Datsyuk Gets an "A"

[bringback91 2]

Aside from points what does Dats bring to the table more than Draper does?

From the article:

“It’s not about talking. It’s about modeling,†Babcock said. “I tell everybody that he even tapes his stick better than anybody I’ve ever seen. He just does it right, this guy. He’s phenomenal.

[toby91_ca 620]

From the article:

“It’s not about talking. It’s about modeling,†Babcock said. “I tell everybody that he even tapes his stick better than anybody I’ve ever seen. He just does it right, this guy. He’s phenomenal.

But do Draper's superior communication skills outweigh his lack of stick taping ability?

[bringback91 2]

But do Draper's superior communication skills outweigh his lack of stick taping ability?

As far as hockey goes? I highly doubt it. But if your talking a job at T-Moblie customer service, sure.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Aside from points what does Dats bring to the table more than Draper does?

Aside from points??? I would say that's a pretty huge factor in winning. If you dont score, you cant win. Not to mention Dats has a better +/-, he's younger. And he was drafted by the Red Wings. They are both very even on faceoff wins. Draper is better defensively(although Pavel is improving immensely in that aspect of the game). And during any shootout situations, Pavel will be out there trying to win the game for us. Draper will seldomly be in the first 3 shooters group. Dats just overall brings more to the table. He absolutely deserves to share the "A". Although I will say, I hope both "A"s arent rotated. Cause IMO Zetterberg should never lose the "A" for even one game.

[Guest Yzer19]

Questions to all:

Would you be upset if Babcock gave the C to Z, and an A to Lids?

Drapes is apparent by resume alone I suppose which is fine, but without trying to induce a Z vs. Dats riot, what exactly makes Z so much of a better leader than Dats? I mean I've always been baffled by the whole Z on a pedastal thing. Language is a minor sticking point, obviously it doesn't affect Dats' game at all, and it's been said numerous times that he can speak way better english than he lets on to the media.

It's too late now to give the C to anyone else. It would be ridiculous. Lidstrom is The Captain and he has earned the C. It's the first time in ages that the Wings have had a player that has actually earned the C rather than it just being given to them. Lidstrom's teammates consider him the best leader ever. I don't think there is anyone that is more deserving of the C, heck they wouldn't even give it to any of their former captains if they came back to play. Lidstrom did a great job last year and made everyone forget about the past.

Besides, do you really want to take the chance of losing Lidstrom by giving the C to someone else? Remember his contract is up this year. The last thing the Wings need to do is upset him and make him leave. That's exactly what would happen if they took away the C, regardless of who the player was.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

But do Draper's superior communication skills outweigh his lack of stick taping ability?

BB91, don't misunderstand me. I think Dats is a phenomenal talent and an integral part of the Wings. Make no mistake, my view on this subject is in no way a knock on Dats. I just don't see the need to appoint another Alternate Captain when the two that the Wings have are doing a great job.

[Guest DetroitIan]

From the article:

“It’s not about talking. It’s about modeling,†Babcock said. “I tell everybody that he even tapes his stick better than anybody I’ve ever seen. He just does it right, this guy. He’s phenomenal.

Absolutely.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Aside from points??? I would say that's a pretty huge factor in winning. If you dont score, you cant win.

And defense isn't a huge factor in winning?

Not to mention Dats has a better +/-, he's younger.

They have completely different roles on the team. This isn't a solid point to base this argument on.

And he was drafted by the Red Wings.

I stand corrected.......give him the "A" then.

And during any shootout situations, Pavel will be out there trying to win the game for us. Draper will seldomly be in the first 3 shooters group.

Once again, totally different roles on the team.

Edited October 1, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[bringback91 2]

BB91, don't misunderstand me. I think Dats is a phenomenal talent and an integral part of the Wings. Make no mistake, my view on this subject is in no way a knock on Dats. I just don't see the need to appoint another Alternate Captain when the two that the Wings have are doing a great job.

No, theres no misunderstanding. I see where your coming from. Just disagree as aparently do the Wings. Not directed at you, but I guess I just don't really see the big deal. Whoever is having trouble with the whole thing I'd suggest re-reading the article. Alot of what was said shouldn't really be dismissed. Just an opinion. At any rate, can't wait for the season no matter who's got an A. GO WINGS!

[toby91_ca 620]

Aside from points??? I would say that's a pretty huge factor in winning. If you dont score, you cant win. Not to mention Dats has a better +/-, he's younger. And he was drafted by the Red Wings. They are both very even on faceoff wins. Draper is better defensively(although Pavel is improving immensely in that aspect of the game). And during any shootout situations, Pavel will be out there trying to win the game for us. Draper will seldomly be in the first 3 shooters group. Dats just overall brings more to the table. He absolutely deserves to share the "A". Although I will say, I hope both "A"s arent rotated. Cause IMO Zetterberg should never lose the "A" for even one game.

Great arguments for Datsyuk being a better player, but not for being a better leader.

The best leader on your team could be a guy that goes the whole year without scoring a single point.

[bringback91 2]

Great arguments for Datsyuk being a better player, but not for being a better leader.

The best leader on your team could be a guy that goes the whole year without scoring a single point.

Solid point. But 99% of the time that guy would be a goalie, which can't have a letter. BTW I think Vancover should give Linden back the C.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

No worries from me there Gordo, you've showed many times over this past season that I've read that your not a "hater" at all. Different opinions on some things for sure, but makes for a fun debate. Surprisingly you've made my "most fun to read" posters list.

