NeverForgetMac25

QFT It's actually really annoying and takes a few more steps to get what you're looking for (which for me 99% of the time is the Red Wings full schedule). This just gives me another reason to continue using TSN.ca/NHL over NHL.com. Trust me, the reasons are piling up.

That Franzen-Filppula-Samuelsson line had good chemistry last year in the postseason so hopefully it will carry over if Z misses some time.

Unfortunately it's because some members are so quick to hit the reply button and go off on someone when even a single comment of an entire post differs from their beliefs. The Titans are the worst 5-0 team in the history of the NFL.

Lilja

NOTICE: Let's keep this thread about the visit to the White House. We all know there's a spot for political discussion on these boards and the GD most certainly isn't it.

Actually, I thought it was a really nice little ceremony. At first, it sounded like Lids was inviting Bush and Bush Sr. on the Father-Son trip this year. The further it got in though it seemed like he was just offering an extra jersey for Sr.

QFT I agree that both *can* put the puck in the net and that Dats has better vision, however I do feel that Z is *better* at putting the puck in the net than Dats. Just like its no discredit to Z for his vision, similarly its no discredit to Dats for ability to put the puck in the net. They both excel, but one is better than the other in both departments. I would agree that Dats probably has the "OMG, did you see that" factor going for him moreso than Z due to the shifty plays and spine-bending moves he can showcase, but to me that's only one side of it. I look at how strong Z is when he's got the puck and while I agree that Dats has become infinitely stronger on the puck this year, I still feel the puck stays on Z's stick longer *when players have collapsed on him*. This may not be a great explanation but Dats truly has a knack for stickhandling around and away from opponents, where as once a player is able to get to Z his strength seems to allow him to hang on to the puck. I.E. Remember the game last year against the Jackets where the Wings were losing 1-0 heading into the third? Z split the defense with both of the players draped on him and muscled the puck 5-hole past Norrena (I believe it was Norrena, otherwise it was Leclaire). While Dats is strong on the puck, its plays like that where I feel Z is stronger. TBH, I don't think people underestimate Dats' speed. The guy has created tons of turnovers and beaten plenty of defenders only to have a clear one-on-one with the oppositions' goalie. However, you are right in saying that because of his vision and the fact that he's thinking the game so well that he doesn't showcase his speed as regularly as a guy like Draper or Cleary.

Same with me. That being said, its tough to say that Z wouldn't have lead the team in scoring last season had he not gone down. The fact of the matter is he did go down and anything more is pure speculation, but chances are he would've. Lastly, stating that Dats is the better generator of offense is debatable unless you're strictly talking play setup. Good mini-debate.

IIRC, Aussie_Wing drops your lowest week total so you should be ok. Just don't have an off week.

You didn't? Week 1 is notorious for incorrect picks simply due to people not knowing how teams are going to gel together. Think about all the players that switch teams or finally make the cut. A lot of unexpected always happens in week 1.....same goes for the Weekend Picks games from Aussie. Still, watch for a good portion to drop out of contention in your game after this weekend as well and then for things to slow down a bit.

I'm not Eva but I'll bite. How long have you felt this way about Datsyuk? Was it before his transformation last season? Up until last year Z was most certainly the better player between the two because his game was much more balanced and he could put it home with greater ease than Dats. Last year Dats completely revamped his game, upped the tempo and physicality, started shooting more and became an incredible two-way player. Now that being said, there's a reason Z is out there to start 5-on-3 PK's with Kronwall and Lids. As good as Dats is on defense (and he is), Z is still the best defensive forward not only on the Wings, but IMO the entire world. As was aforementioned, even with Dats pulling the trigger more Z is the more natural scorer and will continue to lead the two of them in the goals department for the foreseeable future. Areas they are a wash on: Physcial play, Holding on to the Puck Areas Dats has on Z: Set-up ability, Takeaways (but that's debatable) If you're going to use the fact that Dats is on the first line as a reason he could be construed as the better of the two, I'll respond by saying that he's on that line because Hossa is a natural goal-scorer (like Z) and as I said Dats is the better set-up man. For that reason alone it makes more sense for Z to center the other line, and you can't really have Hossa and Datsyuk on the second line after they were able to bring Marian in. NOTICE: Before anyone goes mental on me, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Datsyuk and truly believe he's one of the most important pieces of this team. What he's accomplished and the change he's made in his game this past season has truly made him irreplaceable and one of the top players in the world. Not to mention he's +2.

Meaning every member would have to pick two winners each weekend?

The Red Wings are a puck-moving defensive team. Those that aren't going to be able to thrive in that system aren't going to be useful in the long run. Fighting is not enough of a reason to keep a defenseman. Quincey played himself off this team because amongst other things he wasn't able to move the puck. That doesn't work in Detroit. The fact that he "can fight" is irrelevant if he isn't good enough to *play* in Detroit. Same reasoning behind why Downey isn't on the roster night-in and night-out. Sidenote: Why discredit Lebda for his speed basically inferring that it isn't important, than go on and credit Quincey because fighting supposedly helps in "other areas"? Speed helps in plenty of areas as well, especially for a defenseman.

Timothy, this game most certainly won't last the entire season. How about starting it over once a single member is left?

3 Shots through 40 minutes. That's some depressing and embarrassing sh*t. It's gonna be a long year for Roberto.

What makes people think Chelios would retire whether the Wings win the Cup or not? He's already stated he'd like to give it a go until he's 50. If the Wings don't re-sign him, there's always the possibility of playing for another team. Perhaps back on Chicago even. Sidenote: As finalfilppula said, Lilja is not a UFA next year, though Cheli obviously is.

The half-ass "Let's Go Hurricanes" chant is the first time I've heard the crowd in a long time.

Conkblock looks great!

Ack.......Franzen hits the post. He just couldn't corale it.

You can tell Hossa wanted that to be the one.

Too many moves Sammy......

OMG HOSSA!

5-on-3 neutralized. End of 1 1-0 Detroit 4-on-4 hockey to start the 2nd.

Lidstrom.......marry me.

WTF just happened? 5-on-3 coming.