DSM

As much as I like Chelios, I'd have to agree with you on he Lilja's status for next season. Meech looked damn good towards the end of the season and I think Quincey could be a good dman. Keeping Lilja and Chelios just hinders their chances at developing in the Red Wings system. I'm going to have to disagree with you about Downey and McCarty. On a scale from 1 to 10 Downey's hockey ability ranks at a 1 for sure. McCarty's is MAYBE a 3. In terms of his game, Downey had arguably his best season this year. He wasn't on the team to "contribute in terms of hockey". He only played 2-3 minutes a night and provided energy. He hit everything that moved, but played very disciplined at the same time. In fact a good portion of his PIM's were from fighting majors. McCarty on the other hand looked slow and at times lost, and took stupid lazy obstruction penalties especially in the Dallas series. Holland has already stated he wants an enforcer on the team next year expecting liberties to be taken on the cup champs. My vote goes to Downey.

I'll try and follow what Holland has stated he wishes to see the team as next season (13 forwards, 8dmen, 2 goalies) On forward:10 Regulars returning, 1 returning RFA, 1 still waiver exempt, 4 UFA's, 1-2 Possible open spots. Holland has stated that he wants 8 defensemen on the roster for next season, meaning that he will run 13 forwards. 11 spots are accounted for by 10 contracted players and an RFA that has a 99.999% chance of re-signing. That leaves 2 spots open at forward. Holland has stated that he will issue McCarty a 2-way deal, and obviously because of waiver status the 12th/13th spot will be his to lose. There is also room if Drake decides to return. If he doesn't, we have room to possibly bring back Downey or sign a UFA. If Holland does go the UFA route, don't expect any real big names, or big long term contracts. Think either a 2nd/3rd line player that will make between $2-3mill for 1-2 years,or a good 3rd/4th liner making between $800k-1.5mil four a year. We'll need some needed cap space for the 5mil+ raise due to Zetterberg, and the earned raises due to Filppula, Franzen and Hudler. We can make this like those book where you choose what to do. Ultimately a lot could hinge on Drakes decision. Scenario 1: Drake resigns. That gives us twelve returning forwards and an all out battle for the 13th spot between McCarty, Helm, Leino, and/or some TC try outs. No big UFA signings. Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom Franzen-Filppula-Samuelsson Cleary-Draper-Hudler Maltby-Kopecky-Drake McCarty/Helm/Leino Scenario 2: Drake retires. That gives us 1-2 spots open up front. One which we could definately use on a UFA 2nd-4th line winger, to resign Downey, or do nothing and give it to Helm. The other spot will be McCarty's to lose if he so chooses. On Defense:6 Returning, 3UFA's 1 possible open spot. As I said before, Holland wants 8 dmen on the team. Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Lebda and Meech are all slated to return. Chelios will also be added to that list soon, and Quincey can be added to the list as well as they won't lose him on waivers. That makes 7 defensemen, the same number we had last season. However, that still leaves out Stuart and Lilja. In my opinion, I think only 1 will be resigned. However, NEITHER could be resigned, in which case a UFA 2nd pairing dman that will cost somewhere between $2-3mil will most likely be brought in, they could run with the 7 they have, or keep Ericsson up which would be a popular choice on here. He will most likely spend 1 more year in GR unless he blows everyone out of the water at camp. Having 8 defenseman won't necessarily be bad, it will allow us to use one of them as a forward in a pinch if need be. Here's the scenarios. Scenario 1: Lilja AND Stuart resign Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart Lilja/Lebda/Chelios/Meech/Quincey Uh oh spaghetti-o's, that makes 9 dmen meaning 1 of either Meech, Lebda or Quincey will need to be traded or waived. Scenario 2:ONLY Lilja OR Stuart Resigns Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Lilja OR Stuart Lebda-Chelios Meech/Quincey Scenario 3:Neither re-sign Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Ericsson/UFA Chelios-Lebda Quincey/Meech In goal: 1 returning, 1 retiring, 1 waiver exempt This may be an area where the wings have a decision to make. They likely plan on Osgood playing the 50/60 game plateau, meaning they need a backup that can play somewhere around 20/30 games. Howard is an option but he hasn't exactly proven himself to be a solid NHL goalie yet, on top of still having 1 year left in GR. Holland will have to decide if he wants Howard to compete for the job at camp, or if he wants to bring in a UFA. He'll have to decide soon, as the UFA talent pool isn't exactly rich with goalies. If a UFA is brought in, it will most likely be a 1 year rental, as they will likely have to keep Howard up in 09/10. One thing to remember is that Holland/Babcock arent expecting Osgood to shoulder a Kiprusoff/Nabokov type load, nor do they want him to. Scenario 1: Howard gets backup job. Osgood Howard Im sure they will also invite some has-been that hasn't been singed yet like Jocelyn Thibault to scare Howards into being a consistent goaltender. Scenario 2: UFA backup. Howard will go back to GR and Detroit will most likely court UFA goalies like Olaf Kolzig, Ty Conklin, Patrick Lalime, Johan Holmqvist, Wade Dubielewicz and Alex Auld, all of whom would likely be able to carry the Wings small but equally important backup load for not a huge price.

