rivieraillusions

About ******* time. Hasek has looked lost all series.

He was the number three pick.

Too ******* funny . . .

Ummm . . . Anaheim. That wasn't too hard.

I think the NHL should institute a policy like the NFL's where a player has to sign retirement paperwork if they are truly going to retire. Once they sign, they can't return . . . ever. If they don't sign the paperwork, the team they have a contract with is still on the hook for their salary. This would eliminate the Neidermeyer situation (which I think is much more disturbing than the Selanne situation since he didn't have a contract). None of this "suspend them without pay" crap.

The SEL is a better league than the AHL so I don't see any problems with our Swedish prospects staying over there. Most NHL GM's believe this guy is ready to step into the lineup immediately. Now, whether that's the average lineup or ours remains to be seen, but I like the kid's speed and puck possession skills for sure. He could certainly beat out Samuelson IMO.

another PP, let's ice this thing crap, nvmd

That's the cover of the new wings merchandise catalog. There's a link on mlive where you can request one for free. SCORE by Flipper!

Oh man, Esteef, that is the funniest thing I've seen all day. You'd think, with all the money that douchebag makes, that he could get his damn gap fixed. I don't know, maybe his boyfriend likes it.

I particularly like this from Bucci (whom I don't always care for - sometimes he's just a flat-out dork): 4:45 [1st period]: There is simply no better NHL broadcasting tandem than Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond. Some might be as good, but not better. Daniels has few peers as a play-by-play man. He has passion, a great voice and extensive knowledge, and he flawlessly sets the scene. I assume he rejects any national game opportunities because he clearly should get those assignments. Redmond is so likable and warm, you feel as though he is in the living room with you. Every one of their games sounds important and eventful. Penalty shot! Valtteri Filppula gets tripped up going to the net alone, and Fraser awards a penalty shot. Filppula's world-class move beats Predators goalie Dan Ellis. It's 2-0 Detroit after one.

Hey loo, wxyt.com is broadcasting the game online and the feed is really clear.

For all you TWC customers (myself included) - NHL Network is being picked up by TWC but only a few markets at a time. Austin folks, and I know there are a few here, Dallas has it and we'll be getting it eventually. They can't say when, but they said we will be getting it. Now, I don't know if they were just saying that to placate me as I called them very pissed off that I'm paying $170 to watch games and I can't watch the games I want to watch, but who knows.

Here's a tip. You can vote, clear your temporary internet files and cookies, then vote again. Happy voting!

I remember one from years ago against Colorado at home (I think it was the playoffs but I can't remember). Some guy in the stands, during a scrum, yelled "Forsberg's a ******!" so loud that it was picked up and my brother and I frickin rolled on the floor for about ten minutes.

Aww man, that was sick! Good stuff.

Somebody may have mentioned these things, but I'm not going to read every post in this thread so here goes: there are a few things to consider when thinking about why Detroit didn't sell out it's home opener. First in my mind is this: the team lacks character. Yes, they are very skilled and are a great team, but can anyone relate to a single player like they used to relate to Steve, Brendan, or Darren? I don't buy the whole "the wings lack good north american players" crap either - it doesn't matter where they're from, it's their attitude and likeability that matter most with fans. In a town full of blue-collar types, who wants to go see a team that backs down more often than not when challenged physically. Yes, Drake is an improvement in that area and it was nice to see him scrap with Perry. However, watching Samuelson gingerly skate up to Getzlaf, who had the puck, and get smoked before he could even lay a hit was totally embarrassing. Yes, the economy in general (not just in Michigan) isn't helping but the fact that the Red Wings have not lowered ticket prices since the lockout is a complete joke. They used to turn a profit with a payroll in the 60-70 million range - think of the profit they're turning now. I don't think the Illitch's are going to be in the poor-house if they lower the prices a bit and throw in some good promotions.

that's awesome, but I'm still partial to "The Big Earn" for that awesome comb-over that I never knew Dallas had!

I was thinking the same thing - I never knew he had such a bad case of hair loss because he always shaved his mug, but damn. The "Big Earn" iit is.

Sweeeeeedish!

sick moves by Datsyuk on that goal by the Mule!

Oh, and Neidermayer is only 33 - which is exactly how old Rafalski is.

OK, you can make an argument about Orr in 70-71 and Borque in 86-87 (though I would argue that Borque rounded into a more complete player later on), but Lidstrom is a tougher argument. He had his highest point output last season and matched his career high +/- this year. Rafalski didn't play in the NHL until '99 so, as you said, is a late bloomer. I think he's peaking.

If Bert and Dom re-sign, there won't be much room left for anyone with a big name. Maybe a depth forward, but nothing more.

Most defenseman seem to peak in their early to mid thirties (see Lidstrom, Orr, Borque, Neidermayer to name just a few) which is right where Rafalski is at - how is he not in the prime of his career? He produced a career high in both points and assists last season. If you're going to challenge my assertions, at least back up your argument.

I really like this for a few reasons - many of which have been stated already, but I'll restate them for emphasis: Rafalski is just entering the prime of his career - and he's better than Schneider right now. Plus, he's been playing in NJ his whole career - think of how he'll thrive here. Things can only get better. He's a bit better defensively than Schneider was - he's been a plus player almost his whole career and doesn't seem to take as many dumb penalties (I think he had all of 34 pms last season). Nick isn't going to play forever. Having Rafalski around gives us a bit of a cushion should Nick decide to retire in a year or two. He's young, so he'll be around for a while. Locking him up with a five year deal is awesome considering we've seen the cap go up every year since it's inception. Sure, it's going to hit a ceiling at some point, but a top two defenceman (who could grow into a top defenseman) is pretty cheap at 6 mil per. The guy is a great passer - he had 40+ assists on a NJ team that does not have the forward corps that we do. And finally, he's a hometown guy who took less to come here than he could have had elsewhere - could we ask for more?