NeverForgetMac25

To the OP, I couldn't agree more. While the D certainly seems to have taken a hit this year, its not enough to explain the discrepancy. Goaltending has been the Wings achilles heal this season and unless they get if figured out before the postseason I'll be quite nervous. Panicing or not, atleast this thread had a solid base to its foundation. With all the garbage threads people have started as of late, this is a breath of fresh air.

True, but that agreement has to do with keeping the team in tact when everyone knows Lidstrom is the reason it works. That's a good faith deal that works for both sides (especially the Wings), where as I just have a hard time believing Babs would guarantee anyone a spot. He just seems like too much of a tough-love type of coach to guarantee something like that. Sidenote: No need to put that first part of your post. You and I have always had civilized, intelligent debates.

I don't think that's something Kenny and Co. could/would agree to when signing Hossa. I'm sure Hossa was told he has the opportunity to play with two of the best forwards in the game, the best defenseman of the last 20 years and a team that's completely intact from last season. Guaranteeing he'll always be on the either Z or D's line seems a little bit of stretch, even though I know you're not stating it like fact. Just stating my opinion on the matter.

Based on what....the thoughts of some of the sheep on this site?

Nope. Whether that line would light the lamp or not isn't the issue. Despite the last few games, the Wings are the highest scoring team in the league and all three of those players are phenomenal on defense. Spreading out that talent hopefully helps keep the puck out of our own net, which has been the problem this season. The only time you'll see them together is if the Wings need a goal late in the game.

Cue OsGod.........

"Blowout" was an interesting choice of words given the picture you posted. That games was beyond rough. Just imagine being one of the EDM fans at Rexall last night. Ouch.

Yeah....he's a lunatic with rage issues. He's also a primadonna.

I'd be willing to bet both the Wings site and NHL.com will have it uploaded to their video section shortly.

I thought they tied the knot just before the season started. Perhaps I'm off on that. If I am, I do know they're engaged atleast.

That's his wife.

Photo Op, End Presser

Z says he told his agent that he wanted to stay and finish his career here. Kenny interrupts and says, "If I had known that, I would've tried to get you a little cheaper." ----------------- They asked Illitch what his secret was (besides winning) that makes Red Wings want to stick around? Kenny replies, "We take them out and party with them!" Then discusses how they're a family atmosphere and they take care of their guys. Then goes on to talk about "trust" and if people trust you, you've got 70% of the problems licked. ----------------- Babs says he believes when he lines up Hank against anyone in a series, Z will have worn them down by the end. ----------------- Holland says they're only in position to sign 1 more player before July 1st.

Kuklas is working for me now. Use that one.

I thought it was just me at first. I even tried a reboot to no avail.

That would make sense since the Isles are nowhere near the cap and could get his figure off their books faster the other way. Cheers

That's right. However, don't they also have the option to do 2/3 of the cap hit over the course of remaining years of the contract, rather than 1/3 over double?

Because this was a good faith contract. if Z signs a short-term deal and then has a career ending injury he and his family get royally screwed. This guarantees his financial security, but at a bargain rate since the term is as long as it is. Besides, if Z signs for only a couple years no way he chances signing for only $6 million.

On top of this, I don't think a good amount of people are recognizing the magnitude of this signing going forward. Z signing for this large of a hometown discount sets a precedence to all future Red Wings players over the next decade. While this may not be as stringent as the "Lidstrom Cap", its sets Kenny and Co. up for the next 12 years to say to every player during contract time, "this is what your Captain did. This how much he believes in this team and wants to be here? How much do you?" Kenny and Co. once again find a way to say, "Cap be damned! We'll beat it."

On top of this, keep in mind that Meech could also play the 4th line given the pinch the Franzen/Hudler/Hossa situation will cause. If Kenny is ok with running 7 Dmen with Meech being a floater between offense and defense that will ever-so slightly help things.

Oh...Z's so greedy, and he's gonna test Kenny and push for too much! $6 million per...that's a ******* steal. Ken Holland is beyond a god and Z just showed what it means to him to be a Red Wing. What an amazing deal, especially for the Wings!

How did you get that from your attached article? It says nothing of the sort.

Is that your design and are there seriously a bunch of people bringing those tonight? It'll be interesting to hear what Mick has to say during the pregame about the "suspensions".

QFT. This would be a prime time for both Filppula and Cleary to step up their game.

Actually, I didn't forget Kindl...I just didn't include him in the top 6. No doubt he'd likely end up taking Lebda's job, but after next season Lebda will have had a lot more experience under his belt and would probably get the 6th spot. Kindl would be worked in at that point, however I probably should've listed him under the bottom pairing to prevent confusion. Cheers