2 things: -No way Howard and Ericsson make $1mil when they haven't even earned solid spots on the roster yet. Think somewhere around $650K -Paying Lilja a #5/6/7 Dman more than $900K a season is flushing money down the toilet. He rejected an offer of $1mil a year so its time to let him go.

Well, since everyones throwing around teams needing goalies why don't we just look at EVERY team. Teams that are ready for next season in goal (at this point): Anaheim, Boston, Columbus, Edmonton, Florida, Minnesota, Montreal, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Jose and St. Louis Teams that need MAY need a Starting Goalie: Colorado, Los Angeles, Nashville, Washington Possible UFA options:Jose Theodore, Dan Ellis, Cristobal Huet, Olaf Kolzig, Emery could possiby fit one of these spots Teams that could POSSIBLY use a backup goalie that would start 15 or more games: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit*, Los Angeles, Nashville, NYI, Ottawa, Tampa Bay and Toronto UFA options: Patrick Lalime, Ty Conklin, Johan Hedberg, Johan Holmqvist, JS Aubin, Wade Dubielewicz, Emery would also fit nicely into this group *I say Detroit only if after camp they don't think Howard is ready. Teams that would require a bench warming <10 start goalie: Buffalo, Calgary, Chicago, NYR, Vancouver This UFA list would be made up of names like Curtis Sanford, Scott Clemmensen, Jocelyn Thibault, John Grahames, etc etc. I think Emery could do better than this. Who knows tho.

Actually no, next year we'll have 13 forwards and 8 d-men. 12 of the 13 forward spots are claimed NOT INCLUDING Drake, McCarty, or Helm and they have offered McCarty a contract meaning he will most likely be #13. Downey hit waivers those couple of times last season because either we had no one to send down to GR or no one on IR incase we needed to call up Howard for a game or 2. I think Downey really rejuvenated his career this past year after spending a good chunk in the AHL last season. Obviously not in the numbers category, but he played the most games hes ever played in a season. Unfortunately, that probably means he'll have a good opportunity somewhere else. On to the main issue: In my eyes, if they are training Quincey to fight then Lilja goes. Lilja rejected a $1mil a year deal earlier, and I think it would be absurd to pay a Dman thats always on the 6/7 bubble more than $750K max. On another note, it will allow Detroit to use Quincey/Meech/Lebda as 4th line a 4th line forward if need be. Lidstrom - Rafalski Kronwall - Stuart/Other UFA top 4 dman Lebda/Meech/Chelios/Quincey - Lebda/Meech/Chelios/Quincey And like I've said before, Ericsson won't be playing with the Wings next year unless he somehow becomes the second coming of Lidstrom at camp. With 1 more year left before waivers, they will gladly allow him to be top dog in GR.

It won't be with the wings, but I'm sure we'll still be seeing him in the NHL. His best bet would probably be to sign with a team that isn't in the spotlight much. Somewhere like Tampa Bay or Phoenix.

Umm... that's still 3 goalies. And Hasek and Osgood were both healthy at the beggining of the year. They kept MacDonald up to back up Osgood rather than have Hasek possibly come into a game cold and get injured. He backed up Osgood on back to back nights and every other odd Osgood start. I however didn't think he was horrible, he seemed pretty good but got hung out to dry most games he played for us. On to Joseph: In my opinion, I don't see the Wings going after any particular goalies. Howard has looked pretty good and it seems the backup job is his to lose. I'll bet we'll bring a couple of bottom barrel backups to camp to see if he needs 1 more year in GR.

Once you factor in Goaltenders, you will have 26 players on that roster......

