Lou_Siffer

That is the exact definition of a 1 line team though. The 2nd line will get VERY little, Draper's been hot him but putting him with Downey and Drake he'll instantly cool, and the 4th line obviously will get you no goals whatsoever.

Cleary would be better than Hudler thats for damn sure. But, im trying to find a little more balance...as Holmstrom is better than Cleary. Its just hard to imagine that Z and D couldnt continue to do what theyre doing with Cleary instead Homer. I would at least try it, and if it didnt work then move it back to how it was. Its not like theyd all the sudden lose the cohesiveness forever.

I think Flip is capable at 2nd line center with the right wingers, Hudler is the problem. Having them both together is a disaster. Way too green like you said, and too soft. Honestly, although this has nothing to do with him being a first line talent, cause he's not 2nd liner either, but it would be interesting to see someone like even Cleary tossed up there with Zetterberg and Datsyuk. All he has to do is play gritty and drive the net, and he'd be fine. Then you're able to drop down Holmstrom to help Flip. None of this is a scenario i'd want ideally of course, but im working with whats there.

I actually forgot about the stupid instigator with less than 5 minutes rule. But still, sometimes sending a message that your team isnt going to take any s*** is worth risking a fine. Not that its my money of course... The fixation on Downey has alot to do with the desperation...also i think we all realize that he definitely has the ability to be more of an impact than Brad Norton couldve ever been. So we just wanna see him get an ample shot before sent down.

The deposit alone on those 6 bottles is worth more than Kopecky...done deal.

I remember saying it here near the end of last season when suggested, that Hudler and Filppula is a horrid combination for a second line that simply wont work. I recall drawing some ire for that statement. I think you almost have to move Holmstrom down with Flip, and find a 3rd guy for that line not named Jiri. The theory being that no matter who you put up with Zetterberg and Datsyuk he's probably going to fare well, so you're better off putting someone who's not as good as Holmstrom up there to try and even things out a little more.

Thinking about it I guess it probably has to do with the fact that the Wings arent capable of handling the retribution that might come, especially against the Ducks. It really has nothing to do with class, its that they cant do it! Ideally, with 5 minutes to go, you send Downey after Pronger. Thats what other teams would do after some of the things he's done to this team, most notably smashing Holmstrom in the playoffs. But if that were to happen, you'd have Getzlaf, May, Moen, Perry, Beauchemin, and the rest of the crew all looking for dance partners....and that would turn really ugly for Detroit. One reason why, even with Downey in the lineup, the Wings still need alot more team toughness imo. So imo the "class" argument is basically a cover-up word people use for a weakness in the toughness department. Downey and Drake is obviously a good start, but they still need more. Im not talking full fledged scrappers, but some bigger bodies who are at least capable of handling themselves from time to time.

Get ready for the "Red Wings are too classy to do that" typical response.

Nice to see Downey in, would be even nicer to see him in tonight! Although, after last night's game, its tough to say guys like Parros and May will be looking to fight tonight. Unless your David Koci fighting on back to back nights doesnt seem to happen all that often. Best bet is probably Moen, he'd be the underdog going in to Downey but he'd fight him if challenged. You're joking right? Ottawa wouldnt even think of trading away Neil for Samuelsson.

I guess im in the minority that thinks this is a no-brainer....its Zetterberg.

This post gelled together so nicely its the highlight of my day so far. Of course if theres one man who knows about hair gel...its gotta be Kjell Samuelsson.

You are right on that. There was no possible outcome to that fight that wouldve made me happy...thats why i hated it. If Liddell won...then whooptydo, if Jardine won...then Liddell had lost it and needs to retire. I agree that Jardine will get wasted by any top guy, so thats why him winning just doesnt do anything for me. So in that sensem the fight was pointless. He's a solid mid-card guy and thats it. Now dont get me wrong, from sheer entertainment perspective im sure it was a good fight to watch, but for a main even i want a bout where the result of the fight is very important. Silva/Franklin is coming up which is good, as well as an interesting fight between Vera and Sylvia. Thats the kinda fight that draws the most interest for me, a young gun with alot of potential who's unbeaten taking on a proven guy. Those are also my favorite types of hockey fights too, like when Koci took on Boogaard!

If Grigs isnt doing anything then its probably going to be Ryno with Downey being sent down. I dont even have to say what my reaction to that will be.

Sounds like you think the Wings are going to whip La Barbero. I thought they put this guy down?

So what are we saying...whenever Holmstrom scores he's just padding his stats?

haha that ones pretty brutal aint it?

My all time favorite! Seeing a young Brad May brings a tear to my eye

His hair? Last I heard Murphy's Brown.

Haha that hair actually totally fits you! You look like you belong in the Beatles or something.

McGrattan/Orr was awesome! Orr early, McGrattan late...but McGrattan definitely inflicted more in his half to get the W!

You had to know Cal would blow it eventually...if they do indeed lose. Boston College at #2 baby...i love it!!! I knew that $4.99 investment at Steve n Barry's for a BC t-shirt 4 years ago would pay off eventually! Ive worn it to work alot all year so its hilarious that i can actually talk trash with it on now.

I agree it was at its lowest, but still fairly high though as it had only been one down year after joining a new team. Its not out of the realm of possibilities at all that he could bounce right back up to his 28 goal form. Still just turned 24 years old. But whether or not Philly or Edmonton won that trade isnt really the point i was trying to make, it was just that the package of Smith and Lupul is far superior to the trade value Kronwall had at the time of the deal. I took your post as meaning had we offered Kronwall for Pitkanen that Philly wouldve taken that trade instead. If thats not the case then my fault!

Cleveland has always been one of the secondary teams i like after the Tigers. So i'm rooting for them. Cleveland vs Colorado is what im hoping for. If its Boston/Arizona, i will have no interest whatsoever and wont even watch it probably.

Didnt Jason Williams score on the Wings last season or no? Would anyone want him back? Hell no!

Yeah, i can see your point about wanting a "now" guy. Which makes it likely they would pursue a guy whos not an injury question mark and hasnt proved to this point that he's a 3 million dollar man. (not knocking Kronwall as i think he will turn out to be a solid #3 and worth that..but just sayin') I know Cole has had injury issues like you said, but they could definitely get more of a sure thing for him. I dont believe theres any prospect aside from Kindl we could use with Lebda to get Cole. He just doesnt have much value. Like Kp said, i know theres a 99%chance no trade would happen, but i like talking about trades anyway! (mostly just to critique people's proposals )