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There is no way MacIntyre is coming back barring injury. Face it. The AHL is a developmental league and Howard is a top goalie prospect for the Red Wings. He's going to play whether you like it or not. And give him a break. It's his first year in the league. It's going to take time for him to get adjusted. Besides, it's not like Howard is getting all the starts. Last time I checked, MacDonald has still played more games and his stats aren't as good as Howard's.

MacLean won the hardest shot contest in the skills competition at the AHL All-Star Game this week. Unusual considering MacLean isn't exactly known as a hard shooter. MacLean's Rocket Boosts Canadians

I think it's time to stop believing Cleveland will ever become a hockey town. They had an NHL team (76-78 Barons) fail, a WHA team (72-76 Crusaders) fail, a EHL team (49-50 Knights) fail, 3 IHL Teams (29-34 Indians, 34-36 Falcons, 92-01 Lumberjacks) fail, and now they've lost their second AHL team (40-72 Barons, 01-06 Barons). It's obvious that despite a long history of pro hockey, the fans there just don't support it.

I listened to the first period on the way to a game of my own and Houston was dominating this one. I thought it was all over. Nice comeback guys...

What's the matter with finding someone who can do both? Every enforcer type the Griffins have tried in the last few years look like they should play in a beer league, not the AHL. I'm not looking for someone who is going to lead the team in scoring, just someone who can chip in a point every couple of games.

I just checked his stats. 1 goal and 7 assists in 126 AHL games. Over 200 pims and most of those came his first season. Those are some crappy stats. One thing's for sure. No one's going to mistake this kid for Bobby Orr. He sounds more like Brad Marsh.

Booter's got a hard melon. He'll be fine. The rematch is on January 27 in Omaha. Brantt Myhres better keep his head up in that one.

Ugh. Just when I think Comley has the Spartans going in the right direction, they go on a 3 game winless streak. Dropping two at home to Nebraska Omaha is inexcusable. I'm beginning to doubt Comley is the right man for the job.

The Spartans and Bulldogs tied. Neither team deserved to win. I don't think either team hit two straight passes all night. It was just an all around ugly game. The Spartans probably come out ahead since they pick up the point on the road.

At least one MSU team is playing well. The sweep helped cheer me up after the football team dumped that game against Purdue.

Considering the Buckeyes were preseason picks to win the CCHA, things aren't looking good at all. And check out Miami. 4-0-0 CCHA record so far. Pretty impressive but I expect them to fade.

I think we're all a little shell shocked after that f@cking Northwestern game. I haven't given up hope, though. I'll be at the MSU-Indiana game Saturday and they take on 2-5 Purdue the following week.

Osgood let in the first shot of the game but then made the next 35 saves in a 3-1 win over Omaha Saturday. I wasn't at the game, but I hear he made some huge saves in the third period. He joined the Wings in Columbus after the game and will be on the bench for Monday's game against the Blue Jackets.

Bite me. MSU is 9-1 in its last 10 games against opponents ranked in the top ten. Name any other program in the country with that record. Before this season started, I don't think anyone gave MSU a prayer against either UM or OSU. Instead they've played above expectations and made those games close. They've got some lighter opponents the next few weeks (Northwestern and Indiana at home, Purdue on the road). None of these are a sure thing (anyone can beat anyone in the Big 10 this season) but I like their chances. They could still contend for the Big 10 title or at least a decent bowl.

It looks like he won't be around for any home games. Too bad. I'd dust off my Osgood jersey and head down to the Van.

The Griffins had a great start last year too and we all know what happened. I'm optimistic, but this has always been a streaky team.

The Bucks deserve the top spot. On paper, they're the best team. Michigan was hit hard by graduation and players leaving early for the NHL draft. MSU and Northern both had issues scoring goals last season and both played horrible on the road. They have to improve in both areas before they are considered contenders. Still, it looks like the MSU players are optimistic about the coming season. MSU News

The Illini barely beat Rutgers and were losing most of the game...they are a pathetic excuse for Big Ten team. I never said Illinois was all that great. But they are the kind of team MSU usually has trouble with, especially sandwiched between a big win against ND and a big rivalry game with UM. Instead of falling flat, Stanton and company took care of business, not just winning the game but rewriting the MSU record books (total offense, passing td's, rushing yards for a freshman) piling up more than 600 yards. I'm optimistic because I think MSU will have that same focus against UM.

Based on everything I've read, Hart is a possible for this weekend. Since this is such a big game I think it will be tough to keep him out of the lineup. John L and the Spartans are expecting him to play and have been running their practices accordingly. As for a prediction, I am optimistic about the Spartan's chances. Especially after the way they demolished the Illini. But this is a big rivalry game. Anything can happen. You might as well throw records out the window.

5 in a row in South Bend is a major accomplishment, but the Irish really haven't been a major football power in a while. They really need to drop their independent status and join a league or they're going to continue to suffer. I'm sure the Big 10 would love to have them. As for the Spartans, the thing that caught my attention is that in the last 10 games against opponents ranked in the top 10, they are 9-1. Wow. Talk about getting it up for the big games. Now they have to take care of things in the Big 10. They should be favored against Illinois, Northwestern, Minnesota, Indiana and Penn State. Win 4 or 5 of those games and they're in good shape for a decent bowl. Then, if they can pull an upset or two against Michigan, OSU, and Purdue we might be talking Big 10 title.

Quite possible. But no one really asked for your opinion, did they blue boy? And why do you have an opinion? Unless you're some sort of child prodigy, it's obvious you never attended either school. /typical Michigan fan...

greenandwhite.com msuspartans.collegesports.com (Second vote for this site).

Why meh? Ellis was probably the best day to day player on the Griffins last season and one of the big surprises. If he keeps improving the way he has the past few seasons, I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the Wings roster in a year or two.

Cheap seats $5 Rinkside $25 Beer $5.50 Hat $22 Replica jersey $87

Realignment New division rivals are Rochester, Syracuse, Toronto, Manitoba, Hamilton, and Cleveland. The new schedule also includes 4 games (2 home, 2 away) with Chicago. I like the new alignment. At least now they don't have to play a billion games against San Antonio and Houston.