Paging Datsyuk

[DEVILSWATERBOY 10]

I still don't see your reasoning behind attacking my 'hockey knowledge'.

I also find it hilarious that you question my knowledge when you post one of the most juvenile statments I've ever read:

Are you a 10 year old? Do you seriously think Datsyuk would say "I no longer want to work hard because fans at LGW don't support me"? If you do, I think you need a few more years of watching hockey.

Datsyuk and Zetts are working hard. I know this and I've already stated that. But your best players need to find ways to produce. Not scoring 1 goal or point in a couple of road games isn't that big of a deal. But they're 0-for in 5 road games now. Datsyuk still has a tendancy to stay on the outside too much. He needs to drive to the middle more often.

Again, there's nothing wrong with someone asking our top offensive and highest paid player to score a point or two on the road.

And both have 0 and 0 on the road. Do you think this team has a chance to win the Cup if our top 2 players don't score on the road?

Yes iI do believe thay can this is a team sport there if your big guns are being shut down then it is up to the other 15 players to carry the load

[larionov_8 12]

I think its evident that Datsyuk is showing up. That is, in fact, what he's paid to do. Forget all this "Dats is paid to score goals, Draper paid to play defense" - it's true in one sense, but these guys are out there to play hockey and that includes a constantly changing role depending on the circumstances of the game.

You obviously recognize that Datsyuk is going up against the other teams best players, especially on the road. But consider that he's also playing with a Zetterberg who appears hurt/ill, and a Holmstrom who is not exactly the kind of player who sets up a lot of goals, relatively speaking. Dats was on the powerplay for Homers' goal last night, and although he didn't get a first or second assist, isn't that at least worth recognizing? It's not as if he's done nothing.

Considering the huge burden of criticism that Dats faced pre-playoffs, I think we should all be thankful that he's turned up his game. Hell, I even saw him throw a few hits out there last night! If I'd have one criticism of him that i think is fair, it would be that he should be willing to occasionally put the puck into the corners when he's going in on a 1 on 4, 2 on 4 etc. As good as he is, its tough for any player to pass or skate through those 4 guys, and I think he's been turning over the puck more than is necessary.

[GoalieManPat 1,007]

I agree that Dats and Zetts need to score more by they are FAR from playing bad. I would be worried if they werent creating chances at all but they are. Sometimes the puck just isnt going to go in. They both have been playing great in there own zone and on the forecheck. How many times has Dats pulled off that sneaky steal the puck from behind in the offensive zone move hes so good at. Dats especially had quite the pep in his step last night.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Zeterberg was 75% on face-offs last night.

And he all but assisted on Homer's goal. Plus he did a lot of work to cause the Hannan turnover on Schneider's winner.

Hard to criticize Hank.

Pavel will come through on the road. Just like he's come through, in general in these playoofs, despite all doubters.

I would like to add though, that I don't think either player has been bad enough on the road to warrant this thread. Not with all the other topical options this series brings. IMO

[Hank 0]

Yes iI do believe thay can this is a team sport there if your big guns are being shut down then it is up to the other 15 players to carry the load

Very true. But when nobody's producing, who's the first person you look too? Your top offensive players (especially if they're your top paid players).

Look at the Dallas Mavericks. They were having problems scoring and who gets blamed? Dirk Nowitski. Why? Because he's their top player. It's no different here.

[bringback91 2]

EXACTLY!

Why is that point so hard to grasp?

It's not hating, or bashing or overreacting... it's merely analyzing what has been going on this playoffs and looking at what it could mean going forward.

Come on Harold , that is hardly analyzing the playoffs. That's like saying the goalie needs to stop the puck, the D needs to defend the zone, and the water boy must fill the water bottles. YES, all the forwards must play well and produce at home and on the road. Duh. Does it REALLY need it's own thread?

Anyway, I decided a long time ago, to let Dats disprove his critics with his play, which he's done a pretty good job of. I'm just going to go back to doing that. GO WINGS!

[regwinguofmfan 0]

I still don't see your reasoning behind attacking my 'hockey knowledge'.

