Wings_Toledo

This is exactly why Tootoo needs to be up with this team.

He just needs to be better than Filppula, which he hasn't even come close to doing so far this season. I think even getting 20 points out of Weiss would be a stretch at this point. Neither player is worth $5 mil/year for 5 years, but at least Filppula did something while he was here.

He put up 66 points in the Red Wings system, right? So, yes we do know he's capable of putting up 50 points here. Weiss has 5 years to try to put up similar numbers to the center that he was brought in to replace (Filppula). So far, he's on pace to completely fail in that regard. I realize that Weiss is playing on the 4th line, and not the 2nd or 3rd as Filppula often did, but he also hasn't shown the offensive ability to be in the top six.

In a way, I'm kind of glad that Thornton went after Orpik like that. The Penguins get away with far too many dirty plays that sometimes cause serious injuries. Thornton went too far with the repeated blows to the head after Orpik went down, but message sent. No one likes to see anyone get hurt like that, though. Neal should get the same suspension because his knee to the head was just flat out disgusting and targeting a player who was already down as well.

I would have rather kept Filppula at this point, considering their contracts are nearly identical. At least we KNOW he can put up 50 points in this system. I'm very curious to see what happens with Weiss. I don't think Holland will buy him out, but something will have to be done in the offseason to make sure he either lives up to his contract or gets moved to a team that fits.

I think the Wings have a couple of guys in the system capable of filling that #4 spot, but they won't be ready for the job for a few years. IMO, this is why Holland seems unwilling to part with prospects for a top D-man in a trade. It's hard, but as fans we're probably just going to have to be patient and the roster will work itself out. Not this season, but I'm thinking 2 years from now. Edit: Sorry if this post is off-topic. Ericsson's contract actually seems below market value for a top 4 defenseman.

He's pretty bad. I'd rather see Ouellet or Almquist get some experience and send him down to try to get his game in order. That is, if the cap situation would allow it.

That's a play that a veteran defenseman like Quincey should KNOW not to make. I thought for sure he was going to flip the puck back up the boards like Mickey said. I think he needs to sit for a few games once E comes back...

Kyle Quincey, everyone...

Wouldn't it stand to reason that Jurco would have an equally talented (if not Nyquist) player doing the same for him in the NHL? I think he has the skill to become a Datsyuk Lite but he definitely needs to work on his skating and positioning.

Is it just me or does it seem like Samuelsson now KNOWS that his shots are practically worthless so he just opts to pass at every opportunity? The Logo Hunter looks alright as a setup guy on the 4th line, but that's about it.

Kindl has had a very strong game tonight. The goal, lots of good shots and offensive plays and some solid D in his own end. I'm liking this guy on the 2nd pairing more and more.

I can't help but feel bad for Alfie. He deserves much better linemates than what he has...

Welcome back Helm!!!!!

Ericsson will be missed, but is anyone else just absolutely blown away by DeKeyser right now? The kid hasn't even played half of an NHL season and looks like a top-pairing guy already. What an incredible signing.

Love that we'll finally be getting Helm back, but hate that it's at the expense of Tootoo. Why can't Samuelsson just have an "accident" sometime this week?

Another example of why they shouldn't have drafted Yakupov in the first place. Although, if he fetches them a solid goaltender or defenseman then at least they got value out of him.

I don't know, I kind of feel bad for the guy. He has a great sense of humor and has put up with a lot in terms of Vancouver management. He's still a good goalie (not really "elite" anymore) but his contract and playing for a Canadian team have really put him in a rough spot.

Awesome stuff. Can't believe you managed to collect that many Yzerman cards. I found all of my old NHL cards from back in the day about a year ago and it's funny seeing rookie cards for guys who ended up being stars in the league.

He's a little better skater and better defensively with his stick than Emmerton. Also fights through checks and seems to have pretty good positioning instincts. Glendening's game will get better, especially if/when Helm returns and Luke stays in the lineup (which I'm hoping would happen, but we all know he'll be scratched for Samuelsson, Eaves, etc).

If Hertl were Canadian, Cherry wouldn't even have commented on that goal. His xenophobia gets viewers, I suppose, but CBC should be done with Don Cherry. He's basically the Bill O'Reilly of hockey at this point.

Can you imagine a PK pairing of Glendening and Helm? That would be dangerous.

Not real confident in that 3rd line, but I guess we'll see how it pans out. I'm assuming that Babcock will change up the lines on the fly if things aren't working.

I look at Mantha as Franzen's replacement, but with way more potential. Hopefully he can make the transition to the AHL when he turns 20 and get on the fast track to the Wings. Happy about this signing, even though it was pretty much expected.

It's the first game of the season. Of course Brunner is pumped up and wants to impress his new teammates, coach and fans. Let's see how many goals he has after the 41-game mark. He's a good player but he moved on and the Wings are really no worse of a team without him.