Zeke

39 shots,1 goal?

The fact that he didn't see the third period last night tells us what Babs thinks of him. Do you think Leino would have been on the ice? Malts has been ineffective and invisible,a shadow of his former self.

Didn't Hossa win the overall playoff scoring race last year with the Pens? I would be happy with half that production this year.

Excellent analysis. I remember when Dats was mostly a playmaker,and rarely put them away. Maybe he just needs to get a feel for the net. In any case,I'm not dissing him,as I feel his efforts and overall skills are appreciated,but please,put one in tomorrow.

If I pay you 3 mill,its OK to pop one in every once in a while. 6 assists in 10 games playing with Mule and Hossa? I'm not saying he isn't playing good hockey,but he had about 4 glorious chances last night,if he puts in one,its a new game,maybe new series.

Cleary and Helm. Has Hossa had a dominant performance in any playoff game this year?

Because we hate...no,despise.....no,loathe the Duck,their style,their cheapshots,their ability to get away all their garbage.

It seems that he is snake bitten at every opportunity.Remember his performance last year and that highlight goal he scored vs Dallas? Only 6 assists in 10 games isn't indicative of his work ethic and skill,but here's hoping that he puts a few layers of laquer on that finish.

Agreed,but when presented with a scoring opportunity,and he's had plenty,its miss the net or a save.

Do you still feel that way after watching his performance in game 6? He looked pretty good on the 4th line with Sammy and Abdelkader,but not sure if we should invest 7 mill on a checking 4th liner.

I think that the 'cap pie' can be divided up better for a more balanced team,rather than front loading all that cash on forwards. When Lids is gone (maybe one more year) an investment in defence may be worthwhile.

And I sure hope he gets it! But a tough call on Kenny for next year and long implications for the Wings.

Simple question to the Wings faithful:(no need to explain or rationalize,just a pop quiz) Do you take out Maltby and substitute Leino? Yes or no? (don't worry about lines and juggling for now,just make the change or not?) OK,if you want to justify your answer,go for it!

Pronger and Selanne on vacation on Brokeback mountain,after the next 2 games.

Pluck the Duck

Its only good news if he replaces Maltby,and Helm and Abdelkader stay in the lineup.

Totally agree. The ducks are comfortable with our lines,and our guns have been silenced. Do you remember when the Devils beat us for the cup in 4 straight? Well,coach Lemaire made one or two lineup changes every game,AFTER a victory,to inject new blood and energy for the next game. We are lacking tempo,chemistry,and seem complacent. Mix it up,add a player or two,(Leino,Abdelkader) and wake up!

Shuffling should be done when things aren't working ,ie losing. We didn't shuffle after our first loss,and probably not after our second loss. Coaches are susposed to adapt to new situations and motivate players.The old adage is never make a lineup change after a win,but now its imperative. A simple shuffle may not be enough,lets inject some new blood,and give the Quacks a new look. Bring up Leino and Abdelkader,enough of Maltby and Kopecky. Do it now,because at 3 games to 1,its over.

We need Leino for his skill,and Abdelkader for his size and grit.Add Helm's speed and you have a 4th line that can match the other team's second line.

New fourth line: Helm/Leino/Abdelkader =Speed/Skill/Size A good combo to outmatch their 4th or 3rd line. Let's play our best players now,forget the loyalty and the politics.Maltby,Chelios,and Draper can be replaced by faster,bigger,more talented players. Do it now before its too late.

How about having a fourth line as good as their second line: Leino/Helm/Abdelkader That's skill/speed/size Maltby has been invisible,and Kopecky looks like a newborn colt skating out there. I know Draper can take faceoffs,but I think we are dominating that area already.

Which begs the question,why dress someone you don't intend on playing? Put in Meech with younger legs,and can play forward if needed.

The funny thing about my 13year old discussing contracts with Holland,is that Kenny remembered him from the previous week when they first met,and started by saying, "not YOU again!" The GM of our beloved wings remembers a kid from a previous meeting in another city,and takes the time to talk and sign his jersey again.

My thirteen year old son just walked in from the Griffins/Bulldogs game (GR wins 4-1),and shows off his Wings t-shirt,with 3 new signatures. He sat behind Kenny for the third period,has a little talk with him regarding the playoffs,and puts in a good word for bringing Downey up. Kenny chats him up,and signs his t-shirt. He waits outside the Griffins locker room,and bumps into Haydar,who also signs it. Another young lady beside him,asks if he likes Downey,as she is his neighbour in Ontario. When Downey finally exits,she tells him that my son was putting in a good word about him with Kenny,so he gets a big high 5 and signs his shirt also. (he also signed his jersey last week,along with Kenny and Stevie Y) That was the last visit for GR in Hamilton,but what a lucky kid! Downey is truly a down to earth gentleman,considering what a beast he is on the ice! I hope he gets a shift or 2 to have his name on the cup if we do it again this year.

Living in Hamilton,we are lucky enough to have Grand Rapids playing the Bulldogs in the AHL quarter finals. Friday night my 13 year old hitches a ride with 2 friends and gets dropped off at Copps Coliseum,to scout out our prospects and give me a detailed report. Between the second and third periods,they just happen to bump into Stevie Y himself,as my son blurts out (very eloquently),"are YOU Yzerman?!" Stevie was rushing to an interview,so he told them,"not now boys" Well,the boys waited and stalked him back to his seat,and sat directly behind him,as well as Kenny H. They patiently waited until after the game,(which GR won)and gave Steve high fives. My son praised Kenny for his shrewd signings,and asked about the possibilty of Hossa. Kenny was surprised at the amount of knowledge a 13 year old had pertaining to contracts (I taught him well),and told him he would try and get er done with Hossa. They then hooked up with Downey who they just finished praising to Kenny,hoping he'd come up for the Wings playoffs. They all ending up with all three names on their Wings jersey's,and a memory they will recant to their grandkids.