My top priority would be resigning Downey, but thats cuz the guy is my hero and I will miss him deeply if he doesn't return. I'm just going to elaborate on everyone who was on the roster during the playoffs, including black aces. Returning Main roster Forwards: 1.Zetterberg 2.Datsyuk 3.Holmstrom 4.Samuelsson 5.Franzen 6.Draper 7.Hudler 8.Filppula-Even tho he is an RFA, you'd be crazy to doubt he would be returning 9.Maltby 10.Kopecky 11.Cleary Forwards returning who are still exempt from waivers: 1.Helm - Impressive in the playoffs, but could still go back to GR to further improve or create main roster space 2.Abdelkader - 99.9% chance of starting in GR next year and will most likely tear it up 3.Ritola - GR UFA's 1.Drake - Popular belief is that he will retire 2.McCarty - Obviously still has it in him and is popular with the fans, would most likely return as a #12/13 forward 3.Downey - Could also be retained, would still fit his #13/14 spot very well and would still be a good fit with the team 4.Hartigan - 06/07's Josh Langfeld for 07/08. Is most likely the first odd man out. Other: 1.Leino - Will be a complete suprise whatever he turns out to be. I haven't heard anything that has really sold me on him yet. With our returning 11 forwards it seems we will have 2-3 spots open to either re-sign 1-2 of our UFA forward, sign an outside AFA or 2, or allow some youngsters to compete for them. ======================================================== Defense Returning Dmen 1.Lidstrom 2.Rafalski 3.Kronwall 4.Lebda 5.Meech Returning that are waiver exempt 1.Ericsson - Won't make the team unless he has an absolutely phenomenal camp and preseason, but won't be any room anyway. He'll be in GR for 1 more year 2.Kindl - Struggled in GR, so that is where he will most likely stay. Returning D that will need to clear waivers: 1.Quincey - Will be in the same boat that Meech was in this past season. I've already read somewhere that he will be on the team next year. UFA's: 1.Stuart - Could still be up in the air at this point. I still remember reading that he wanted to keep his family in California. I really don't know where this one will go. 2.Lilja - Rejected a 2 year offer earlier in the season. My thinking is that he hasn't been happy the last couple of seasons not having a regular spot (having to alternate with Lebda early on in 06/07, and losing his spot to Lebda for a while in the playoffs). I'm betting he wants to test the market for a team that can offer him a more secure spot. 3.Chelios - Has expressed a desire to return, and Holland will most likely oblige. Counting Chelios and Quincey, we have 7 Dmen for next year. If both Stuart and Lilja re-sign, we'll have 9 meaning 1 or 2 will be moved somehow. In my opinion Quincey will be a cheaper replacement for Lilja. It's possible we could rollout 13 forwards and 8 defensemen, but seeing how our #7 guy from this past season only played 32, it would probably be a waste of a roster spot to have 8. ========================================== Goalie Returning 1.Osgood Returning that are waiver exempt... I think: 1.Howard - will backup Osgood if Hasek does not return, if not he spends 1 more year in GR UFA's 1.Hasek - May retire, however if he returns he is Osgoods backup =========================================================== In conclusion, it seems the only place players may be added is up front, we seem to be set on D and in net. Other: 1.Larsson - I read somewhere on here that someone was expecting him to play as Osgoods backup. You are completely wrong, he has a long road ahead of him.

Also, Meech doesn't really count for the rookie d-man question... Technically since he has played more than 25 games, this past season was his rookie year. The only answers that would really fit the question would be Quincey, Ericsson or maybe Kindl.

1. Will Lidstrom finish next season as a Norris Nominee? -Yes. 2. He finished the season with 27 goals, despite spending much of the season in the bottom 6. With a regular top six role, can Franzen score 40 goals? -No. My optimistic guess would be low 30's. 3. Will the Wings have a 100 point man? a 50 goal man? If yes, who? -No. With as much talent as Detroit has no one really needs to get 100pts or 50 goals. However, If anyone did it would obviously be Datsyuk or Zetterberg. 4. Will a rookie defenseman find himself with a regular roster spot? If yes, who? -Yes and No. Quincey can't pass through waivers anymore and will be in the same boat that Meech was in this past season. Most of you are hoping for Ericsson, but unless he has an absolutely spectacular camp and preseason he will spend 1 more year in GR. I also predict 1 or both of either Lilja or Stuart won't be back, unfortunately. 5. Will Howard back-up Ozzie with a winning record and a good statistical showing? -If Hasek retires, Howard will undoubtedly be backup. Yes he will have a winning record with decent numbers. 6. Out of Filppula, Samuelsson, and Hudler, who tallies the most points? Most goals? -Hudler gets the most points. Filppula gets the most goals. 7. Which Darren makes the top 13 forwards - McCarty, Helm or Both? -McCarty. I have a feeling management would like to see if Helm can develop even further with lots more minutes on the farm. 8. Does Kopecky score either of 10 goals or 20 points? -1 or the other. I also predict he will change many people's opinion of him in a positive way next year. 9. His playoff scoring rate would equate to 54 points on a regular season. Can Niklas Kronwall break 50 points next regular season? -No. 10. Predict the number of Red Wing wins for next season, and their number of wins against Chicago ( ). -49 or more, 5 against Chicago.

