sean

I always give schedulers (human and computer) a break. It can't be easy to schedule 2460 dependent events, subject to an insane number of stipulations. Give it a shot and see if you can make it ten games without playing on a basketball court!

In some respects, the ship hasn't sailed. I agree that hockey isn't one of the 'big 3'('big 2' I suppose, now), but that's not an excuse to have a lame-duck advertising department. There are much smaller entities that do a much better job advertising. Remember 'is this the year?', or 'myNHL'? The reach or presence of the NHL isn't responsible for the s***tiness of ads like those. TV ads are only one example, as well. For the record, the OP's suggestion is awful.

I was like who is this nut, but then I realized he is one of the half dozen people on the planet who buy espn insider, and all was well again

In terms of his role with the team, he is a little Kozlov-esque, isn't he? Great, skilled player, but for a variety of reasons, not integral. There's nothing ensuring his stay here, but consider the following: -Holland and Co. rarely make deadline deals, no matter what the case. -DRW put a premium on team chemistry, and Hudler knows the system. -If he's playing well, he's obviously valuable to us. -He's not costing us that much, really. Like many other players, Huds could always be traded, but it'd be for something we want in return. This thread seems to suggest a Leino-esque 'dump', not gonna happen.

Cool jersey!

texas: the usa of the usa

pardon my suspicions about a former red wing great, but dude seems to have lost his way after his career, as many athletes have. a number of the opportunities he's been offered post-hockey don't really feel in-step with his ambitions, and it seems at times he's selling out for a bit of extra cash. eh poor guy, sometimes it's hard for athletes to adjust to retirement...

this thread again?

Just want to see at least one hearty upset.

The only players who might be hurt by the Olympics are Zata Raf, and Lids IMO, barring serious injury, of course. I'm not really worried about Z, but I am little worried about our top 2 defensemen being top-2 defensemen on 2 teams that will go deep. Not really worried about Pavel, Franzen, Homer, or anyone else. They'll all be lower on the depth chart than they are in Detroit. I don't see them being too worn out.

Yeah, you can count me in as another skeptic. Bad time for RWC to go down.

never good to lose leadership on the farm

I hope Chicago gets their way. If they don't, people will be talking about it all year, and their woes will be attributed to it. That's just the kind of unnecessary drama the game doesn't need.

Yup, Cleary, Lebda, a few other near misses. Look for these types at camp. Undrafted free agents, undrafted euros, there will be a few of them at camp, I'd bet.

Yup, Lilja is done as a Wing, it's near certain. Neither Meech nor Lebda make enough cash to be worth moving. One thing I'd like to mention about this: Lebda improved by leaps and bounds last year. He went from a 7th, to a solid 6th, 5th on a good day. I don't have a problem with him being in the lineup full time. Remember that it's okay to be over the cap before opening day. It is likely that Hudler will be signed before Lilja is moved. Hudler will be resigned, mark my words. It's more than a money issue, at this point. The Wings run the risk of losing their style of play, if they let another one go. I'm a bit scared though, about who our 20th man will be. After Hudler signs, we need one more forward. I'd hate to see Abdelkader's development harmed, by him playing 3 minutes / night in the bigs. I'd much rather see him having at least another half season of first line duty in the A.

i'm so hungry right now

It seems like somewhere between Kopy, Hossa, Madden, they would have addressed their goalie situation. I guess they have more confidence in Huet than I would.

the Holmstrom, Draper, Malts situation is frightening. You need about 1 of these players, and no way do you need 3. If I may dream, I hope Homer retires, Draper centers the 4th line, and Maltby platoons with someone from the A. Abby's a bit rough around the edges, I'd opt for him to say in GR this season. He'll get enough time in the bigs anyway, being the first callup and everything.

IMO, Hudler can beat out Cleary and Homer for a top 6 spot. In fact, Hudler racked up more points than both those guys this year, in far less ice time. The problem I foresee is, Hudler is a rare case of anti-loyalty in Detroit. I doubt he feels as comfortable here as his peers, and the chances of him taking a hometown discount are slim. And, there's always a glut of GMs who are eager to offer the Hudlers of the NHL a significant amount of cash. Hudler's got serious talent. Decent skater, good shot, good passing, excellent vision. He'd probably be a superstar, if he weren't so damn small.

It's 7.5 per, not sounding so good now, eh? http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283470

Between periods, the NBC guys always respond to each other with "no question". It irritates me.

Most hot goalies take a bit to get hot. Even if Bulin's completely healthy, I don't expect tonight to be his best. Havlat's such a liability, I hope they dress him.

Lids isn't going anywhere, unless it's retirement. Just like a bunch of others on the current roster, the rest of his career is predicated on whether or not he wants to retire on top (as in, 1st pairing), or play an obviously reduced role, like Chelios. If I had to guess, I say he retires on top.

I'd move Jiggy, even though he's the better goalie. Anaheim didn't give up much, even to our high-powered offense. I don't think this is a reflection of Hiller's goaltending, but if he's good enough to stop the three-pointers, and the Ducks D can play like they have been, Jiggy's millions are better spent elsewhere.

Yeah I too was sad that Teemu had to be on the receiving end of that one. I liked the hit, but I would have been more satisfied if it were on Getzfrat, Fairy, Neidafag, or any of those tangos.