to make a thread on him! Very good start to the season for Mitchell with 3 points and +3.

This presents a nice oppertunity for a few young guys. I like McGrath so it's good to see him getting a shot, perhaps a little concerning that he wasn't in the team to begin with seeing as though he's coming off a good season. Great oppertunity for Abdelkader to centre the first line. Will Ritola-McGrath-Mursak be the 3rd or 4th line? Hopefully the 3rd but chances are it's the 4th.

And people were/are worried about this season?! Those top two lines are potentiall awesome and then there's Leino-Filppula-Williams as our THIRD? Yes please!

Have the Wings ever liked a newly drafted prospect as much as this guy? Wow, he's all they're talking about right now. He's made outstanding impressions ever since being drafted and seems to have an extremely bright future. I love, LOVE Tatar's attitude, it's no wonder the Wings brass is so high on him.

Griffins as the back-up goaltender.

It's baaaaaaaaack! Wings first pre-season game tonight! Not sure if the game is being televised, if so I guess it could be added to the title. Here's what the line-up will look like: Johan Franzen-Pavel Datsyuk-Tomas Holmstrom Kris Draper-Justin Abdelkader-Patrick Eaves Mattias Ritola-Kris Newbury-Jan Mursak Johan Ryno-Cory Emmerton-Jeremy Williams Nicklas Lidstrom-Jakub Kindl Derek Meech-Brian Rafalski Jonathan Ericsson-Andy Delmore Jimmy Howard Daniel Larsson Can anyone confirm that it will be broadcast on WXYT? I'm pretty sure that it is. Really looking forward to hearing Ritola, Mursak and Kindl tonight, got high hopes for these three. Isn't it great to have Kindl paired with Lidstrom? Hopefully he takes a fair bit from these games and soaks it all up. Also good luck to Eaves who makes his pre-season debut for the Wings.

Ritola. Pleased that he had a good showing today. I like his story. Wasn't really acheiving much over in Sweden yet the Wings still took a punt and re-signed him. Ever since he's been here he's really worked hard to prove himself and to shake the lazy tag that he arrived with. I love this quote: He's got good size, a good skill level, can play on both special teams and I see him being a very well-rounded player similar to P.J. Axelsson.

Problem is so many teams come into their building and run up the score, poor Coyotes.

Easily the worst. commenatary. ever. Disgraceful.

Yes! Wings score!!! Kindl sounds really good!

Wow, this is character assassination of Delmore. Unbelievable.

Ohhh uk_redwing will be happy. Abdelkader= gun.

I have more confidence in Cloutier than I do Howard.

Not your finest moment Jakub, by the sounds of it.