To be honest I don't remember much of him. A good chunk of the core of our 97 and 98 cup didn't leave until before the '02 cup. Aaron Ward couldn't take Bowman anymore and demanded a trade, Chris Osgood got replaced by Hasek, Slava Kozlov got traded for Hasek, Martin Lapointe left to be overpaid by Boston, and Larry Murphy and Doug Brown weren't resigned and ultimately retired.

Mironov didn't even end at #6. He was either babysitting Dandenault, Knuble, Ward, Maracle and all the other black aces in the pressbox or icing Gilchrists nasty groin injury after the first couple rounds of the playoffs. He lost his spot to Macoun.

At the moment we have around 30 guys on the team. That said, Holland's big worry won't be about making any big moves, rather it will be who goes. Obviously, some of those guys go back down to the minors. However, I wouldn't count out a possible big free agent signing. We still have that cap room we saved for the deadline, and obviously the cap will be going up. Of course, some of that will be filled by some players that are getting well deserved raises.... (Osgood, Cleary etc.)

After the '97 Cup: Subtractions: -Tim Taylor and Tomas Sandstrom left as UFA's -Mike Vernon traded to SJ Additions: -Brent Gilchrist (UFA) Mike Vernon was traded to make Osgood the no. 1. Taylor played half the season and only saw 2 playoff games and ended up going to Boston. Sandstrom was nothing spectacular and ended up signing with Anaheim for a year before going back to Sweden. Brent Gilchrist was to be a 2nd/3rd line forward but most of the 4/5 seasons he spent in Detroit he was injured. He only played 5 games in 98/99. after the '98 Cup: Subtractions: -Dmitri Mironov and Bob Rouse left as UFA's -Fetisov retired -Mike Knuble got traded to the Rangers Additions -Uwe Krupp (UFA)(a horrible failure) Mironov was supposed to be good 1st/2nd pairing defensemen but ultimately lost his job to highly underrated depth addition Jamie Macoun, and signed with Washington. Bob Rouse signed with San Jose. Detroit wanted Fetisov to return, but as the 6th/7th guy on the back end. He declined as he would have rather played every game and ultimately retired. Mike Knuble got traded to the Rangers for I beleive some draft picks. Uwe Krupp was supposed to ultimately replace Konstantinov but ended up playing 20 some games before being hurt and then suspended for dog-sledding while hurt. After the '02 Cup Subtractions -Freddy Olausson and Jiri Slegr left as UFA's -Steve Duchesne and Hasek retired (for the first time each) Additions: -Curtis Joseph (UFA) -Dmirti Bykov and Henrik Zetterberg both crossed the pond and became regulars for 02/03 IIRC, Olausson initially retired but then signed with Anaheim later in the summer. Jiri Slegr only played 1 playoff game for us and was ultimately a depth addition at the deadline. He ended up signing in Europe before coming back with Vancouver in 03/04. Duchesne and Hasek retired after finally winning the cup. Joseph was the only big addition, most others were replaced from within. Slegr and Olausson were replaced by a combination of Jesse Wallin, Max Kuznetsov and Dmitri Bykov. We really didn't lose any of our regular forwards, room for Zetterberg was there when Yzerman missed most of the year recovering from surgery. In conclusion, it seems for the most part we let go of some depth players (Rouse and Taylor) and/or trade deadline acquisitions that didn't pan out (Sandstrom, Mironov and Slegr), and/or 1 or 2 players retire. Most of the added players make sense in replacing players that left. I think this summer will be like the summer of '97, meaning most of the team will stay intact.

They would anyway, because they "dressed" for just about every game even if it was just to ride the pine. It would be a different story say if the Red Wings still had MacDonald as the no.3.

