Kp-Wings

Soundgarden - Burden In My Hand

I just remembered that we don't play Philadelphia this year, so those who were hoping for a Lilja vs. Gauthier probably won't get it. Unless Gauthier is traded (which has been rumored actually).

Another washed up shell lands in Columbus. Who's next you may ask? Why, it could be a number of names! Eric Lindros, Dan McGillis, Janne Niinimaa, even Alexei Yashin plans his NHL comeback in Columbus! Watch and see. Sorry, I can't help myself. Columbus is just such a knack as being a safehaven for washed up players.

No he won't. Linden hasn't had a decent offensive season in over 10 years now. I like Linden though. If you ask me, he should be the captain in Vancouver, not Naslund. Linden is a true leader and has meant a lot to that city and the fans.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if they traded Lebda when Kindl is ready. Because, to be quite honest, I see no need for Lebda to be in the lineup. He isn't an offensive defenseman nor a defensive defenseman. All he can do is skate, which is not that impressive considering the package Kindl and Quincey both bring. I don't think Chelios should be pushed out like some suggest. He was great in the playoffs last year, and is still an excellent defensive defenseman for his age. I'd keep him around for as long as he wants.

Gauthier is a horrible fighter, which is what made his turtle so surprising. Lilja isn't a great fighter, but he could easily drop Gauthier if he tried.

Corson is a much better fighter, so naturally Lilja is on the receiving end of an asskicking. Well, ok, asskicking is a bit strong, but Corson still took him down and had the better punches. I give Lilja credit for trying. Hopefully, since he's the only guy we got that might, we start seeing him do that on a regular basis.

I'd rather play Quincey, but givin that Meech has the legitimacy of not being able to be sent down, he will get the spot.

Yeah, you're right. Still though: the way he plays is enough for me to not like him. On a personal standpoint, I like Filppula and Hudler for that 2nd line spot over Samulesson. Why? Because even though they haven't scored as many points as Samulesson has, they both played a lot better hockey then he did last season. You said it yourself: you wanted Samulesson benched for Hudler. Well, I see no problem giving that 2nd line spot to Hudler now over Samulesson. I'm not the biggest Hudler fan, but he did score 15 goals last year out of nothing. That's pretty close to Samulesson's 20, and is overall a better player then Samulesson. I just think one of the rookies would be better suited to that role. They may still be rookies, but they both played better then Samulesson last season. I think that means something.

Yeah, that's fine if they do it in important games, but when do they do that? I mean, the lack of toughness throughout various stretches of the season last season was frustrating, and that doesn't include fighting either. Take the Philadelphia game for example. Yeah yeah, meaningless regular season game it was, but it was still embarrasing to see the Wings totally dominated by the worst team in the league on National TV (that game was on Versus and the only game going that particular night) because they were more physical. That's pretty pathetic in my opinion. Other examples: the many games against St. Louis were liberties were taken, yet nothing was done. Quincidentally, St. Louis also took the series from us this year (4-3-1). Toughness does play a part. Yes, it is good if they turn up the toughness for the playoffs, but I don't want to see them play like a bunch of pansies otherwise. They don't have to go all-out, but they don't have to roll over and die either (which was the case in the Philadelphia game). I highly doubt that's the case with the majority of NHL players. In the Wings case, it's because their not willing to fight, not because "their too smart to do that". Yeah, that is true. I can (sorta) understand why people wouldn't want a fighter, because that said fighter might not be a very good hockey player. Plus, many don't like fighting like or care about fighting like you and I do. But, if we're going to do without that fighter, it makes sense to stay the course and say we don't need fighting. Not say "we don't need a fighter" and "the Wings all stick up for one another". It's like a night and day difference when you say that.

Actually, yes I do. So what? There are obvious exceptions, like Eric Daze (6'6 and was never a physical player), but Samulesson has yet to ever be the goal scorer Daze was before his serious injuries. If Samulesson becomes a 38 goal-scoer and is also the MVP of an All-Star Game, then I can make exception for his lack of physical play because then he would be a true goal-scorer. But until then, no. I find it funny that people are all coming out to defend Samulesson now, when before he was the biggest whipping boy on the Wings next to Lang. My oh my how things change.

I just don't get how people can take one playoff series and automatically it means the Wings are tough. It's like people saying if the Islanders only won 1 Stanley Cup in the 80's, they would still be a dynasty. In my opinion, if they prove it over at least a full season, then it'll count. That's a full season, not just a few playoff series. ...and I'm sorry if it bothers you so much that I don't consider the Wings tough, but you already stated the importance of other peoples opinions, so I think you honor those words. Then please explain what you meant by that.

QFT I can't imagine any other way the current players on the Wings protect their teammates. They don't fight, so what else are they doing? A Maltby style-push or a face wash (like you mentioned) does not count at protecting your teammates. What it does count as is being a wuss though. I still don't see the issue of having a fighter as the #13 forward, and just put him in for games against teams like Anaheim. Kopecky is our current #13 forward, and he does nothing. A fighter will have just as cheap a contract, and be able to at least bring something to the table that other players on the current team don't already do. In my opinion, Kopecky and Franzen are very similar players, only Franzen is much better. There is no honest need for Kopecky at all, so why not have a fighter for that extra spot instead?

