Zeke

I know,I know,you never change a winning lineup.... ....but,I think we can improve on our performance with some tinkering for next game. Here are the changes I would make: 1) McCarty for Downey ...give us more energy and keep an eye on Tootoo 2)Hartigan for Abelkader...bigger,younger,faster.....still not sure why #44 is on this team 3) and the toughest one: Chelios for Lebda...I know he's the vet ,but he gave it away often and looked like a pylon at times out there (I'm not a big Lebda fan,but he can match the speed of the preds) Will Babs dare make changes? Would any of the Wings faithful?

Downey has stood up for this team all season long,and I think he deserved a few minutes in this game as appreciation by Babcock. McCarty is a walk up at the end of the season and is rewarded ?

Hopefully they'll all be back in game shape by early April, The other benefit is that the young guys are seeing some ice time and getting some experience if we need them in the playoffs.

While everyone is discussing the hit itself,has anyone questioned the timing? Lidstrom was hit going to get the puck,he did NOT have the puck yet! It wasn't dirty,but it was cheap,as it was clearly interference.Its hard to brace for a hit when you don't yet have the puck. Watch the replay again,he had no intention of getting the puck,his intent was soley to hit (hurt?) Lidstrom,who was going for the puck,but did not yet touch it,

With all the focus on Hossa,let's approach Florida with a real deal and steal their captain. He's young,6'3",215 pounds,has skill and grit,and he's signed for 2 more years at a bargain 5 mil! Fins has shown they have heart and leadership qualities,so if we have to give up picks/prospects/roster players,lets get someone that will be here for at least a couple of years. I think Hossa wants to play the free market,and his playoff performances have been suspect. Let the others drive the price up for Hossa who will be a rental,and lets focus on Jokinen for a long term plan,as well as providing secondary scoring for this year. What will it take to land him?

I would prefer to pay more for a player that will be here for another 2 years than a rental. I believe you have to give up assets to gain assets. A rental (Hossa) is only valuable if he can help bring home a cup. When was the last time the Wings signed a rental,and won? Trading for longer term "assets" (such as Shanahan,Murphy) have proven to be successful.

I believe we needed some size on defense is the reason for the conversion. Now we need some size on offense,so lets give it a shot for a while.Now is the time to experiment,not in April.

Correct me if I'm wrong,but Ericsson was a forward converted to a defenceman. Why not "convert" him back to a forward for the next 2 months and playoffs? Thats less pressure on him,and we may have found a big powerforward without giving up didley. \ Add McCarty,and we're ready for the quacks this spring,no loss of prospects or draft picks. Sometimes the answer is right under our noses.

Last week's TV guide.(with missing pages)

Better they go to Vancouver rather than the Ducks.

This game serves as a wake up call. We were unmotivated or outmatched. They were hungrier than us,and our 'floaters" were very evident tonight. This team has too many loyalty contracts.Why is Maltby still playing,and what does he bring to the table? How is he an upgrade over the guys sitting out? I won't start on Samuelson,and Franzen needs to be much more physical,as we lost nearly every board batttle tonight. This team looks built for another President's cup,but I don't see getting past the Ducks again. We need to lose the deadwood (Maltby,Samuelson,and Drake) for younger and motivated players.

I know that the NHL keeps stats on how many times players go to the bathroom on game day,but what about this one: scoring chances (usually seen at the end of the period summary) and goals actually scored off those chances? If such a statistic exists I'm sure that the Wings are at the bottom of the league. After watching all the missed opportunities last night against Nashville,and watching the preds score on 50% of their chances,frustration led to this thread. ,I'm sending this one out to the Wings faithfull to carry out a little research. Let the debate commence.

Do you mean the same way the Preds and the Bluejackets did in beating us?

This organization is loyal to a fault.

Forget the "big" names of past glories. Let's invest in some tough,young players who we can keep around awhile. I'm sure that the Rangers won't like the salary arbitration ruling that Sean Avery receives in a week or so. Lets bring him back,and I'm sure he'll be just the ingredient we need.

I was hoping we would have picked up Drake for the last playoff run.I'm sure his style would have helped us,and he probably could have been picked up cheap. We need his attitude on the ice,but still should be looking for a top 6 winger. Good minor upgrade Kenny. Now wait for Avery to be rejected by the Rangers after salary arbitration,and you're done.

I'm not sure of the compensation rules for players who are in salary arbitration and the team decides to walk away from the ruling. T

Sean Avery has asked for salary arbitration. The Rangers can walk away if it doesn't fit into their salary structure. He becomes a UFA. If our veteran presence can keep him under control in the locker room,he is a buzz saw on the ice. He hits,goes into the corners,fights,and can score. I know he's not perfect,but aren't we looking for a physical presence who can contribute? If you are worried about needless penalties,we need to make up for Lang's absense (2 minutes for hooking),and Schneider's( 2 minutes for crosschecking.)

sorry for the double post.......damn laptops!

I'm not sure of the compensation rules for players who are in salary arbitration and the team decides to walk away from the ruling. There is one player that I think may be just what we need. He plays big,has good hands,will drop them for his teamates,and has played for us before. Need a hint? He was a head case,but I think he's a little more "normal" now. How about ... SEAN AVERY?

I'd still like to see him play more than 6 minutes just once.

All excellent points.I think this is a great aquisition,and he accepted less to play for the Wings. The Schneider love affair is finally over.I will not miss his cheap shots and his point shot usually misses .

You CANNOT be a Wings fan and even remotely admire the Leafs. I teach my kids never to hate anything,except the Leafs!

Copps holds about 17500,but the boxes are not up to snuff.They will be renovated at Basillie's expense. I live in Hamilton,and would be in a quandry as to who to cheer for. My kids already told me they will be loyal to the Wings,as will I. However,I may be able to drive downtown and see the Wings 4X per year. Wouldn't it be ironic if they moved to the east conference and the wings were again stuck in the West?

Someone that can skate,hit,fight and score goals? We had him and traded him away. Sean Avery. I know he has a big mouth and says some stupid things,but I'm sure our veterans can keep him in line. I'd like to see him back with the wings.