NeverForgetMac25

Gotcha, obviously meaning the game wasn't being broadcasted in HD. Unfortunately, they don't do every one but they do a fair amount. Also, as much as I love listening to Ken and Mic, sometimes I'll watch the visiting teams' feed (given that you get Center Ice) if FSNDetroit isn't broadcasting in HD.

Are you sure you were watching the game on the HD channel (even though the game wasnt broadcasted in HD)? Again, it won't stretch if the network is broadcasting the game in HD, as you and I have said. BTW, when you watch the *non-HD feed* does it go full screen for you? Mine didn't at first and I simply changed the DirectTV setting to stretch it. Its much more tolerable even though the quality still sucks. That I'm not sure about, that's one of those mysteries I don't think we'll ever find out. Switch...that's what I did. Sidenote: How ya doin' after Sunday?

That's interesting since you say you get the Pistons game to stretch. Is this when you're watching it on the HD channel or the standard def channel? If you're watching it on the standard def channel you simply need to change your input settings on the direct TV box. If you are watching it on the HD feed it will automatically show the game in HD or the black bars will be brought up if the broadcast itself isn't in HD. I assume the Pistons' games you've seen so far have stretched because they are being broadcasted in HD, where as not all the Wings games are.

How do you think you're currently getting the games? As long as you have cable or some form of a dish you are watching digital TV. The only thing the digital transition will affect is those people that currently don't pay for cable or dish. Nothing will change otherwise.

QFT This isn't about liking Bettman or how the game has changed during his tenure, its about adapting to be the best team given the current rules. I hate a lot of the changes Bettman has instituted, but I understand what type of players are needed to be successful in *this* NHL.

It was dealt with.

You don't think Ryan Smyth takes an unanswered beating in front of the net on the PP? Please.

I've played the game my whole life and competitively for 15 years. This isn't about Bettman getting through to us....its about fielding the best team given the current place the league is in. What sense does it make to field a team of apes in *this* NHL? Sidenote: Making a comment like "You can tell those who have played the game and those who have not" is like calling someone Hitler in a debate. It should be over and you lose by default.

I know this comment was directed at UP2HERE, but we all have the right to our own opinion...including you.

So because 4 of those 7 players got in one fight over the course of the first 25% of the season they are all of a sudden "fighters". How many fights do you think you're going to see tonight? How many would even be necessary against this team? Talk about Clueless....

Why does this Wings team need protection from *tonight*....against the Canadiens minus Laraque? Gofigure....however it wouldn't be surprising to see him healthy-scratched against this Wings team anyway.

Clearly you don't understand the opponent the Wings are playing tonight or the type of forward Helm is. It doesn't sound like you're going to either.

Gee, I wonder why!

Talk about taking a slight compliment and running with it. I'm fairly confident Lidstrom was referring to that sort of thing happening against a heavy hitting team, not the Canadiens.

It's not needed against a fast-skating team like the Canadiens. Laraque isn't going to useful tonight, because the Wings aren't going to give him reason to drop the gloves. Helm helps keep the puck in the offensive zone with his forechecking. So...LOL all you want, but Helm makes the team more well-rounded in terms of what they need against *this* Canadiens team. Why aren't people seeing this?

Nope, just a good portion of us are realistic. The majority of us don't feel a guy that fights is the end-all answer that a bunch of the grit-slappies seem to think they are. Against the fast-skating Canadiens, replacing Mac with Helm is a great move. Mac struggles against faster teams, and Helm excels against them. Great move my Babs.

Clearly you forgot the type of role Helm played for the Wings during the playoffs last year. He's a forechecking machine which is what the Wings are lacking right now. Toughness isn't a problem like some people here seem to think.

Mac has a better shot of clearing waivers than Kopecky, not to mention the fact that he makes more money. Whoops...Heaton beat me to it.

OH NOES!!!11 The Wings are going to be too soft for the big bad Canadiens tonight. I'm sorry but gimme a break. This entire board was complaining Monday night about the team not showing any killer instinct after the Datsyuk goal and has consistently brought up the fact that the Wings aren't forechecking like they were last season. Helm is great start in that direction. I think they'll be able to handle it without Mac for the time being. All this does is affect the people that *need* to see a fight every game to be entertained. Personally, I want to see the in-your-face team the Wings were in the playoffs last year much more than a fight tonight.

It won't. All the games you are currently watching on CI are already being broadcasted digitally. You have the network that is providing you with the s***ty feed to thank for that. Like I said, DirectTV provides all games in HD that are broadcasted by the local affiliate in HD. Its quite nice.

It shouldn't.....how are getting games anyway? The only time you'd be able to view a game on a free network would be the NBC games. The remainder of them *would have to be* be viewed on a digital platform anyway (Versus, Center Ice, NHL Network). The only thing you would need to do if you aren't paying for programming whatsoever is make sure you have your digital converter box by 2/19/2009. That will allow you to continue watching games on NBC.

We're not that bad/tight. However, it does get annoying for everyone when someone says they didn't see a topic posted and its duplicate is the 2nd or 3rd one on the front page.

I stopped bothering toward the end of last season and switched to DirectTV. Best decision I've made in a while. On top of having NHLN (and in HD) I get Center Ice in HD almost every game.

Wow....what a kick in the junk that is. Funny nonetheless.