To be honest the 2002 Cup would be my least favorite Wings cup in the last 10 years. Don't get me wrong, we earned it and Bowman is the man but I always felt like we bought it. I'm sure I'll get flamed for that, but it's just my opinion. 97/98 would be my favorite. I have so many memories. I was 10 years old when they won the 96/97 cup and I had not been a sports fan in the slightest. When the Red Wings won it, I was completely sold and I was obsessed with the DRW. To this day 11 years later, the room I occupy in my parents basement is completely RW decorated. Watching the 97/98 playoffs was practically my religion when I was 11. 07/08 would be second. I thought it was exciting watching the team only slightly rebuild but retain a lot of its core. We brought in a good crew of heart and soul type guys like McCarty, Drake and my favorite Downey who all made the Red Wings that much more exciting to watch this season. I'm just so happy.

Where does the parade start at on Woodward? Would I need to get there super early to find somewhere to park?

I'm half wasted and can't even sleep. Everyone left and when I went outside with my GF I couldn't keep my arms down and just wanted to scream. I f***in leapt through the ceiling when they announced the parade for friday. THATS MY DAY OFF THIS WEEEEK!!!!!!!!11111

It's too bad Kopecky got injured before the playoffs. I can guarantee none of you would be calling him out. Back on topic, We have a lot of depth, which is probably why we are doing so well in the playoffs. We have more players then we will need to start next season. This is all my opinion: Forwards returning: (because of contract status- under contract or RFA that will be resigned undoubtedly.) 1.Datsyuk 2.Zetterberg 3.Holmstrom 4.Samuelsson 5.Draper 6.Hudler 7.Cleary 8.Franzen 9.Maltby 10.Filppula 11.Kopecky Forwards on the bubble: 1.Drake - Will probably retire, especially if we win the cup. 2.Downey - Holland has stated he will wait till after the playoffs to decide if he will he resigned. In my opinion it is in the air. His status in the playoffs points to becoming a UFA. I hope not... 3.McCarty - Same as Downey, but he has atleast earned a 2way for next year and will no doubt work hard at camp. 4.Hartigan - 06/07's Langfeld for 07/08. Has been out hustled by Helm. He's a goner. 5.Helm - Has been a pleasant suprise in the playoffs. However I'll put money on that unless he has an absolutely spectacular camp next year, he'll spend another season in GR to open up a roster spot on the big club and in hopes that he can produce a little more. 6.Abdelkader - Will be in GR. 7.Leino - Since I'm such an avid NHLEHM2007er, my opinion is Leino>Brunnstrom. However, by the sound of it, he needs a little work before he is completely NHL ready. But I have hopes for him. In reality, he will most likely spend atleast the beggining of the season with GR. I believe he has a Grigorenko type deal. Defensemen Returning: (again, because of contract status and or RFA) 1.Lidstrom 2.Rafalski 3.Kronwall 4.Lebda 5.Meech D-men bubble: 1.Chelios - would probably slot in the list above, but is on this list because he is a UFA. Will most likely be back. 2.Stuart - Holland stated he will decide if Stuart is resigned after the playoffs. He's been good, but I've read that he and his family like being in Cali. Up in the air at this point. 3.Lilja - In my opinion, he is a goner. He wasn't happy sharing time with Lebda last year, he rejected a nice contract offer this season, and I'm sure isn't happy about missing the playoffs. He'll be more useful on another team and would be easily replaced by Quincey. 4.Quincey - Is an RFA that will most likely be retained. He will be in the same boat next season that Meech was in this season, meaning he will have to hit waivers to go to GR next year. He will be a good replacement for Lilja in my opinion. 5. Ericsson - 1 more year in GR Goalies returning: 1.Osgood - If you don't believe it, off yourself Goalie bubble: 1.Hasek - I'll put money on retirement. He's definately lost the starting job, and I doubt he will play second fiddle at age 43. 2.Howard - I can't remember if he is waiver eligible next season or in 09/10, but if Hasek retires. Howard is the backup, unless he completely blows it in camp. The way the lines will most likely look: Zetterberg-Dastyuk-Holmstrom Franzen-Filppula-Hudler/UFA/Leino Cleary-Draper-Samuelsson/UFA/Leino Maltby-Kopecky-McCarty?/Downey?/Drake?/Helm?/Abdelkader?/Leino?/UFA This Leaves 2-3 spots open for either a resigned UFA depth player(McCarty, Downey, Drake) or a prospect (Helm, Abdelkader, Leino), or 1 or 2 UFA 2nd, 3rd or 4th liner(s). Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart?/UFA/Meech Lebda Chelios?/Meech/Quincey/Lilja? This leaves either 1 or no spots open. Quincey will most likely be on the team next year, barring a trade. I also think either Stuart or Lilja or neither will be resigned. If it's Lilja, either he Lebda or Meech move into the #4 spot. If it's Stuart he retains the #4 spot. If it's neither, they will either sign a second pairing UFA dman, or work with what they have. In my eyes, Meech more than proved that he can play second pairing minutes, and I scratch my head as to why he isn't playing in the playoffs over Lebda. Osgood Howard?/UFA/Liv? Being the best playoff goalie and nearly the best regular season goalie this year, Osgood has more than claimed the starting role for next season. Hasek is most likely a goner. Howard is probably ready to back him up, but if he isn't they will most likey sign a cheap UFA backup for a year. There is also talk of Liv returning to North America after being Swedens top goalie, but the Wings may not be his choice as he won't have a solid spot with Howard competing.