I also find it hilarious that you question my knowledge when you post one of the most juvenile statments I've ever read:

Are you a 10 year old? Do you seriously think Datsyuk would say "I no longer want to work hard because fans at LGW don't support me"? If you do, I think you need a few more years of watching hockey.

Datsyuk and Zetts are working hard. I know this and I've already stated that. But your best players need to find ways to produce. Not scoring 1 goal or point in a couple of road games isn't that big of a deal. But they're 0-for in 5 road games now. Datsyuk still has a tendancy to stay on the outside too much. He needs to drive to the middle more often.

Again, there's nothing wrong with someone asking our top offensive and highest paid player to score a point or two on the road.

And both have 0 and 0 on the road. Do you think this team has a chance to win the Cup if our top 2 players don't score on the road?

This team wont win the cup because they dont like to show up for entire games. They dont have the talent they used to, and they need to work harder. Something some of these guys are not used to and it showed, up until the end of the 3rd last night.

It has nothing to do with how many goals one guys can score.

You guys want him to have a hat trick every game? What is he expected to do?

He has the same amount of points as your god Lidstrom.

Once again, I have not been a fan of Dats, I thought he could have been better last year in the playoffs and at times when things got physical he disappeared.

Not this year though, he is playing great D, is tough as nails, skates well with the puck, controls the boards and sets up plays.

Pretty good I think, BTW he still makes less than Lidstrom.

Edited May 3, 2007 by regwinguofmfan

[DEVILSWATERBOY 10]

Boy oh boy did this get blown out of proportion fast (I guess I was prophetic about the Devil's Advocate part). A player can work hard and be a non-factor, which is what happened last game. However with nagging injuries to two of our top 3 forwards we need a bit more out of our healthy top forward; that is all.

agreed they have been playing good hockey, it is a shame that not everybody sees it that way

This game wont win the cup because they dont like to show up for entire games. They dont have the talent they used to, and they need to work harder. Something some of these guys are not used to and it showed, up until the end of the 3rd last night.

It has nothing to do with how many goals one guys can score.

You guys want him to have a hat trick every game? What is he expected to do?

He has the same amount of points as your god Lidstrom.

Once again, I have not been a fan of Dats, I thought he could have been better last year in the playoffs and at times when things got physical he disappeared.

Not this year though, he is playing great D, is tough as nails, skates well with the puck, controls the boards and sets up plays.

Pretty good I think, BTW he still makes less than Lidstrom.

[Winged Scooter 0]

Wow this thread really caught fire! C'mon seriously 7 points in 10 games, 4 goals, one of which is a big time clutch game winner. I don't understand some people in here sometimes, way too much glass half empty. If Datsyuk had 6 more points and led all NHL playoff scorers ( i think Gomez currently leads at 12 ), but all 13 points came at home, would people STILL be complaining about lack of production? seriously?

[Hank 0]

This game wont win the cup because they dont like to show up for entire games. They dont have the talent they used to, and they need to work harder. Something some of these guys are not used to and it showed, up until the end of the 3rd last night.

It has nothing to do with how many goals one guys can score.

You guys want him to have a hat trick every game? What is he expected to do?

He has the same amount of points as your god Lidstrom.

Once again, I have not been a fan of Dats, I thought he could have been better last year in the playoffs and at times when things got physical he disappeared.

Not this year though, he is playing great D, is tough as nails, skates well with the puck, controls the boards and sets up plays.

Pretty good I think, BTW he still makes less than Lidstrom.

Actually Lidstrom has 10 points and is a +4, while Datsyuk has 7 points and is a +1. This while always facing the other teams top forwards and playing in every situation for over 30 minutes a game.

Not one person here is asking for a hattrick every game. But 0 points in 5 games is something that he needs to address.

Also, if anyone here seriously thinks that Datsyuk or Zetterberg haven't thought about their gooseggs on the road, then you're delusional as well. I'm sure they're fully aware of it and want to do something about it. In fact, I think they're probably harder on themselves than some people on these boards.

Again, and I'm not sure how I can say this any clearer, we're not saying that they're playing bad or that they suck. We're only asking that they produce on the road. What's so wrong about saying that?

