Wings_Toledo

Also, Markov has really started to show his age and I can imagine some of our speedier forwards having a field day against him. I just hope we can close out this series against Tampa and continue to play solid defense.

I thought he was solid in Game 1. Not so much in Game 2. I'm hoping having Abby back and possibly switching up the lines will generate more offense so Ericsson isn't defending in his own zone almost the entire game.

I just think they could get a bigger return for McDavid (or the #1) than some of their current forwards since every GM knows what they need. You know some team (Flyers... ahem) would pay a king's ransom for the chance to draft the next superstar.

They absolutely should trade the pick for pieces that they need. I know McDavid is supposed to be the next Crosby but they don't need another forward and this is a golden opportunity for them to do the smart thing. But... it's the Oilers, so...

I think the Wings can do it and I predict that they'll get it done in 6 games. Not having Abby will hurt (if he's still out on Thursday) but I trust this group of players to show up AND for Babcock to outcoach Tampa's head coach.

Honestly I don't think we've ever seen an era of the NHL where there were so many great goaltenders in the league at the same time. Save % has gone up every year since the first lockout and there were fewer penalties called this season than any in recent history. At least, if this source is correct: http://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/stats.html#stats::11

Could you imagine a team winning the Cup then getting the #1 overall pick? I don't think that outcome is fair either (unless from the result of a trade).

I think this team is better than last year's team that got manhandled by Boston. That being said, if the offense dries up again we can forget about making any kind of a run.

I like the look of those lines. That 4th line has the potential to be a great shutdown line.

Last game I went to (vs Oilers back in March) was a lot of fun and the crowd was really into it. Not sure what more you could want. At least we don't have that awful cannon like Columbus.

Until there is absolutely no doubt in the minds of management and fans that Mrazek is the #1 in Detroit then there's no way they can even think of trading Howard (unless Holland receives an offer too good to refuse). Mrazek is young and confident but when I watch him he looks like Howard did when he first came into the league: talented but prone to rookie mistakes. Howard, on the other hand, is now an experienced veteran who hasn't quite looked the same after a bad injury and needs to get some good bounces to regain his confidence. The shootout win last night could be the start of him turning it around.

Honestly I can't see them winning any of those games except the two against Carolina. Maybe a few OT losses as well but with the way the team is playing right now I'm not very optimistic.

I'd like to see Ericsson sit and bring in Marchenko. With the forwards I know Babcock will sit whoever he doesn't like but Weiss shouldn't be scratched every game and only play on the 4th when he finally gets a chance...

Or smart enough to know that if he comes back he's no longer tied to that ridiculous 2nd contract he signed with the Devils.

I wouldn't mind seeing him on a 1 or 2-year deal here. I know he kind of has a reputation of being lazy defensively but he can still score and has a rocket of a shot.

As long as McDavid and Eichel don't go to Edmonton or Toronto, I'll be happy. Neither of those organizations know how to develop young players and I actually want to see these guys play well and become stars instead of being handicapped by poorly run management.

Or, if Holland retires before then and whoever takes his place screws it up. I don't think that's very likely to happen but Holland may be gone before this whole situation plays out.

He may have already made up his mind. We don't know. I will say that he no longer seems to be as effective as he was 5-6 years ago so a change to Blashill might be for the best in the long run.

I say ride him until he starts losing (if that happens). Give Howard a short leash in the playoffs.

Crosby has really changed his behavior, eh?

Please put Glendening back on the 4th line so it's not completely worthless. Please...

Yeah, I just don't understand that decision at all. Glendening is an excellent 4th line center but doesn't belong anywhere in the top six.

Howard is fine, Gus is an injury-prone borderline NHL backup and Mrazek is a young, talented goaltender who needs to continue to get NHL experience. Our goalie situation doesn't worry me as much as the defense.

Team looks tired and uninterested. Not having Helm in the lineup also hurts; not only on the PK but he had some good chemistry with Datsyuk. Hopefully they actually try tomorrow since I'll be at the game.

This is a nice stop-gap trade until next season. I think he'll perform about as well as everyone expects (even if the Wings don't make it very far in the playoffs). I don't expect Zidlicky or Cole to be back next year with several RFAs needing new contracts. But, if they can move Weiss without taking on much salary in return there would be a shot at landing Green or another younger defenseman during FA.