The goalie change might be enough to shake things up, but I see some other places that could be changed. On Offense: Hartigan has been useless, and other than the goal in game 2 McCarty has been invisible and looks slow. Filppula hasn't been great in the playoffs, and if you remember last season Babcock didn't have a problem sitting Hudler. I'd like the see AT THE LEAST Hartigan pulled for Helm or Abdelkader. My choice would Abdelkader, he's bigger, faster and more physical than Hartigan which are 3 things that could be of great use to this team. And On defense: The Lebda for Lilja swap did absolutely zilch. The "awesome speed" that Lebda has, was useless and he was caught a couple of times out of position. He also couldn't handle the puck for s*** in our own zone. Put in Meech, he definately played better than Lebda and probably better than Lilja down the stretch, and he could probably do the same in the playoffs. Any other thoughts?

At some point being a "proven NHL player" doesn't mean dick. A year ago Babcock sat "proven NHL player" Kyle Calder eventually in favor of 29ish game veteran Tomas Kopecky. It's the playoffs, the players who play the best play. Period. Hartigan's a "proven NHL player" and he's not proving s*** in this series. We might as well dress Larry Murphy for Lilja/Lebda, he's a "proven NHL player".

Kopecky is done for the playoffs with an MCL/ACL injury and will be out 4-6 months, unfortunately. Maltby won't be back for this round.

DAmnit. He has been playing really well lately.

-I can't lie. I was more than a bit dissapointed when we didn't get a forward. It seems to me that our depth at forward will be at a bit of a lacking if injuries arise during the playoffs. Aside from Hartigan (who will most likely stay with the team for the rest of the season), there is no other real qualified forward to call up, especially if McCarty doesn't pan out. -I'm also still baffled as why we gave up Ellis, as I figured it was to make room for another forward. -Anywho, am I worried? No. I still believe we are a better team than last year, and I'm also real pleased with our depth at the back end. Going into the playoffs we'll actually have 10 defencemen ready to play if everyone is healthy. Also after tonight, I'm glad we kept Meech. When our D is healthy we'll have 7 proven NHL defensemen, not including Meech. The way he's playing we could still afford to lose a couple of Dmen during the playoffs and be fine. Of course I'm not saying I want anyone to be injured. -We can only hope Babs lights a fire under some of our forwards. We definately don't want Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Holmstrom to be our only source of offense or we won't stand a chance. Hopefully one or two of Samuelsson, Hudler, Filppula or Franzen step it up down the stretch or all of them would be nice. We can also hope that Cleary returns in his usual form, which I'm sure he will. I however, don't have a problem with our 3rd/4th line rotation of Draper, Maltby, Drake, Kopecky, Downey and (hopefully) McCarty as each one offers something to the team. We'll also have Hartigan to round out the depth. The lines should look something like this: Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Holmstrom Cleary-Filppula-Franzen Hudler-Draper-Samuelsson Maltby-Kopecky-Drake/Downey/?McCarty? Hartigan,McCarty Lidstrom-Rafalski Kronwall-Stuart Chelios-Lilja/Lebda Meech (Quincey, Ericsson if needed) Hasek/Osgood Osgood/Hasek Howard -I just think the Red Wings were in a bit of a slump, that has just been exagerated by injury after injury. After everyone gets healthy, we'll be the same team that dominated for most of the season, only now we'll be a little tougher on defense with Stuart.