Yemack

watching this game makes me certain that Blackhawks is going to be a real threat for us for a long time

Ive read whole posts before but reading em again it seems like your argument is that Datsyuk is less effective and we need him to be more productive when going gets tough So naturally some people are going to think - Wrong, Datsyuk is NOT strugglin at all he is playing very dominantly. Your argument has some points but when I watch the game I never EVER think that Datsyuk is struggling at all. Maybe I used somewhat strong expression about 'watching the games' and all but it wasn't really directed specifically at you, more like general people who might think otherwise so dont take it so personally. besides you seem to have no problem using strong expression to different opinions so I dont know whats the big deal? lets just enjoy hawks game and argue over mindless things again.

I don't know how anyone can say Datsyuk is 'saggin'? Are you even watching the games at all? IMO he has been THE most dominant offensive player. Z has more points but Dat has been just a beast.

yeah kopecky played a great game.

I think it is going to be a close game. maybe 2-1 Det win from Rafalski and Cleary GO WINGS!

- If you had to replace one Russian Five player for Pavel Datsyuk to play on that line, who would it be? Kozlov - If Chris Chelios retired before he went to Detroit, would he still be deserving of the HOF (You know that's where he'll be)? Not many americans in HOF so most def yes - Is Sergei Fedorov a definite top 5 for all time TWO WAY PLAYER? Ive only watched hockey from 1993, but among the players ive seen, he was def. top 5. - Number 9 is probably the most legendary number in NHL history, therefore who is more responsible for this, Maurice Richard or Gordie Howe? I don't know if anyone is going to say Richard in Red Wings forum - If... sorry... WHEN the Wings win the cup in '08, who should Lidstrom hand it to first? if he is willing, I'll be there with my skates on.. surely that would be something to remember - Henrik Zetterberg is on pace for 137 points, how close will he be from actually accomplishing this feat? I dont like stats.. but I will say I would be somewhat disappointed if Henrik doesn't get past century mark - If Igor Larionov and Pavel Datsyuk played together, who would be the goal scorer and who would be the playmaker? Datsyuk has amazing shot. I think he would have evolved into more of a scorer - Zetterberg re-signing with Detroit when he becomes UFA is highly likely... How much will he sign for? maybe mid 7 - Rafalski or Schneider? we were more dangerous with Schneider but we are more balanced with Ralfaski. I would say Rafalski because he lets us play to our strength more. - Out of every player on the Red Wings roster, which one is likely to troll LGW from time to time? um... I can't imagine anyone else than Chelios

Well... whether you are playing in 80s or 70s or in 2030, the best defense is air tight defense. I agree somewhat that there is less incentive to 'win' every game during the season but right now the strategy that prioritizes on defense is the best tactic out there. Every team wants to be the winner and win Stanley cup every year. Why wouldn't teams use the best available and most efficient strategy just because there is less incentive to win? I would bet that nobody is happy just being a loser. Beside I wouldn't call current Red Wings strategy purely a defensive strategy. We generate so many offense from our blueliners and everybody is chipping in on offence and defense. I would call it 'Total Hockey' strategy similar to 'Total Soccer' from European Football. This isn't 1980s anymore. Technical aspects of the game are infinitely better now. Also goalies are almost invincible compared to 80s and before. The Game has evolved ever since 94-95 Devil's Cup run and the result is what we are seeing now. I don't think it has much to do with 30 teams or 21 teams

he was never the same after 'the hit' but in his prime, hell.. I would choose Lindros over Zetterberg + holstrom without giving a second thought

I don't know about that. Even though the Ducks have struggled so far this season, I still see them as number 1 threat to our cup run this season because there is a chance that Niedermayer might come back. I watched their last game against phoenix, they played very very well. Schneider looks to be a very good addition to Ducks. Granted most teams play well against coyotes but my guess is that Ducks will come around even without Niedermayer. They might need secondary scoring source tho. As for Schneider, we all knew he can put the puck in the net but he makes really bad mistake sometimes that leads to goal. I saw him having too defensive lapses in Toronto so I was never that thrilled that he signed with Wings to begin with. Overall Rafalski > Schneider especially in our system with Nick

I'm sure you know this already but we play a lot more tactical games compared to eastern teams. So maybe that's why there isn't much drama happening during regular season games. Part of the reason why ppl don't come to Joe is that we play too much divisional games. This year it looks to be very competitive but it sure as hell made people think twice before buying season ticket.

just thinking about hanta yo hoopla makes me laughing rolling on the floor.

wow great job, was kinda looking for something like this actually. when i had a quick look at the schedule before this season for ordering Center Ice package, I was wondering if it's gonna be worth it, seeing so many games against 'lowly' central division teams. Now with emergence of Chicago, St. L and Columbus I think I made a good decision. Nashville can rot in hell for all i care.

youtube at Really hope that it is nothing serious

I wouldn't mess with winning combination but realistically Downey seems like the odd man out, at least against Vancouver. Which is too bad It is just really hard to make this team now given almost everyone is playing well. I also somewhat agree that Hudler needs to pick up his pace or his already small ice time will diminish even more.

well what can i say other than what's been already said We just totally stream rolled them

other than somewhat strange call against Thorton at the end, It was a good period

tonight is Filp's Night alright

wow kepecky is really putting a case for himself

Seeing how Leafs are basement dweller for this season and next, they are gonna get Tavares eventually.

I think last night's game against nucks showed Ellis and Downey's upper limit of hockey sense. Yes they work extremely hard and bring many positive things for Wings but it looks like Both are playing in their own playoff series to make the team. I don't know how much more they can offer us other than what both of them showed so far. And Downey's lack of skill and sense were a cause to some dangerous situations for us. In a playoff, against a very tough opponents, his mistake might become very costly thing for us . Anyway I would say if anyone deserves a spot on our roster. It's certainly Ellis. As for Downey I wonder if we can send him to Europe during offseason for stickhandle training like McCarty. Ellis-Kopecky-Downey We might have another grindline coming if Downey gets some skill and sense injected to him.

I woulda been disappointed if he was coming to Detroit actually We barely have enough time to distribute among current players who are going to help us for a long time

From what I've read and heard, coach was aware of extra attention before this incidents. I'm sure our GM and owner are in talk with NHL so that they don't screw us again. We getting screwed on schedule and travel. Not another crap like this!

Chicago is third lasrgest US city and NHL needs big market like Chicago to flourish A good news for all hockey fans I would say. Although part of me worroies that they are gonna give us real hard time when Lidstrom retires

I don't know if there is another topic going on about this but what the heck OK it seems people are taking interests in Grig and Downey but what about Ellis? Given very limited role I think he passed coach's expectation with flying color. (and mine too) Do you think this guy deserves a regular spot on this team? I sure Do but again we have quite a few promising prospects and Ellis has some competition among veterans as well (Drake). I would guess that if he were on the other lesser teams he would have made pretty solid 3rd line player right away. Also I dont know why but, Ellis reminds of Quincey last year. some what lanky dudes both of them, but dependable and make safe plays. So what do you guys think? did he earn his privillage or is he just a dependable backup player? I would say at least that his fine plays and good hustle put some pressure on Franzen, Drake and Kopecky

non Wings? Joe Thorton you don't contain Big Joe and IMO he is 50% of Sharks edit: er.. nvm didnt read original post