I will say that I think Babcock is directly involved with their road slump. He needs to seperate them.

[GiantRobot 0]

EDIT: The one thing that bothers me is watching how Thornton is playing compared to Datsyuk. Dats wanted Thornton money but he sure isn't playing like him. I know they play different styles but this team needs either him or Zetts to step up and carry the offensive load. All the contending teams have a player like that. The Wings need their $50M man to show them he's worth the investment.

Pavel isnt even close to the type of player Thornton is. Thats not to say that he isnt a great player, but you cant compare the two really.

That being said...

Datsyuk is second on the Wings in scoring...

He has been pretty physical, even knocking a "tough guy" liek phaneuf on his arse...

He is 4th overall in shots on goal with 38...oddly enough Zetterberg is 3rd in the league with 42 sog...They have faced two good goalies the first of which stood on his head. The chances are coming.

The two of them do need to score on the road, but they are playing well...

Edited May 3, 2007 by GiantRobot

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

I agree that Dats and Zetts need to score more by they are FAR from playing bad. I would be worried if they werent creating chances at all but they are. Sometimes the puck just isnt going to go in. They both have been playing great in there own zone and on the forecheck. How many times has Dats pulled off that sneaky steal the puck from behind in the offensive zone move hes so good at. Dats especially had quite the pep in his step last night.

yup.

Their need to produce on the road is really such a minor point that is getting blown way out of proportion.

[DEVILSWATERBOY 10]

Very true. But when nobody's producing, who's the first person you look too? Your top offensive players (especially if they're your top paid players).

Look at the Dallas Mavericks. They were having problems scoring and who gets blamed? Dirk Nowitski. Why? Because he's their top player. It's no different here.

its alot different you dont have 230 pound men trying to drive head threw the boards while you are standing on an 1/8 inch of steel and with another 200 pound goon running his stick or elbow into your ribs,its playoffs you look for scoring from anyone or any bounce and some times just pray for luck

[Hank 0]

Pavel isnt even close to the type of player Thornton is. Thats not to say that he isnt a great player, but you cant compare the two really.

That being said...

Datsyuk is leading the Wings in scoring...

He has been pretty physical, even knocking a "tough guy" liek phaneuf on his arse...

He is 4th overall in shots on goal with 38...oddly enough Zetterberg is 3rd in the league with 42 sog...They have faced two good goalies the first of which stood on his head. The chances are coming.

The two of them do need to score on the road, but they are playing well...

Which is exactly what I, Snepts and the original poster have said. But some people here obviously take this as the ultimate insult towards their hero's.

P.S. Lidstrom is leading the team in scoring with 10 points.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Come on Harold , that is hardly analyzing the playoffs. That's like saying the goalie needs to stop the puck, the D needs to defend the zone, and the water boy must fill the water bottles. YES, all the forwards must play well and produce at home and on the road. Duh. Does it REALLY need it's own thread?

Anyway, I decided a long time ago, to let Dats disprove his critics with his play, which he's done a pretty good job of. I'm just going to go back to doing that. GO WINGS!

How is it not analyzing the playoffs?

I don't think everyone here realizes that neither Z or Dats have registered a point on the road and are each -4.

That's not worthy of a thread, but the ones about Dom flopping or Lang sucking are?

all the forwards must play well, but Zetterberg and Datsyuk are our top players, so there's more expectations to score than on anyone else.

You guys go on and on about how great Datsyuk is, how he's one of the best in the league, but at the same time have such low expectations for him. He's a star player. Star players have high expectations placed upon them. Is that so hard to understand?

But god forbid someone make a comment even remotely negative about your precious Pavel. Here's a for ya.

[Hank 0]

its alot different you dont have 230 pound men trying to drive head threw the boards while you are standing on an 1/8 inch of steel and with another 200 pound goon running his stick or elbow into your ribs,its playoffs you look for scoring from anyone or any bounce and some times just pray for luck

What Datsyuk faces is no different than every other star in this league. From Spezza to Gionta to Teemu Selanne.

