NeverForgetMac25

IMHO, PIT gets the win tonight.

Which makes sense though too given that he's a natural forward. Its quite obvious he's not a defenseman because his shot selection and the subsequent placement of those shots at the point are second to almost anyone. As for the side he plays....it goes both ways. Obviously he can hold better playing the right wall, but you take away the one-timer in that situation.

I guess the bottom line is until Babs is willing to veer from the RH/LH combo he likes to use this is what we're going to see. I agree there are more effective players than Sammy in certain areas, but there's also plenty to be said about the RH/LH combo Sammy brings to the table and what it opens up. Nice debate.

Are we seriously going to take the goal that Stuart got and use that as evidence that he's already more effective? I can see someone arguing for Stuart if he had shot the puck and it deflected in but I wouldn't really think the goal that was scored yesterday would be evidence of "how much more effective" he is than Sammy. It's no shot on Stewie, just calling a spade a spade.

Not necessarily. While I agree its important to have guys on the point that can get the puck through to the goalie, its just as important to QB the forwards. Having a RH/LH combo not only helps set up the other Dman with a good shot (in this case Lids), but it gives you better passing options and holding capabilities. I agree this is an old problem for the Wings and they may be more capable of remedying the heavy shot aspect of the problem now, but until another RH'ed player that can fit the bill enters the Wings lineup, this is what its gonna be.

That's a whole different story though. Obviously, it doesn't do us any good when Sammy doesn't get the puck through, but its nice being able to have a LH/RH combo in Sammy and Lids to set up Nick's one-timer. That's the reason he's on the unit.

False It's not ideal, but it worked just fine during the regular season.

Again, the only reason he's there (and would/should get promoted) is because he's RH'ed. It's about options and being able to open up for the one-timer.

The PP is still clicking without Rafalski. My point is, why pin problems solely on Sammy when the PP isn't struggling and he isn't hindering it? No, he's not the perfect solution to the PP point, but his pairing with Kronwall was successful all season.

JF.....brilliant. :nonono: He did so well in TOR. I'm still waiting for the thread to pop up with Yzerman being listed as a GM candidate for another team. I don't think it'll be too long from now.

Game 1: 2/6, 33% Game 2: 1/3, 33% Total PP Success Rate: 3/9, 33% Whats wrong with those numbers? Sammy's increased workload hasn't hurt the PP unit one bit.

I used *your* numbers in my estimations....not the total PIM Downey attained. Even with that, your claims were incorrect. That's my point. Just because your numbers were *more* accurate doesn't mean they deserve credibility. Bottom line, you were both wrong...and to call someone an idiot when your numbers weren't correct either is pretty hypocritical.

Before you call Mike an idiot for using stats in his favor perhaps you should take a look in the mirror. *** Numbers calculated using Minor Penalties (2:00) only! *** Lidstrom: 40 PIM, 76 GP = 1 Penalty/3.80 Games Kopecky: 43 PIM, 77 GP = 1 Penalty/3.58 Games Lebda: 48 PIM, 78 GP = 1 Penalty/3.25 Games Draper: 65 PIM, 68 GP = 1 Penalty/2.09 Games Holmstrom: 59 PIM, 58 GP = 1 Penalty/1.96 Games Lilja: 93 PIM, 79 GP = 1 Penalty/1.70 Games (Skewed, just like Downey's initial total is due to fights) On top of this, you calculated Downey's numbers incorrectly because you went based on minutes, not penalties. Here's what it should look like: Downey: (Revised using *your* numbers): 38 PIM, 56GP = 1 Penalty/2.94 Games Bottom line, if were going to make statements about Downey's worth lets all try and use numbers that are accurate. Hell, my numbers probably aren't 100% accurate. Obviously, I didn't look at Lilja's majors or anyone elses but even still, Lidstrom, Kopecky and Lebda all had better penalty/game ratios based on the math *you* used.

Yeah....that's definitely something to be proud of. [/sarcasm] Disgusting cheapshot. If someone did that to Ozzie the uproar on LGW (including the enfocer-slappies) would be through the roof.

Finally...our forecheck and pressure have arrived.

Great clear by Z! Wow!

Unbelievable how strong the Ducks play behind our goal line. With their forecheck, our first pass has to be the best its been all season.

The Wings sure look tentative so far this game. There's no reason to be.

Then you and I are on the same page.....just took 5 or 6. BTW, I completely agree with you on Pang. I think he's a great analyst.

TBH, I think you're making too big of a deal out of this. Sammy has been one of the premier LGW whipping boys since he's been in Detroit, and I've seen enough posts to last a lifetime. Looks like I misunderstood your post...can't you see why with how the mass of LGW likes to rip #37?

Perhaps you weren't bashing Sammy, but from my perspective (and given the trend on LGW) can you not see why I assumed it was a bashing post? SAMMY! SKY IS FALLING!....generally not the most endearing comment.

I said the first one I *saw*, not the first one there *was*.

You should pay attention to *why* he plays the PP point. The guy earns his paycheck and people here still ***** because LGW needs its whipping boy. Looks like you just don't have realistic expectations based on salary.

Wings fans admit it....the Getzlaf line is no joke.

QFT