achildr1

This is exactly what I what thinking. Just got this sweater for Christmas and was thinking that the Wings would probably go this route because I can't really see them creating anything new and we've kind of exhausted our other options from the Wings past. I think they'll do this and if they change anything they should make it a lace up.

LMBO. I'm proud to say that my first NHL game was the game Homer scored his first NHL goal. I believe it was November 1996, 5-1 win over the Sharks. The goal was originally given to Doug Brown. I was 10. My second, and only other game that season, was Federov's 5 goal game against Washington. Good times!

Joe Thornton is a joke. One more reason San Jose chokes every year. When Boston traded him, I thought they got majorly hosed in the deal. Now, if you follow the players Boston received and take into account the level of tool that Thornton is...Boston clearly won. And they just won the Cup, something SJ has supposed to have done within the last 10 years.

Exactly. Toronto people just think that the NHL would die without the Leafs. The truth is that they're the only ones that would die without the Leafs. Habs and Wings rule road game attendance. Id assume the other teams that have road following are because the NHL hyped their stars out of control and all the 6 year olds and their parents go to watch Crosby draw pictures in the press box.

Ditto.

I could shed tears of shame for Holland thinking that was ever possible. I'd like to think Gomez wouldn't have had his historic meltdown if he had played with us though. This and the Yzerman to Ottawa near deals are sickening.

I'm glad we didn't trade for Burns because of what it cost and we got White but White replaced a player of similar ability. Burns, a top league defenseman, was added for one roster player for this year, a 2nd line forward...major upgrade. San Jose needs to do that trade more than us because third time is going to end soon. But the lesson remains the same, for this season, San Jose made a major addition and we may have stayed the same. And they beat us the last two years, stands to reason they have an even better chance to do the same this play-off. My whole point in my posts in this thread is that this is the same team that's played with little passion the last two years with consistent effort being shown by only a few and I don't really see how we're going to beat teams with more depth that seem to play like they really couldn't live with losing. Against SJ last year, we played like it wouldn't be a big deal if we lost the series. Thus, like this thread is all about, I think we need to make some deals.

I honestly don't have the time or energy to through all id like to right now but I will say this. Team defense, and consistant offense, was the main reason we won in '08. I think you missed, or didn't care to look at, how I said that a large portion of the team hadn't won yet. To me that's a huge reason. Zetterberg, Fil, Kronwall, etc hadn't won a Cup yet and id bet that is a huge deal in terms of that extra drive to win. I don't care how "close" that San Jose series was. We lost the first three games and it was obvious we didn't turn on the jets until game 4. If anyone wants to say the Wings, as a team, put up a consistant effort over the last two play-off years...I would think you watching a different team. Datsyuk, Helm, and Howard were the only players that I thought busted it every game. Kronwall and Fil were close. Lidstrom actually showed his age. If success was measured by the Conference finals than we wouldn't even be having this conversation. Were Cup or bust and our numbers this season mean nothing (other than qualifying for the playoffs). Remember 95-96? I bet 4 people thought we'd lose that year. I admittingly haven't watched a ton of games this year, but what I have watched, Ericsson has been his normal, hockey senseless self. Even if he's improved he still earns about 1/3 of his contract. How many of our players are getting better versus how many aren't or are regressing? Fil has gotten better but Zetterberg is playing maybe his worse hockey ever. Hudler is better but does he keep it up in the play-off when everybody is attacking at 110%? Miller is a little bit better but Helm isn't producing as much. Etc. I would suggest White's upside, aside from the possibility of physical contribution, is at best right around what Rafalski brought and even if he brought a bit more its not like adding Brent Burns (without subtracting!). The fact is San Jose has beat us the last two years, in the playoffs (because the regular season doesn't matter), and they went out and upgraded. I don't see the big change in our team from last year and therefore dont see why we should think that this team doesn't need an upgrade with a hungry, gritty player and/or a real 2nd line winger. I imagine there's a reason we've been linked to Moen and Ruutu. I know we're a real roller coaster group but remember how we felt, and posted, before game 4 last year? I do.

This is essentially the same team that's been less than motivates to win in the playoffs the last two years. St. Louis got Hitcock and Elliot, SJ got another #1 defenseman and replace the His Heartlessness Dany Heatley, Chicago has more depth on offense and defense and Toews, Kane, and Leddy are just gonna keep getting better, Nashville plays like they want to win every game. We replaced Brian Rafalski with a player who, even in a career year, is arguably not as good as Rafalski. Our other addition is a borderline 6th defenseman, who is a terrible fighter and and even more terrible skater in Commodore. Zetterberg is playing like he's 40, Bertuzzi is not a top six forward, our bottom six forwards have the least potential for offense of any Wings team in 15 years, our backup goalie may be the worst goalie in the league right now. Cleary, Helm, Holmstrom have all regressed. Ericsson is as horrible as ever. Pittsburgh just won 9 in a row with an AHL roster...but do you think that'll happen in the playoffs? If regular season success meant anything San Jose would be a dynasty. Its almost a given that they will choke but they have ousted us the last two years with what I thought was beatable play. We only play when we want and the last two years we turn it on too late. Every year we've won the Cup we've had a reason and drive. '97-Duh, 52 years, '98-Konstantinov, '02- Maybe the best team ever (Robitaille and Duschene), '08-Dallas Drake, Cleary, most the players hadn't won. Now? You get the picture. I believe, because I've seen it for 15 years, that the Wings always have a chance and better than most teams. But only when they play like they really want it and we don't do that consistantly anymore.

