Game 3: Kopecky in, Calder out

[13dats 1]

Red Wings forward Kyle Calder will be benched for Game 3 on Tuesday in favor of Tomas Kopecky.

Calder hasn’t seen much ice time in the first two games against Anaheim, playing only 7:57 minutes in the first two games of the Western Conference finals. He has only one point this postseason, an assist in Game 5 against Calgary in the first round of the playoffs.

Kopecky hasn’t played since Dec. 14, when he suffered a broken collarbone against the Chicago Blackhawks.

[Kp-Wings 3]

DUCK AND COVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FUUFNF 1]

i'm okay with that.

[Guest bullocks]

thank god!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rice 42]

Calder is obviously hurt, so this is a good move. However, Kopecky is going to be rusty. I think the only reason he gets the go over Hudler is that he's a big body. I'm guessing Kopecky is in when the Wings play in Anaheim and Hudler plays in Detroit, similar to the Calgary series.

[Echolalia 2,961]

I cannot believe it. In fact, I will not until a link pops up somewhere.

However if this does happen, at the very least it may light a fire under Calder's butt because he knows his jobs at stake.

[FUUFNF 1]

I cannot believe it. In fact, I will not until a link pops up somewhere.

However if this does happen, at the very least it may light a fire under Calder's butt because he knows his jobs at stake.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...5/70514102/1053

[ColdWarrior 0]

Kopecky v. Calder

Since you forgot the link...

[Zeta Power 40 1]

looking forward to seeing Kopecky

[Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3]

(from TSN)

Tomas Kopecky

HT: 6-3 WT: 187

26 GP, 0G, 1A, +/- of -2 and 22PIM

Assets Has a very projectable frame, sound two-way instincts and plenty of scoring potential. Is also a versatile forward in the Red Wings mold.

Flaws Must add significant bulk in order to make his mark on the NHL. Has a tendency to take games off, which won't cut it in the big league.

Career potential Third line winger.

After Calder was basically invisible (don't blame the guy since he apparently has a broken hand) it will be interesting to see what a HEALTHY, yet inexperienced guy can do in there. (living in CO I've never seen Kopecky play so I posted TSN's quick overview for those in my situation).

Edited May 15, 2007 by Wings_Fan_In_Exile

[dw185 0]

I'm kind of suprised they are just throwing kopecky back into the mix right away considering we haven't seen him since december as opposed to putting hudler in. I'm not opposed to it though, hopefully this will pay off.

[Guest bullocks]

I'm kind of suprised they are just throwing kopecky back into the mix right away considering we haven't seen him since december as opposed to putting hudler in. I'm not opposed to it though, hopefully this will pay off.

he's been healthy for well over a month...if calder does have a problem hand, it makes no sence for him to fart around out there...kopecky will prolly only play like 5 mins anyways.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Injured or Not , hes been invisable.

Good move , Hudler would've been my pick , But Kopecky is 6'3

[Bryguy 103]

Good move, i know he will be rusty, but kopecky was playing very well before he got injured.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

I would rather see Hudler get a shot, but Kopecky isn't a bad move either. I feel bad for Calder just because the guy has to be hurt right now, and he got off to such a good start in Detroit. Needless to say, I can't see Kopecky being all that effective, but maybe he can provide some energy from the fourth line.

[Izzy24 44]

This certainly won't hurt anything.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

We can't say that it's a dumb move or a smart move until we see Peck play, however, if they feel that he can play in the WCF after that long of an absence, I am cautiously optimistic that he can contribute. From what I remember, he plays gritty and pisses people off, something that the Wings will need in a pro-Duck environment affecting the referee's decision making.

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

Pretty much agreeing with everyone else that this is a good choice. I am concerned however at how he is going to respond to the playoff pressure. At least Hudler is used to it at this point.

It really is a shame that Calder broke his hand.. Imagine if we had him playing like he was when we first got him

Edited May 15, 2007 by omnipotent_hudler

[KronwallCRUNCH 5]

Thank you. Another body that will go in there and hit the ducks. a-ok with me!

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Our 4th line is gonna be huge now.

Franzen (6'2/6'3) - Kopecky (6'2,6'3) -Filpula (6'0 , 6'1)

[Williams29fan 6]

YESSS!

[Guest bullocks]

Pretty much agreeing with everyone else that this is a good choice. I am concerned however at how he is going to respond to the playoff pressure. At least Hudler is used to it at this point.

It really is a shame that Calder broke his hand.. Imagine if we had him playing like he was when we first got him

saying calder has a broken hand is all hearsay, until i see some proof...i wont believe it.

[T-Ruff 47]

Kopecky was looking really impressive before he went down..... This isn't going to have a negative effect on anything as Calder was only playing 4 minutes a game anyways.....

I would have preferred to see Hudler in, but we'll see how Kopecky does.... If anything, the mere fact that Calder has been taken out opens the door for Rex to get back in if Kopecky falters....

[WingsWingsWings 3]

I think this is a smart move. Hope it pays off!

GO WINGS!!!

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

WHY are all my faves always jinxed. What is this s***.

Bullocks- Calder DOES have a broken hand. It was mentioned right after the Flames series and it was quite obvious as he was holding his hand down, and shaking with his other in line of the handshakes. What proof do you need? Want him to show you his hand or something? I mean come on peeps..it's completely obvious.