Echolalia

That's his second reputation call this series.

Wouldn't that be something

Abdelkader is technically a rookie still, right?

According to this, game 1 did not have a higher rating than Wings/Pens game 1 last year: http://sportsmediawatch.blogspot.com/2010/06/final-ratings-for-flyersblackhawks-game.html Although we're talking about game 2 so whatev.

That would be the European games.

nascar is definitely more boring bacteria or virus

I wonder if the Coyotes might end up there soon

Good to see the game is growing. Hopefully those record ratings aren't an indicator of bandwagon fans, but rather fans who will continue to watch regardless of who is playing.

Edit: page load error Also, Pittsburgh I'm thinking has a tiny arena.

Its really a shame. Toronto has some of the most rabid fans I've ever seen, despite their shortcomings. I know I'll be cheering when they finally win a Cup.

M&Ms, especially if they're the minis. Fly fishing or lure fishing

not bad for playing on the Detroit Griffins

Duncan Keith is making 8M next year, and will for the next three years. That's hardy a financial sacrifice for the good of the city and team as you imply. Lidstrom hasn't made that kind of money since before the lockout, back when he was playing like one of the top three best defensmen in NHL history. The only reason why Keith's caphit is at 5.5 is because its a longterm, depreciating contract. Would you have preferred Holland sign Lidstrom to a longterm contract so we can have a caphit of 4M for this year, as well as several years after he's retired?

Isn't the cap supposed to rise to 58M next year as well?

You can't beat his productivity-per-caphit as a top six forward today. Especially if he's willing to take a paycut like he said.

Probably.

I would just like to point out that not one of the Norris Trophy finalists this year has won four Stanley Cups, or even one for that matter.

I can't believe the greed of some people on this site. The Red Wings just signed Nick Lidstrom, the best defensman of this era, and everyone is all "what a greedy person for not signing with the legendary Wings for half his value."

Keep in mind that the plethora of rookies will now have a year of experience under their belts. Ericcson, Helm, and Howard should (theoretically) all be more reliable on the ice, and we'll also have Abby the whole year instead of Williams. And don't underestimate what adding Hudler can do to the team. Especially if Babs wants to roll three "scoring lines". Its not the top six that wins a playoff series, but the bottom six. Next year we may also have a bit of money at the deadline to pick up someone who can add a bit of depth. Don't count next year as a lost cause before this year's playoffs are even over.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2010/05/red_wings_close_to_signing_ken.html To the surprise of nobody, it looks like the Wings organization is working on signing Ken Holland and Jim Nill to contract extensions (who negotiates those for the Wings, btw?). What's perhaps newsworthy is that they're apparently getting long-term extensions, as Devlanno said: "You can be rest assured they’re closing in on long-term extensions. They’ll be around a long time." These guys look at the game several steps in advance, so I'm pleased that they'll be around for a while.

You would expect more respect from the management with it being a team with so much history. I understand its difficult to win the Stanley Cup but this is unacceptable.

While x>40 usually merits some truth with most NHL players, Lidstrom is nothing like most NHL players. Last year he was put on a team that was 50% Grand Rapids Griffins for half the year, and still put up elite defensman numbers. Tied for 8th in defensman scoring, 7th in +/-, 11th in time on ice per game, tied for 12th in power play points, plays on both power play and penalty killing units etc etc. Between 5M and 6M for those kind of numbers and his leadership is a sweet deal.

I might like for him to see a game or two, perhaps in January/February more as motivation to continue working hard and prevent a second-half slump from occurring again. At the same time, I think its important for his development to get as many opportunities on a top line as possible, and that means spending the bulk of next season in GR.

Lids between 5 and 6M is glorious. If the cap goes up 2M as rumors are predicting, that extra 2M of Lids' salary could be huge for the Wings. Its interesting to see the article say definitively that all of Eaves, Miller, Helm, and Abdelkader will be back. Abby and Helm are given, IMO, but I thought it was generally accepted that one of Eaves or Miller would have to move on...

I would love nothing more than to get Doughty in a Wings jersey. I'm aware that it'll cost a lot, but I'm more than willing to tear the team apart to accommodate his being here, especially with Lids hanging 'em up soon.