This team isnt built to win the Cup and I hope they recognise that and don't dole out some lame excuse this year for not making the move to put us in a prime position. If I'm Lidstrom I'm going to be offended if Holland doenst try to go for it. Not to mention, I've never seen our farm system so chock full of talent, we could truly make a big deal without gutting the future. I think we need to go after a 2nd line forward. Someone who will replace and be an upgrade over the Todd. Ruutu is a good target other than his injury history and the current status of his price tag. The real dilemma is Lidstroms status tho. If were going to send some prospects packaging, it should probably be for a defender. Our unwillingness to pay market price in free agency means we'll probably go the trade route for a good player and that's where we should spend our assets. I believe in Holland's ability to fill our forward spot without spending too much tho, so we'll see.

I think the better question is, are you serious?

Lol. Me too. I've played in from of plenty of people and most the people I love and I'm very thankful for it but that would still be awesome. I posted this video on FB a couple days ago, was thrilled to see it. I imagine a bunch of grown Canadian men cried some big horse tears.

You had me with how much Nyquist and Smith mean but fell off big at what Nash is worth. Our 1st are basically 2nd because they're so late and Almquist may never be NHL material let alone good. I think Holland would trade Nyquist for Nash but not Smith. I think he'd do Nyquist + Ericsson+Andersson+1st and that's about double value of your proposal and I'm not even sure Columbus would agree to that.

Nonsense. Ever heard Jeff Carter talk or listened to any of the crap that he's suppossedly said or did. Guy isn't a Red Wing, period. His contract is terrible for us. Rick Nash is an absolute force and put on a team where he doesn't have so much responsibility and he's paired with better players, he could be exactly what we need. No offense, but I can't believe your serious. This is a terrible deal for Columbus. A Superstar talent for our spare parts doesn't even work on NHL 12. If you used the Kovalchuk deal as a basis it would look more like... Filppula, Ericsson, Mrazek, 1st (If Columbus won) Nyquist, Ericsson, McCullom 1st (If we won) Although it can be argued that if we get rid of Ericason we will win either way!

Let's get one thing straight, Henrik Zetterberg is not and should not even be compared to Steve Yzerman. At very best, Zetterberg is a poor man's Yzerman. Also, Zata is a good player but at this point I've come to realize that I shouldn't expect elite level production offensively and at his age and history, I should. There is definetly something wrong with him this season, but I think it may be more than that. I don't think this guy is as good as we make him out to be. I've seen him at the top of his game and it was a long time ago. Dude is invisible out there, a lot. He looks like a 2nd line player out there right now, at best. His favorite move, does it like 3 times a game, is to get the puck at the blueline and skate behind the net while fending off a defender to the other blueline and end up doing nothing with the puck. One person compared him to Bertuzzi yesterday and I thought that was appropriate, obviously more skilled at this point but I wouldn't be surprised if at Bertizzi's age his offensive production was the same. Not good for that contract. I think over the last four years we've watched Datsyuk's game get much better and Hank's deteriorate and I'm interested to see how the Wings handle it. I also don't get the super leadership vibe from him like Yzerman. He doesn't seem as humble and mentally focused as Steve did. Don't get me wrong, the guy isn't lazy and he definetly is a competitor. I'm wondering at this point though, what kind of offensive player will he be? We have tons of defensive minded players and can spare more than one but its elite level offense that we need. Especially when Lidstrom goes, because I think more offense is created through him than most people know. With his contract, Zetterberg needs to be a point per game or better for the next 6-7 years, and I highly doubt that will be the case. I'm not saying to do it and with all he's given the Wings we should be patient but I think other teams believe he's worth more than he actually is and I imagine a trade involving him could produce Lidstroms replacement, which is more important to the Wings than Zetterberg. This is highly unlikely, because its interdivisional, but if Zetterberg could land you Weber or Suter, would you do it? I would, in a minute. Nashville needs offense with a good contract and Detroit should be desperate for one of those two players. It's Hossa for Heatly esque, a win win.