And you took my comparison way out of proportion. I was simply stating that if you're team is lacking in offense people are going to look at your top offensive player.

[13dats 1]

Wow this thread really caught fire! C'mon seriously 7 points in 10 games, 4 goals, one of which is a big time clutch game winner. I don't understand some people in here sometimes, way too much glass half empty. If Datsyuk had 6 more points and led all NHL playoff scorers ( i think Gomez currently leads at 12 ), but all 13 points came at home, would people STILL be complaining about lack of production? seriously?

Believe me it's still be complains, because all the points are at home , not on the ROAD!

[Winged Scooter 0]

Believe me it's still be complains, because all the points are at home , not on the ROAD!

I don't doubt that for a second!

[datsyukiandeke 0]

what the hell games are you watching? Last i checked datsyuk scored a clutch, GWG in game 2. Him and Z are fine, generating chances. What the hell does datsyuk need to do to gain respect around here? he isnt steve yzerman -- no one is. Spoiled fans, when they start bashin datsyuk and zetterberg. Is Thorton bad, just cause he was shut down last game? of course not.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

The two of them do need to score on the road, but they are playing well...

Yup. It seems like such a minor comment.

But apparently I just hate Datsyuk and am never satisfied.

[regwinguofmfan 0]

Actually Lidstrom has 10 points and is a +4, while Datsyuk has 7 points and is a +1. This while always facing the other teams top forwards and playing in every situation for over 30 minutes a game.

Not one person here is asking for a hattrick every game. But 0 points in 5 games is something that he needs to address.

Also, if anyone here seriously thinks that Datsyuk or Zetterberg haven't thought about their gooseggs on the road, then you're delusional as well. I'm sure they're fully aware of it and want to do something about it. In fact, I think they're probably harder on themselves than some people on these boards.

Again, and I'm not sure how I can say this any clearer, we're not saying that they're playing bad or that they suck. We're only asking that they produce on the road. What's so wrong about saying that?

I will say that I think Babcock is directly involved with their road slump. He needs to seperate them.

Check the stats again Lids its +1 same as Dats and Zetts is a +5.

This series they have had to play with Calder, Bertuzzi and other fill ins on the top line. They play much better with Holmstrom.

[Hank 0]

You guys go on and on about how great Datsyuk is, how he's one of the best in the league, but at the same time have such low expectations for him. He's a star player. Star players have high expectations placed upon them. Is that so hard to understand?

Wow! That was perfectly said! I'm not sure how anyone can dispute that.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

what the hell games are you watching? Last i checked datsyuk scored a clutch, GWG in game 2. Him and Z are fine, generating chances. What the hell does datsyuk need to do to gain respect around here? he isnt steve yzerman -- no one is. Spoiled fans, when they start bashin datsyuk and zetterberg. Is Thorton bad, just cause he was shut down last game? of course not.

That post is a perfect example of how the actual point gets blown way out of proportion and it breaks down to a flame war.

I sometimes wonder if people even read the posts, or just see Datsyuk, guess that it must be someone bashing him, and jump in typing away about how great he is.

And just for sh*ts and giggles, how about finding a post in this thread where someone called Datsyuk bad?

Good luck.

Edited May 3, 2007 by haroldsnepsts

[norrisnick 1]

what the hell games are you watching? Last i checked datsyuk scored a clutch, GWG in game 2. Him and Z are fine, generating chances. What the hell does datsyuk need to do to gain respect around here? he isnt steve yzerman -- no one is. Spoiled fans, when they start bashin datsyuk and zetterberg. Is Thorton bad, just cause he was shut down last game? of course not.

Thornton has a 7 game point streak going. A few of those games are on the road.

[DEVILSWATERBOY 10]

What Datsyuk faces is no different than every other star in this league. From Spezza to Gionta to Teemu Selanne.

And you took my comparison way out of proportion. I was simply stating that if you're team is lacking in offense people are going to look at your top offensive player.

How long have these players been in the league,do they have goons to protect them? Yes that is true however the Wings are about a team effort and not individuality how do you think they have won 3 cups inthe last 10 years