Cruiser008

that pretty much says it.... this game was a coach's worst nightmare.

Well that..... kinda sucked. Granted Staal is 6'4", 220 and uber-talented, but until we tighten up defensively this team shall be renamed the etroit Red Wings. I'd like to think we did our best to attract the fans on VS though, to a... ya know, promote the great game of hockey.

I like what I've seen so far. Keep up the tempo!

This works GREAT. Thanks!

Boston is definitely interested. However this article really provides some optimism. http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/ce..._into_a_u_turn/

Thanks I lol'ed at this.

This deal could blow up in Detroit's face but at least we did something that has be potential to bring us back to the promised land because there was no hunger in the past two playoffs.

LOL

ROFL!

Just got in..... the best defensive team last year has allowed 5 goals!?! (and this is after allowing 14 goals in the past 4 games)

Just picked him up a couple days before the 5pt night. Oh YEAH!

If he waits long enough wouldn't a contender be able to fit him in under the salary cup if he does decide to come back?

Great read. Thanks for sharing!

Given that Flip is still just 24 it's not unreasonable to expect steady improvement over the next 5 years (barring injuries). If you break out the 5 years like this: 08-09: 2 mil 09-10: 2.5 mil 10-11: 3 mil 11-12: 3.5 mil 12-13: 4 mil then it's easy to see that the Wings are getting a guy who projects as in ideal 2nd line center for good bargain for each of the 5 years. Of course it means that we're in pretty tight next year (*cough* good-bye Lilja *cough*) but long term this is a great signing.

Ovie rocks. Nice article.

Yes it will However I highly doubt we'll lose in the finals. The playoffs for Detroit are usually boom/bust. We're much more likely to lose in the 1st round than in the finals (although next year I see the WCF as our biggest test if we make it that far).

I'm gonna do it for the entire playoffs instead. 5) Filppula's goal in Game 1 of the SCF: Bobby Orr would be proud 4) Zetterberg outworking 3 stars to feed the puck to Datsyuk for his hat trick in Game 3 of the WCF: The dynamic duo at their best 3) Franzen's OT winner in Game 5 against Nashville: I think we all breathed a sign a relief there. 2) Zetterberg's goal in Game 4 against Colorado: Just a sick goal 1) Zetterberg tying up Crosby's stick during the 5 on 3 in game 4 of the SCF: Total ownage!

No; RFA compensation is based on the yearly amount, so Detroit would only get a 2nd rounder. Of course all this is a moot point right now because we haven't heard any legitimate sources yet

Dr. Cox is narrating the Wings Championship DVD? AWESOME!! That would be pretty sweet. I always thought Cheli was kinda like Dr. Cox.... grizzled, snarky and generally an unpleasent guy to deal with at work, but a good guy nonetheless.

Since djohns74 is so humble I'll do the honour of linking the thread that tells the story of how this all went down. Zetterberg just left my office. I guess at the time you couldn't give all the details due to confidentiality and stuff? Pretty cool story for sure!

Wow that guest list to Cheli's party could definitely rival many of the Hollywood's celebrity galas.

My favourite reactions to this signing from fans (of the other 29 teams) from other hockey forums: And finally, on Hossa supposedly backstabbing Crosby and the Pens..........

#81?

We've had biggest offseason splashes in years past but I gotta say this was the MOST shocking (and awesome) offseason move that I can remember. I didn't check the forums 'cause I was SURE we were done after yesterday and when my buddy MSN'ed during lunch I was just like holy s***!