egroen

Wings tend to play down, or up, to their opponent. Thinking this will be a lot closer than it should be.

Great team!

"Our refs get it right 99% of the time" I don't want coaches to be fines for bitching about the reffing and individual calls, but can see the point of fining them for questioning the integrity of the game... And I also see the point in Torts saying it anyway.

He's a pending UFA - sellers at the trade deadline do not want rentals. I'm sure a playoff team would give prospects and picks for him, but I'm hoping Holland is not Leaning in that direction. Hudler's looking like he did before he left for the KHL, maybe a little better. He really has a nice, accurate shot and just needs to keep heading towards the net - I'm fine with Zetterberg and Filppula doing more of the heavy lifting on that line, as long as Hudler keeps finding open spaces.

I hated Primeau when he was on the Wings and was so thrilled when they shipped him out. Still pissed the Wings picked him over Jagr.

Honestly, I'm not sure I have ever seen a linesman or ref leave the game with an injury.

Datsyuk knocking Weber on his ass made me jump out of my seat.

A lot of the button-pushers have been banned, and thus their numerous responses in return.

1) Howard 2) Lidstrom 3) Datsyuk 4) White 5) Filppula

I'd prefer the 3 of Ericsson, Kindl and Commodore consistently rotating until the top two really differentiate themselves before the playoffs. I'd like all these guys getting a fair amount of games in prep for the playoffs, where injuries are likely to happen.

It's pretty amazing how far Datsyuk's physical game has come along. He used to get knocked on his ass from a stiff breeze. His hits are often brutal because his opponent Is always completely surprised by it. His hits are like his dangles.

As a fan, I am not being entertained.

Flyers have to account for Pronger's cap hit for the remainder of the contract, even if he never plays again.

Hmmm... Crosby and Pronger both out? I'm almost regretting my brief foray into voodoo.

Agreed - that game at least gave me a little more confidence in Conklin.

Everyone makes a salary, it's not like an NHL team needs to make layoffs to show a third quarter profit for its shareholders. Most professional teams are just not run that way, though a few are. If a team is successful, and bringing in a lot of revenue, a lot of owners just increase salaries and expenses in order to not pay the taxes, often preferably showing a loss... especially considering it is a side business to many of them. Ultimately, like investing in a home, it is the long term growth they are mainly interested in. For instance, Ilitch could now sell the Wings for over a $300 mil long term capital gain, which is taxed far less than annual earnings.

It's rare to find an owner whose main business is a sports team. For instance, do you really think Ilitch cares that much if he does not turn an annual profit? Most owners view a team as a long term investment and short term tax shelter & hobby.

A lot of owners do not really look to make a yearly profit on sports teams.

Except that kid can still grow a better playoff beard.

Honestly, Yzerman is a much closer comparison. Speed, grit with great playmaking plus goal scoring.

Scoring has steadily decreased since the PP Bonanza of '06 and is already at deadpuck era levels. I'm not really bothered by it, b/c while the scoring is low, I still think the game is more enjoyable today than when no-talent, big lummoxes could freely hitch a ride on star players w/o a penalty.

Phoenix actually has a lot of bluechip defensemen in their pipeline, but not forwards. But yeah, they have a league-mandated salary cap now, so they are not going to be interested in taking much salary back in a roster player. Good pick and good prospect is about the best they can do.

I'd be disappointed if Holland did not at least attempt to make a splash at the trade deadline - it could be the last playoff run with Lidstrom.

Would have loved to see Hasek in that situation ala Gaborik - probably would have been nuts enough to fight Lucic too.

Re-watching that third period - The Wild were unbelievably outplayed on every single shift that period. They literally had zero quality scoring chances compared to about ten by the Wings and the toeing goal was on a shot from the point with three deflections, two off Wings players. Frustrating but at least they were playing well, superbly, in fact.