Zetts

I can't speak for the US, but I would disagree that Canada does that. I played hockey pretty much my whole life, and skill was a pretty big focus. I think the skill on Canada's roster shows that skill is important too. Personally I didn't have anything against the United States' team until I saw this thread. The number of people here saying that they want Canada to go down in flames? I'll laugh that much harder when the US doesn't win a single game. Canada's taking home gold. As far as non-Canadian teams, I'll be cheering for Russia (unless/until they play Canada). They'll be a lot of fun to watch.

The only reason he's being criticized is because the role that he got became larger than it should have based off of the injuries. So when he makes a lazy or stupid play it's magnified because he's playing with and against all of the high-end talent. He's one of the guys who should be up and down between the second and third line (like Samuelsson was). He's good for that. The fact that he was capable of playing top line minutes and scoring was an added bonus for a 1.5m dollar player. You can't expect everything about his game to be perfect. He's not expected to be a superstar anymore.

I really think Kronwall is grossly under appreciated here. If we can get a young star player (like Kovalchuk caliber), I'd be willing to send him as part of the package. But unless we're getting something really good in return, he's essential to our success, both now and more importantly in the future.

But I thought Sweden was sure that Franzen couldn't possibly be ready? It seems kind of unprofessional to play somebody that obviously isn't healthy. All joking aside, as much as I love Holmstrom, Franzen is an upgrade. Sweden got a little bit better here. Does anybody think this might mean Holmstrom is retiring after the season? I recall him saying before the season that he'd see how it went for health, and base his decision off of that. It seems that this would indicate he might choose to hang them up.

This is really too bad. I think he could have been effective in the playoffs like Drake was. If we make it that is. If we had stayed healthy, I think he would have been more valuable than Miller. Actually, we probably never would have gotten Miller. The thing is, we have top 6 injuries, and Miller is capable of being plugged into a hole pretty much anywhere in the lineup. He might not score, but he can at least occupy the ice. May couldn't - he fills one specific roll, but he does it pretty well. Best of luck to you Brad.

I'm pretty sure it's 12 shootouts total, not 12 shootout losses. I believe that we're 4-8 in shootouts.

Hudler would have crushed him. Where's eva with the stats to back me up on this one?

I didn't actually watch the game, but this is one time where it seems like the "incidental contact" rule would come in. No goal, but no penalty. The goalie was prevented from making the save. Shockingly, a goalie interference type of call that's not screwing the Wings in some way.

They're using an NHL sized rink.

I hope that they're more interested in actually winning games than marginally improving a crappy player's trade value. I'd rather score a few more pp goals and maybe as a result get a couple of extra points. To me, that's more valuable than the difference between a sixth round draft pick and a fifth round draft pick.

I recall some quote from Holmgren to the effect that they're excited because he could be worked in anywhere down the lineup. So essentially, I think they're leaving it up to the coach to decide.

Wow. So, you think that they just decided to stop playing right before game 7 of the finals? And now they're risking their careers (many UFAs/RFAs after this year), or at least a lot of money, to spite their coach? AND, on top of THAT, you think that Steve Yzerman, who played for Babcock, and is close personal friends with many of the players, chose Babcock for Team Canada and completely ignored this? AND, that our players are so petty and classless that they'd tank a season because they don't like someone? Wow.

Ovechkin hammered the post, Knuble jammed it in.

He won't immediately make an impact in all likelihood. I think all of these players coming back has, in the short run, hurt us. They're not in game shape and the timing is off. It'll be the same with Franzen. In the long run though, as they get their legs back, the team will improve. The only issue is that we're running out of time in the season. I really think that the Olympic break is coming at the perfect time.

It's a double standard but Tootoo is a piece of s*** himself. Therefore I loved it.

If he was such a dick to Yzerman, why would Yzerman choose him to coach Canada at the Olympics? He knows that Babcock is an amazing coach. He has (briefly) played with him, and likely has regular conversations with him. Based on your theory there's two possibilities that would be the basis for what you think: 1. Babcock is incompetent, doesn't understand team dynamics, and just doesn't understand what he's doing with his supposed treatment of certain vets. 2. Babcock has a vendetta against veteran players. Obviously Yzerman disagrees with #1. And #2 is ridiculous. Is it possible your theory just stems from the Osgood love? I don't think there's any real basis for the Babcock hate. And @ zettie85: Please, for the love of god, never question Yzerman's leadership again.

Don't we have something like 9 new players this year alone? I don't buy it.

Probably. But that's still better than Leino. And he provides a dimension we didn't have much of. Worst case scenario we save a few dollars for the cap and get a draft pick. Edit: Just as a bit more information, apparently the pick is in 2011, not in 2010.

Does anybody think that this might be a prelude to getting rid of Meech or Lebda? I'm 100% serious. It's not like we needed another defenceman, especially with Lilja coming back.

Wow. The Leafs got Phaneuf! Edit: What does Toronto have that Calgary would want though? Besides Kaberle or Kessel, neither of whom is being traded.

And I could have sworn that he got a lifetime ban from the KHL for beating some guy to a bloody pulp. Or was that a different league?

The Oilers suck whether they have injuries or not though. So it doesn't really matter for them.

How many of these threads are started by Blues fans? Those guys lose all sanity when it comes to the Wings. It's kind of sad.

This reminds me of the goalie war on here every year regardless of who the two goaltenders are.

Howard gets more slack because he's a rookie and was supposed to be the backup whereas Osgood was supposed to step up as a starter. Doesn't make it fair, and it's not necessarily justification for playing Howard so much. But I think a lot of people are just so excited that a rookie goaltender is playing so well that they're giving him a little extra credit. Everyone really wants him to work out for us. But yes you're right, it probably is unfair. I don't know if I agree about the Wings having less confidence in Howard though. Babs has sure showed his confidence in Howard and I would at least like to think that his confidence is a reflection of how the players would also feel.