egroen

Both Helm and Filppula are centers and one is a lot less expensive. If you want to go after Hossa, at the very least, one of Hudler or Filppula needs to go. I would love to see our lines centered in this way: 1st: Datsyuk/Zetterberg 2nd: Hudler/Filppula 3rd: Helm 4th: Draper

That is only if their contract went into affect after the age of 35 -- for example: We could never hide Draper in the AHL - his contract would still count against the cap. Someone with a bloated contract, like Khabibulin, can be sent down with little fear of getting claimed through waivers, and be hidden.

From what I have seen of Leino -- he is stronger on the puck than Hudler, but has a tendancy to hold onto it too long. I love Hudler because he is quick - whether it is some Datsyukesque jukes, or a quick pass or shot, he can get things off quicker than Leino. At every level, Hudler has produced more than Leino, and they are the same age... so you are really giving up a lot. Leino goes to the net, which I really like and has great hand-eye coordination. Be nice to have both! I still think Hudler belongs with Franzen and Hossa -- as a few others have recommended as well.

Only waiver-exempt players can be sent down and up w/o being exposed to the waiver wire. One-way contracts have nothing to do with it -- it just means if they are sent down to the minors they are still making their NHL contract. Two-way contract players have a different salary when playing in the minors.

I'm not as concerned about that -- in 7-8 years the cap could be anywhere from $65 to $80 million. The NHL will get a better TV deal in that time -- ratings have been great. Just need to hang in there for a couple flat to slightly down years....

Imagine if the Wings stockpiled draft picks -- 1) Hudler replaced by Leino for less money, plus a 1st and a 3rd round pick 2) Filppula replaced by Helm for less money, plus a 1st/2nd and a 4th 3) Conklin stays and Howard is traded for a 4th round pick Could you imagine if the Wings had 4-5 early round picks? I love Hudler and Filppula, and want them on the team -- but that would certainly lessen the sting a bit.

Holmstrom has already hinted next year might be his last. Maltby I could see wanting to play more -- but next year needs to be his last year as well, at least in Detroit. Draper, Holland's worst signing post-lockout, we are stuck with for two more years -- then, god-willing, he will retire. Hopefully these guys all have Dallas Drake type years in their final seasons!

They are all great -- I recommend every single one. I wish they were still putting these out!

Just like 2007, I think if the Wings had a healthy squad we would have seen a completely different series against the Penguins -- you're never going to have everyone healthy (though we came close in 2008), but that was an unusual amount of injuries. The injuries make a lot of sense now, looking back on the games; Lidstrom and Rafalski were not very mobile -- They *are* our power play (no wonder it sucked) Datsyuk was slow; Cleary was not going to the net; Holmstrom was wasted space; etc. That's a big deal. Next year's team will not be as deep, but if healthier, will still have a great shot. If Hossa is willing to sign for Franzen money, that is just too much of a good deal to pass up. But I am skeptical Hossa would offer Detroit essentially a 50% discount. With Hossa, Babcock needs to give up on pairing him with Datsyuk or Zetterberg -- it is ineffectual. Keep Datsyuk and Zetterberg together no matter what -- you just do not mess with that kind of chemistry. Franzen - Hudler/Filppula - Hossa is an outstanding two-way line and all those guys seem to click together --- play them all season and make it even better. I am ready to give up on Kopecky -- they need someone who will not get his face broken in a fight. Need a league-minimum type guy and Downey fits that bill. Maltby will be gone after next year, and probably Holmstrom as well -- so you can get some young grit in at that time, for decent dollars.

I see Helm as having the potential to fill-in for Filppula and... Leino as the potential Hudler replacement. Helm is a better hitter, but not as strong defensively Leino is not as good offensively, but has better size Both Filppula and Hudler will get good value from a trade - I just hope we do not lose both.

That was one of the better eulogies, actually. :beerbuddy:

I remember how excited I was thinking of Hatcher and Fischer on a defensive line together -- two 6'5 guys, one actually skilled and the other a dirty SoB. Sweet! Unfortunate it never worked out.

Love to have him on the team; hate to have him as a captain. He would not be the captain in Detroit, however; not by a long shot.

The "winged wheel" is clearly taken from the wings of a phoenix: immortal and invincible - and a symbol of fire and divinity. Reborn from the ashes of the 'dead things'. Good luck finding one to eat....

Man, this work day is already dragging! Go Wings!!!!!

The Penguins threw that game only down 3 goals and with more than half the game left. it was over at that point (so I was thinking it was the 'end' of the game). That game played out almost exactly like the Chicago game 4 -- both teams completely lost their composure and started going after wings players (and were called for it). The penalties were heavily in the Wings favor because Pittsburgh was gooning it up starting midway through the second and well into the third - or did you miss that part? You are clinging on to a terrible example.

I can't believe the calls at the end of Game 5 are a point of contention for Penguins' fans, but apparently it's a stickler (as if that had any bearing whatsoever on the outcome of that game). Penguins were cheapshotting and gooning it up in that game, and if the refs did not get it in control, it could have gotten out of hand. Refs will always call blow-out games a bit tight when one team is starting to visibly get chippy, as the Pens were. Pittsburgh was losing their composure. See the Blackhawks in Game 4 for a comparison. If you are going to ***** at calls, at least make it for a game you had even a chance of winning. Who cares if the Pens had a coule less penalties in Game 5 - they could have also easily had a few more.

Pens put on a shot-blocking clinic last game -- I have a feeling that will be addressed by Babcock. At the Joe especially, who cares if a shot misses the net from the perimeter, just get it to the boards.

Last change is huge against the Pens. Last stick in the faceoff circle is big for a puck possession team. And the Joe Louis boards are an advantage as well. Pens have scored all of one even strength goal in 3 games at the Joe, and only 2 goals total! Keep it up!

Part of the reason is Bylsma starts most games with Crosby and Malkin taking a couple shifts together -- which means the Wings have to focus on covering both at once.

There's an important one -- during the game is not the time to tell me about your day, and NO I will not take the dogs out.

I ***** about poorly officiated games, it's only natural -- heck, even Mike Ilitch bitched about the call on Datsyuk in the 2007 Western Conference Finals, in an interview THIS YEAR! I hate those games because it often makes me wonder "what if", especially when the Wings lose. Game 3 is the one that really bothers me this year: What if Malkin's suspension was not rescinded? What if the refs caught the 21 seconds of 6 men on the ice? What if the refs called interference consistently in that game (ignoring Ericsson's call in the third as well as Orpik's and Gill's numerous infractions - or calling it from the beginning of the game)? It drives me crazy when the refs appear to be a difference maker throughout the course of a game. Now I do not think they were in games 4 and 6, but Game 3 really bothers me. That said, I 100% agree with the OP -- it should never be an excuse for not winning, especially in a 7 game series. Sometimes you have to overcome the refs, just as you might have to overcome a soft goal or two. ... but I just think it is fine and natural to "*****"

Wake up Wings!!! Get it going!

Wow, so glad I saw that play from Crosby.

The turning point in Game 5 was clearly was the killed penalty. That was huge, especially with the way the Wings have just been handing over 1 to 2 PP goals over to each team they face every single game. Games 1 & 2 the better team (and goalie) won by two goals. Nice tight hockey games, but the team w/ the better goalie and chances won. Game 3 could have gone either way. Game 4 the Penguins controlled. Game 5 was pure Wings domination.