I just don't understand how being a 20 goal scorer once in their respective career makes someone a top line player. I mean, Jason Williams was a 20 goal scorer, and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who would want him back on the 2nd line. I hate Samulesson. He takes useless shots from nowhere, he is pathetic on the point on the PP, and for being 6'2 he is not physical at all. I know Samulesson is there, but I'd rather someone else be on the 2nd line. Preferably Filppula, or even Hudler. Hudler especially is not a checking line forward at all, so we might as well play him on the 2nd line if anything. (and yes, I am aware of the fact that the 2 names I mentioned are unproven, but I still like their chances at being better players over Samulesson).

Yes, and that style of hockey doesn't work in the playoffs. If you actually watched, you would see that this year they did play dump and chase, not puck possession. Pretty much everybody. Look at how many people said Calgary would beat us. I can remember people even saying if Calgary did beat us, it wouldn't be an upset. That's unprecidented to say that, because whenever a #8 seed beats a #1 seed, it is an upset. I'd like you find me one example of these guys "protecting" their teammates. And yeah, I did watch the playoffs. I had no idea that one playoff series automatically equals toughness though. We'll see how that effect carries into next season, if at all. I don't get this statement at all. Just because players on the Wings don't fight means that everybody thinks it isn't important? I doubt that. Pretty much every team, except the Wings, have a guy that is at least willing to fight. The Wings don't have anybody. Don't say Lilja either, because I'd be surprised to ever see him do that again.

Is it really? Heh. It just seems like everytime I watch a Leafs games on TV, I see a bunch of businessmen wearing suits that look like their about ready to fall asleep in their seats. The upper bowl isn't shown, so I don't know how that is, but you would know better then I would, so I'll take your word for it.

Samulesson is no more a top line player then Cleary is. Note that Cleary also scored 20 goals before.

Oho, here he goes again! So I assume this would be argument #1000 that I've had with you about toughness. Or have we already passed that mark? I wouldn't be surprised if we did. Now: since you seem to disagree, please tell me why. If you think the Wings are plenty tough enough, then explain your reasoning. I've already explained my reasoning why their not numerous times, so let's hear your side of the story. ...and yes, fighting does count as a big part of having a tough team. Even the willingness to know that someone will counts. The Wings don't even have that. Thank you. Finally someone who get's it. I can't believe the amount of fans who don't even care about the issue at all. You know, it's not too much to ask that we have at least one fighter that could the the #13 forward, that would be in the lineup for games that it will get very rough, like against Anaheim. A fighter for the #13 spot is better utuilized then some scrub who does nothing at all (hint: Kopecky). The Wings don't need to be cavement on skates, but at least one guy who will fight would be nice. It would be better using a roster spot or extra space then for someone who doesn't do anything (hint again: Kopecky).

Avenged Sevenfold - Bat Country

He only said that because Morozov has hinted thousands of times that he is coming back from Russia, only not to. Morozov is a good player, but for some reason wants nothing to do with the NHL.

The Wings had the fewest fighting majors and PIM in general last year in the entire league. Softserve hockey indeed, which is one of the many reasons why the Wings don't get much respect (other than of course playing in a weak division). But, things will never change anytime soon. Ken Holland firmly believes that toughness is no longer needed on this team, which is proof in the signings he makes.

Don't remind me of how much I miss fighting. That was pure entertainment at it's finest. Vladdy and Lazaro was a great one, but Probert and Quintal was the best. I'm surprised Quintal could even stand after the first punch Probert threw at him. Sigh... how I miss seeing fights like those. Bring them back.

I don't know who he plans to play with Datsyuk and Holmstrom. Other then Zetterberg, we don't have anybody capable of playing the top line. ...and before I get to listen to it, guys like Hudler and Samulesson are not top line playes, no matter what anyone says. Especially Samulesson. 20 goals doesn't make somebody that. Ask Jason Williams. This is why signing a top 6 forward would have prevented this. Since everyone is so hellbent on breaking Datsyuk and Zetterberg up (I have no idea why either, since they were both just plain awful at the start of last season when they weren't playing together) at least have someone in there who can play that role. At this point, Jeff O'Neill or Peter Forsberg are the only guys who will fit that bill, neither of which will be coming here anytime soon. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens. Sidenote: I think it's so stupid that people want Zetterberg and Datsyuk broken up mainly because Zetterberg is a natural center. That is the lamest reason ever. Those two form arguably the best line in the league, and everybody wants to break it up? Why? We have centers coming out of our asses on this team. There is no reason why Filppula or even Hudler can't be the 2nd line center.

Long time ago? Why? Until the lockout, Belfour was still an excellent goalie. Having that year off really screwed up his back, because he wasn't doing anything at all, and was out of shape. Belfour may be an *******, but there is no denying that he was a great goalie in the NHL.