NeverForgetMac25

I don't hope to play anyone (and this is meant with no ill-will) but the Avs are one of the playoff contention teams I *fear* the least.

Wow people.....its not as if the Wings are changing their team name, logo and colors to match the Rags. They're just saluting the crowd and thanking them for showing support. If the crowd is there and does their part I see nothing wrong with the players recognizing it and throwing a shout out to them. Edit: (Kelsey) Grammar

While this is in no defense of Candaian Wings, I would assume he's referring to the way Soccer Clubs salute their home crowd after a game in Europe. It's pretty common (thanks to my little brother, I actually know that--thanks Greg).

I'll take TSN over ESPN or NHL.com any day.

I agree that Lids losing his footing may have changed the hit, because I don't really see Laperierre as that type of player either. That being said, it still happened and Downey did the right thing in standing up for Lids. Like you (and Downey) said, a message needs to be sent right away that any big hit on our big guns won't be tolerated. If it does nothing else, it atleast makes people think twice before laying a huge hit on guys like Lids who are essential to the Wings success.

What else is new? Exactly. You can't completely neglect the follow through either. I totally agree that the forearm/elbow on the initial hit was 100% clean, but the glove/hand rode up high as the hit progressed.

I could see that, but now we're really splitting hairs. All I'm saying is I can see why some people are upset, and that some people are going overboard with this. The location of the elbow/forearm was clean (and as you described it), but the follow through and location of the glove/hand on the initial hit is what people are probably upset about.

I completely agree. Laperriere even said after the game that he has a ton of respect for Lidstrom, and I truly believe he didn't mean to go high on Lids. Unfortunately, regardless of the way he was trying to hit Lids, the replay shows that the end location of the elbow/forearm was high (thus causing the reaction). You wouldn't know it, but I'm agreeing with you.

I agree that a huge double standard exists on this board when it comes to things like this, but I think the reason people are upset is because of where Laperriere's elbow and forearm were on the hit. It wasn't as high as the Pronger/Holmstrom hit of last years playoffs, but I think that's what people are upset about. That being said I can understand an argument from both sides. If Ian drops his elbow by 6 inches, there would be no argument for anyone to make as it would have been 100% clean, rather it would just be unfortunate for the Wings. Where I agree with you completely Toby, is that even if Laperriere's elbow/forearm had hit Lidstrom in the chest, a good amount of people here would still be screaming "bloody murder".

Downey did exactly what he was supposed to last night. Also, I so badly want a transcript of what Babs and Granato said to each other. I find that stuff to be so interesting (like when Scotty told Crawford that he's known his dad since before he was born, and he didn't think he'd be too proud of the way his son was acting at that time--Priceless). Edit: (Tori) Spelling

Correct, but I still think "Pasha" sounds lame. I'll stick with Dats.

Items being discussed: 1 min penalties during regular season OT Stupid. A penalty is a penalty and a player should serve 2:00. It was the league's decision to drop from 5-on-5 to 4-on-4 to create more scoring opportunities in OT, so why change the length of an infraction simply because teams are skating a man down. If anything, Refs just need to be more consistent with their calls once the final couple minutes of regulation come. carry-over suspensions No objections from me. I'm for it. high-sticking penalties and whether it should remain an automatic four-minute penalty for drawing blood I'd want to hear the terms behind this, but I think the rule is great the way its set up. instigator Get rid of it. retaining salary in trades I don't see how anyone can have an opinion on this before hearing all facets of the proposal. Too many provisions would be in place for me to even debate it right now. The growing trend of NCAA players leaving school early to sign with NHL teams Ok the status of the IIHF-NHL player transfer agreement You'd think by now this would be old news with the loophole, but it would be nice to get some closure for not only the Russian players leaving for the NHL, but the RSL as well. examining the NHL Players' Association's idea of an 84-game schedule If it'll bring balance to the schedule, I'm all for it. There's a reason the cap continues to rise and having as many games as the NHL currently does is a big part of that. People may want to cut the amount of games because of the lengthy season, but its deeply needed for revenue. moving the start of free agency to July 6 or July 7 instead of July 1 when it's a national holiday in Canada I can understand that. League, go nuts. the idea that players who are traded near the trade deadline cannot re-join his old team for a minimum of one year Absolutely 100% for this rule to be added. NTC's will become even more important to players if this happens. whether hand passes should be disallowed in the defensive zone Don't touch this rule. It should absolutely stay. whether breaking a stick on a player should be an automatic slashing penalty IMO this should go. It should be at the refs discretion. ice conditions around the league Meaning more money from the revenue big dogs will pay for the poor ice due to southern conditions. Understandable, but it'll obviously hurt the league's bottom line. The size of goalie equipment and bigger nets Goalie equipment: Reduce Away. Nets: Leave 'em alone. five shooters instead of three during shootouts A gimmick's a gimmick no matter how you slice it........whatever. whether a player that was still in the penalty box at the end of overtime should be ineligible for the shootout I agree a player in the box shouldn't be eligible for the SO.

QFT Z, Dats and Draper will all wear the "A" until Lids returns.

Which also he did nothing wrong on that play. His back end Dman has gotta take away that open look to Z or the guy directly on Dats has got to be in front of the pass. Neither one did what they were supposed to and Dats made them pay.

99% of the time its got Z or Lids in it. That'll help people remember its me.

His last two assists were things of beauty. Perfect execution passing on a 5-on-3 and his vision and timing on that last goal made Theodore look foolish.

Chelios?

Shutout! Lids....get better......quick.

I think it was from the ESPY's.

SOG - 35 to 14 in favor of Detroit.........that's Red Wing Hockey

Until Kronwall, Rafalski and Lids are all back, I'd love to see him replace Sammy on that second unit. Maybe even permanently if Lebda is moved at the deadline.

But that doesn't mean he wasn't initially woozy because of the big hit. That happens, and I'm hoping its the case here.

Deja Vu?

Honestly, I couldn't agree with him more. Fighting in the game keeps the "crap" minimized.