If I was NHL czar and had more influence than I should... Pheonix moves to Hamilton, becomes Hamilton Tigers. (early NHL franchise) Panthers move to Quebec, become Quebec Nordiques NHL adopts the proposed four division set up. Ottawa makes heritage Jersey thier home jersey and designs similar jersey for away. San Jose returns to something not so horrifically bad. Dallas scraps the college look and returns to original jerseys. If they move, go to Seattle. Nashville scraps and burns their new look and returns to originals. Colorado returns to originals. Anahiem, NYI, scrap third jerseys. Columbus makes home and aways like those thirds. Carolina scraps toilet bowl logo and bases new look on the third jersey logo. Gary Bettman is fired, rehired, then fired again to make my point loud and clear. NHL Cap is set at 50 million and floor is 35. Those numbers don't change until next CBA. Player salaries are based on a system of ranking types and statistical analysis so Wade Redden's contract won't sink a franchise...because their will be no "burying" contracts. This is to put a stop to GM's inflating player salaries. Contracts will have a maximum length of 5-7 years. With a possible exemption for 1 franchise player. No touch icing will be instilled. Fighting will remain a part of the game, although any staged fights or players who play less than 5 minutes a night with the sole purpose of fighting will be prohibited. A committee will oversee player discipline and clear gidelines for it will be established. Several camera's at optimal positions will be installed in the goal posts for the fool proofing of goal calling. Toronto will no longer get to make stuff up. A goal will never allowed to be called or refuted on the ice if their is video evidence showing the opposite outcome. The ice surface will be 5 feet wider on each side to make a compromise between international ane North American rinks that will allow for more skating and skill while reducing the amount of dangerous board play that is starting to decimate player health in the league. The Winter Classic will become the center piece for league marketing for non-traditional fans. The All star weekend will be abolished and become part of the Winter Classic Weekend. Instead of two all star teams, the Stanley Cup winning team from the prior year will play a team comprised of all star players selected by coaches, GM's, and players. An emphasis on that years performance would be made. The game would count for something. The "all star" game would be played the day before the Winter Classic, along with the Alumni game. Preferably all on that years outdoor rink. Programming on the network in which it was televised would be hockey centered (history, 24/7, NHL 36, etc..) for either the whole weekend or the entire day of the Winter Classic. Like the Super bowl of hockey. There would be an award for Best Defensive Defenseman. The Stanley Cup would no longer be given by the commissioner but would be awarded by a person chosen by the winning team. A former star player, management, etc. To be continued... What would you want?

Here's your reality pill for the morning... The shoot-out is a good thing. I'm a hockey traditionalist and some of the ways hockey is going bothers me. I found the Dead Puck Era to be very entertaining and I thought it better represented who was good and who wasn't. That said, I like that our game is attracting more fans now and I believe the shoot-out is a marketing must have for the league. Casual fans stand up for only a few things...a goal, penalty shot/breakaway, a big hit, and a fight. We are in danger of losing the last of those and it stands to be a huge blow to the identity of the game. Also players are having to be much more careful about hitting and that may start to be a lost area of the game The shoot-out makes the chances of seeing "breakaways/penalty" shots or big savesmuch more likely in a game. It also allows the leagues best players to show the skill level and creativity that is unique to our game. Fans can than identify better with individuals which I imagine can only help the game's popularity. If anything, they actually need to extend the shoot-out to five guys aside. I think three makes it almost impossible to go down and get back in it. If they want to try and end it before the shoot-out, go 3 on 3 in OT.

You know the posts/beams on the concourse level in the Joe with all the random.players on it? They should honor those guys on them. Put up a picture but also put up their career stats, a large font number of thier jersey number, and a bio and don't put a trash can underneath or around it. Then say something like "these are the guys who have supported (get it Lol) this franchise in its brightest days".

The only thing I remember reading about anyone being truely unhappy with the Wings was Curtis Joseph after we apparently treated him like crap. I think he said something to the effect that his years in Detroit were the worst of his career.

I considered going back to wood sticks, I think that may be beneficial. I would be totally fine with NJ moving as well. If they can't make it after winning as much as they have the last 15 years, they need to go somewhere else. Maybe the Islanders could have a few more fans if that happened. This is extremely far fetched, but I wonder how a team in Windsor would do? That would be awesome for a rivalry with Detroit. And Southern Ontario could probably support a team even in a super small market like Windsor.

You must be having Back to the Future dreams of Anderson Eriksson because Jonathan is a capital pylon in the playoffs too, and its easier to notice because the games really count. In a huge overtime situation against SJ last year Ericsson went all hunter orange, road construction pylon and showed just how little hockey sense and physical presence he actually has. If he had a clue how to play hockey that play wouldn't have happened like the Sharks were playing a roller hockey match against a '93 girls travel hockey team from Troy. He's useless, and not only useless, he's a huge liability.

Please, please, please let us get Morrow. Please let Dallas think Ericsson is worth something so he can be part of the package.

Yep, except he can still score, unlike Drake at that time. I've never really liked us playing against Morrow, but that's a compliment to him. I just had a big debate with someone recently about the toughness level of the new NHL that started with me saying how much I like Brendan Morrow as a player. I would be ecstatic to get him, he brings so much of what we need. Get er done Kenny!

Kindl is ok. Ericsson has like zero hockey sense and even less confidence. I'm still blown away that Holland extended that pylon.

They need to pull Howie. He looks off his groove. Timing is off.