Significant players of the playoffs

[Echolalia 2,961]

What three redwing players are going to be the most important in the post season?

Here are some top candidates:

Datsyuk is on a a terrific hot steak, having just reached the 80 point mark for the second consecutive season (becoming the first do to so for the wings since Yzerman back in 97). Yet his post season stats leave much to be desired, and many wonder if is small size is capable of bringing the force needed in the playoffs.

Zetterberg is another story, having a generally successful playoff run, but is currently out of the lineup with a back injury. Will he be able to clean any rust off and jump into a powerful playoff forward?

Bertuzzi was picked up at the deadline, and although hes only played in a couple games having been out the entire season with back problems of his own, he's created chances in front of the net and has hit the post numerously. He is arguably the most significant power forward the wings have, but has lost some of his grit since the Moore incident. There is also cause for concern that he still needs more time to clean the cobwebs from sitting out all year.

Calder is another player picked up at the deadline, who plays with spirit as great as any other wing (some will argue greater). Hes a Godsend in the corners and drives relentlessly to the net, but has only put the puck away once on many great chances. Some still refuse to believe that he is capable of being a reliable scorer, but others feel his job is in the corners anyway.

Hasek when healthy is one of the greatest goalies to play the game, but is something of a liablility, having missed many regular season games in the past due to injury. His age is something critics have attacked also, saying his prime is long since gone, but fans are convinced he still has some game left in him.

Lidstrom has been to the playoffs time and time again, and is now the captain of the team. While nobody will ever be able to replace Yzerman, many think Lidstrom is the closest thing the wings have, not to mention a rock solid defenseman. He is one of the few players to play the game who has very little flaws, if any at all.

Lang has come of one of his most disappointing seasons of his career, but is known to be ready come playoff time. The only question is will he be able to pull out of his slump in time to help his team out.

Feel free to vote for anyone that I didn't mention. These are, in fact, only the top candidates in my opinion, and i didn't feel like typing up a season summary for the entire team.

[WingsWingsWings 3]

Dats, Clader, Lidstrom

I would say Zetters, but eveything is still uncertain with him.....

[Echolalia 2,961]

I agree that Calder is going to be a big part of our post season success, but I still don't know how I'm going to vote for the other two...

[Hockey13Playa 240]

I like your list for players, seems reasonable.

I know the wings have Bertuzzi and he will hopefully be a big contributor with our playoff run, but I think another important player you left out is Holmstrom. WIth his body infront of the next screening, and picking up deflections, and those so called garbarge goals.

Seems like those are always the type that seem to find the back of the net during the playoffs, so count him as a key player in this years playoffs, as well as the list you made!

[StaticWithABeat 0]

Playoff success this year will hinge on a lot of players being on top of their games, but the team will go nowhere without Datsyuk and Zetterberg producing consistently and Hasek shutting the door in goal when he has to. Datsyuk's playoff performance this year may dictate what happens to him when his contract expires, so I would imagine he has a lot to play for.

[Vincanni 1]

Judging from years past I expect Lang and Schneider to step it up and play alot better come playoff time and despite injury, Zetterberg is a clutch player and will bring it this year in the playoffs.

I expect Bert and Calder to be the X-factor here for us, if we're to go deep they're the guys who's performance will push us there being the upgrade we needed to go from good to great.

However if I were to elect one name above all else it'd be Hasek. I thought we had a finals calibre team last year, but Manny (god bless him) was playing a notch below his standard game due to nerves. Hasek's the type of guy who's veteran experience will make him even better with the pressure, not too mention he can still steal games.

Edit: Odd typo that required fixing.

Edited March 29, 2007 by Vincanni

[Guest Crymson]

Cleary and Draper.

[Barrie 900]

Hasek, Bertuzzi, and Zetterberg.

[Flip-check 6]

One thing I know for sure, Bert's gonna be doing us some justice out there. Take a good look at him in the corners or behind the net, he simply owns the puck there and hardly expends any effort keeping his man off him while he sets up a power play or 5-on-5.

That's just a small thing facet... but with big payoffs, and there will be other big things coming from our big guy, too. Other than that? It's a matter of faith and hope, if you will. Hasek - I hope he doesn't bite it and get injured. I love Oz, but #39 is who I want to see for the next 16+ games. Then Zata - I have faith that he'll find his niche again after all this time.

With Dats, I hope he'll pull his weight and be a gunner out there come "the -Real- Season", and sadly, I have more faith that #13 will bring it than, say, Lang suddenly turning his A-game on once the regular season ends. With the theme of hope again though, HOPEFULLY Bobby will make me eat my words with a home-baked Czech pie specially sent by his mom. I want this guy to rub it in my face when all's said and done. And taunt me in Slovak.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Bertuzzi, Datsyuk, and Zetterberg. Those three are the ones that are going to have to be on their A game in order for the Wings to go far.

Of course the entire team is going to have to step it up, but those three are the most important, imo.