why no hudler?

[dustin35 0]

now that calder is out and they havent said for sure if its cuz hes hurt i thought for sure that would me huds in for good. i dont get why babcock never wants to give him ice time. as we've seen the lil time hes does give him he always makes something happen. did i miss something is huds hurt too or whats the deal? anyone know?

[06TJSport 0]

He is small and too slow for speed to make up for the lack of size. He would get flattened by any member of the duck. Taking Calder out we need to get bigger, not smaller and slower

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

He is small and too slow for speed to make up for the lack of size. He would get flattened by any member of the duck. Taking Calder out we need to get bigger, not smaller and slower

I think it has more to do with Kopecky being ready to go than Hudler being any sort of liability. Huds is just as fast, if not faster than Lang, more defensivly responsibe, and he does make things happen. I love him, and I hope this isn't a sign that Babs would rather not have him back next season.

[Hockey13Playa 240]

I would still take Hudler over Kopecky.

Hudler proved himself in the season, even though hes small, I would rather play him and sit Kopecky.

But thats just my opinion.

[HomeNugget 2]

I would still take Hudler over Kopecky.

Hudler proved himself in the season, even though hes small, I would rather play him and sit Kopecky.

But thats just my opinion.

i agree. if this is how the team is gonna be treating Hudler, i'd like to see him traded to a team that will give him a chance.

[Dabura 12,207]

If I'm Babs, I go with the speedy big body in Kopecky. I think he made the right call.

[Henkka 0]

Huds will be ready if someone gets injured. That's his role and it's our priviledge to have so deep offence. You never know what happens.

Edited May 17, 2007 by Henkka

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

now that calder is out and they havent said for sure if its cuz hes hurt i thought for sure that would me huds in for good. i dont get why babcock never wants to give him ice time. as we've seen the lil time hes does give him he always makes something happen. did i miss something is huds hurt too or whats the deal? anyone know?

Hudler has had his chances, and he could have some more obviously.

I think it is obvious that Hudler has more offensive skill over Kopecky, but on the road in a hostile environment, and against a fairly large team in the Ducks, Kopecky provides an extra body with decent size in a grinding type role.

If Calder is still getting the boot by game 5 on Saturday, I bet we'll see Hudler play at home instead of Kopecky.

[e_mcgrath88 0]

are you guys kidding?? Hudler has looked like crap in the games he has played in the playoffs so far... he would panic with the puck anytime someone came near him for a hit.... Kopecky plays a far greater role against a big and physical ducks team..

[RedRum #1 0]

Hudler has had his chances, and he could have some more obviously.

I think it is obvious that Hudler has more offensive skill over Kopecky, but on the road in a hostile environment, and against a fairly large team in the Ducks, Kopecky provides an extra body with decent size in a grinding type role.

If Calder is still getting the boot by game 5 on Saturday, I bet we'll see Hudler play at home instead of Kopecky.

If Kopecky cuts out the penalties and Detroit keeps playing well I bet you wont see Hudler in game 5, I promise you. Unless there's an injury Hudler wont play against the Ducks.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

I too want to see Huds in, but it's not going to happen because he'd probably get manhandled out there with being so small and all. LOL

Thing is.I would put him in the guy is feisty as heck regardless! He's damn talented. I'm upset they aren't playing him.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

I want to see the guy succeed as much as anyone, but Rex was buried by the Sharks in his three games against them.

Calder wasn't more effective and he barely played. We'll see about Kopecky.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

5'9

Thats why he wont play

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

are you guys kidding?? Hudler has looked like crap in the games he has played in the playoffs so far... he would panic with the puck anytime someone came near him for a hit.... Kopecky plays a far greater role against a big and physical ducks team..

No. Nobody is calling him the next coming of Gretzky, but 2 assists in 6 games in the playoffs for a rookie so far isn't half that bad, unofficially 3 when he distracted Nabokov enough in game 2 for Zetterberg's goal.

He has made respectable use of his limited ice time more often than not.

I understand and support the decision to play Kopecky last game and will continue to support if he contiues to play over Calder or Hudler.

But to say Hudler has looke like crap in the games he has played in is being a bit overdramatic.

Edited May 17, 2007 by SouthernWingsFan

[CAredwingsfan91 28]

i've heard that holland doesn't really like hudler all that much...anybody else heard this?

[therock48880 14]

More than likely he'll play when the series shifts to Detroit. The Wings will have the last line change and won't have to worry about Hudler being stuck out on the ice against giants. Having said that, if Kopecky can shake the rust and quit taking penalties, he may just stay in the lineup.

Now, if you want Hudler to replace someone in the lineup, I can think of one person in particular and his last name starts with an L and it rhymes with "sang". Hudler is a natural center despite playing wing most of his short nhl career. I realize Babcock won't bench Lang, but it's just an idle thought that has been in my mind recently.

[Guest LivingtheDream]

i agree. if this is how the team is gonna be treating Hudler, i'd like to see him traded to a team that will give him a chance.

I think you are right and this is what will happen this summer. Too bad, I like the kid. For whatever reason he has not earned Bab's trust. I think the days of the Wings going for little skill guys are past.

[Guest bullocks]

It was the right call putting in Kopecky. Were not looking for offence from him just a big body that can't be pushed around. Hudler might be talented, but hes small, and wouldnt contribute on the score sheet anyways.