egroen

The literal definition of the Hart should weigh about as much historically as the Lady Byng, and yet it is the regular season award with by far the most weight. Luckily, the literal definition has been ignored most years (with the notable exception of the 50s), and the award has most often gone to arguably the most valuable player in the league, not to merely his team. 'Most Valuable to his Team' is better as message board fodder than it is as a major award. Or else Mark Streit would have ran away with the Hart in 09.

Same argument can be made of Pittsburgh's defense. Arguments can be made for either when talking of the ridiculous literal definition of the Hart (who cares?), but Tim Thomas is on pace for a much better season than Crosby.

Right now, Thomas is the clear favorite for the Hart, and yes, it is not even close. I do not think he will maintain it, but Thomas is on target for by far the greatest season of any goaltender in history. Anyone want to argue the same for Crosby? Letang over Lidstrom is a complete joke. Last year Lidstrom was the best defensive player in the world, and he is •better• this season.

Yeah, Kronwall has been looking like Samuelsson on the point lately.

Wings are playing lately like they have the President's Trophy locked up. Nice goal, still not feeling it.

Wings need Viagra. Just seem impotent these last few games.

I am shocked the Wings PP is top 10 in the league. It has seemed terrible this season.

Lol!

Great passing guys!!! •gag•

Wings are due. Weak penalty though.

Wings need an entire practice to work on breakaways. Unless it is Datsyuk I pretty much write them off the moment they start.

They have no cap space!

“I feel bad that I exposed (NHL commissioner) Gary (Bettman) to all this stuff, and he had to answer all those questions,” Campbell told the Star on Monday. “But he never flinched." Bettman reminds me of Clint Eastwood!

Would love to see Jimmy learn some of Osgood's strengths - challenging players, playing the puck and rebound control.

Just taking a look at the standings, and I am incredibly thankful the Wings have a decent lead in the West. Pretty much every other team is going to be biting their nails all season. Only 9 points separate 2nd and last place. 2 measley points separate 2nd and 10th!!! Yikes! A lot more breathing room in the East... 11 pts separate 2nd and 9th 21 pts from 2nd to last.

Interference!!!!

Don't let up!

Lidstrom is so good.

Nm

Contract-wise I'm pretty happy Jimmy is doing 'good' versus 'great' right now and his blah playoffs will help keep his salary manageable. I'm hoping a 3-5 year contract closer to $3.5m versus the $4.5m+ the elite goalies are getting. I'd be all in favor of signing Howard sooner than later, hopefully he does not hold off until the playoffs (would prefer to not have that on his mind as well).

I know he was not going into the corners then like he is now - I have a feeling Babcock did not mind when he was scoring, but now that he isn't he probably demands Hudler is making use of himself in other ways, which unfortunately he sucks at, if he want s to not be scratched. I can understand. I just think he is going to get his game back quicker if he focuses more on what he is actually good at.

I have a feeling this is something Babcock harps on and expects from all his players - which is great - but at this point think it might be better to see Hudler concentrating on what he is good at (creating offensive opportunities) versus spending a lot of time and energy on things he is never really going to be good at (defense, digging pucks out of corners, enforcing). Hull was a lazy floater for the Wings, but he was effective. As stringent as Bowman was, he let Hull play his game while others backchecked and dug pucks out of corners. I do not think it would be the end of the world to allow Hudler to play like that. I notice Hudler has been going into corners a lot more, probably to earn shifts from Babcock, but he just plain old sucks at it. I'd rather see him skating towards open ice.

Needs neon!

Weird thinking a game against the BJs was meaningful, but that was a big win!

Good lookin' power play there!