As far as the Nashville game, Z I could see, Lids that's hard for me to believe. Now my man Cheli, I could see the 25 plus probably an additional 5 and a 10.

I need to broaden my "most fun to read" posters list. Right now i'm the only one on it. Nah, i'm just being overtly egocentric because I don't know how to control myself this close to puck drop. I'm like a kid before christmas who just can't behave becuase he's too amped ujp.

PS: I took Dats with my first overall fantasy pick this year! I picked 10th so there were plenty of picks left but I had to go with my boy DATSYSOOOOOOOOOK!!!!!!!

PPS: The real fun will begin after this season when Feds figures out what he wants to do. I predict you and I are going to have plenty of opinions on where he should end up.

[Learn2LuvIt 252]

The best leader on your team could be a guy that goes the whole year without scoring a single point.

???

I hope this "leader" doesn't lead by example.

[TheBadOne 0]

I have no complaints. Go Pavel!

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

AWESOME!

[Guest DetroitIan]

Great arguments for Datsyuk being a better player, but not for being a better leader.

The best leader on your team could be a guy that goes the whole year without scoring a single point.

Absolutely. Sometimes that can be the case. But IMO giving Datsyuk the responsibility of the "A" on his sweater, will do nothing but mold him into a guy that other players look at for leadership. Sure, its easy to say that Drapes is the better leader. But a player has to start somewhere. This is Pavel's start. And I can guaruntee that a leader that leads by not just words, but by example, is the kind of leader that this team needs. Drapes can lead by words, but Datsyuk can and will lead by both words and his play. Which, other players respond to big time. Bottom line for me is, Draper's game wont be helped, nor hurt with having the "A". Datsyuk having the "A" will help him become that much better in the long-run. Extra responsibility will be a huge plus for Pavel.

And defense isn't a huge factor in winning?

Of course it is. Are you actually gonna say Draper's defense can help the team win more than a player that's a scoring machine like Datsyuk? Yeah one player's defense always wins games. I'll tell you one thing, one players stick sure the hell can.

I stand corrected.......give him the "A" then.

I only brought that fact up, because the Red Wings are a team that is known for giving letters to players that have never played in another sweater. Seams like you would already know that being a Red Wings fan.

Once again, totally different roles on the team.

So let me get this straight. You ask me what more Pavel brings to the table over Drapes, other than points. I answer you. Then you say they have different roles??? GEE REALLY? Who knew that Draper and Datsyuk had different roles on the team??? Obviously they have different roles. By you're logic, we cant even compare the two in the first place. So why ask the question to begin with? Nothing I could have said would have gotten any responce other than "they have different roles". Way argue there bro.

Edited October 1, 2007 by DetroitIan

[Guest Yzer19]

Great arguments for Datsyuk being a better player, but not for being a better leader.

The best leader on your team could be a guy that goes the whole year without scoring a single point.

Exactly. The Wings have learned that lesson from their past mistake. That's why they went with a veteran player like Lidstrom as The Captain instead of just their best young player like they did in the past. They actually gave the captaincy to a player that earned.

I only brought that fact up, because the Red Wings are a team that is known for giving letters to players that have never played in another sweater. Seams like you would already know that being a Red Wings fan.

Not true. The Wings have given the A to Shanny and I believe Coffey also had an A. Both of these guys played in other sweaters.

Edited October 1, 2007 by Yzer19

[toby91_ca 620]

Not true. The Wings have given the A to Shanny and I believe Coffey also had an A. Both of these guys played in other sweaters.

Some more recent ones: Chelios and Draper.

[toby91_ca 620]

On the topic of leaders not necessarily being top scorers with their team. Have a look at these few examples from last year:

- Lapointe (24pts, 9th in team scoring)

- Clark (39 points, 7th in team scoring)

- Mellanby (36 points, 4th in team scoring)

- Taylor (6 points, 17th in team scoring)

- Arnott (54 points, 7th in team scoring)

- Drake (12 points, 14th in team scoring)

There are some examples where the team's most prolific scorer is their captain and in some of those cases I agree with the choice and in others, I do not think the person should be captain at all.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Not true. The Wings have given the A to Shanny and I believe Coffey also had an A. Both of these guys played in other sweaters.

Seems like he should already know that being a Red Wings fan.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Not true. The Wings have given the A to Shanny and I believe Coffey also had an A. Both of these guys played in other sweaters.

Oh absolutely. I never said the Red Wings ALWAYS do that. I said the Red Wings are a team that's known for doing that. And/or players that have had a long tenure with the organization. They dont always do it, but for the most part, that's how the Wings chose their lettermen.

Edited October 1, 2007 by DetroitIan

[Guest jaytan]

I really don't get the sense that Datsyuk is much of a leader. But on this team, it doesn't really matter who is officially named an alternate captain. After all, there's plenty of veteran leadership and it's not like guys who have been solid leaders for over a decade need a letter on their chest to do their jobs right.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

If were giving out extra A's, how come Chelios doesnt get one? He's the best leader or 2nd best leader on the team.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Chelios should have gotten an "A", if you ask me.

But, whatever. It doesn't really matter that much, since I feel he still has quite a large say in what goes on in that lockeroom.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Chelios should have gotten an "A", if you ask me.

But, whatever. It doesn't really matter that much, since I feel he still has quite a large say in what goes on in that lockeroom.

He has worn it, and will this season. I'm sure that Pavel, Hank, Draper, and Lids will not all play 82 games. I wish they would, but they won't. So Cheli is the #1 alternate alternate.

Great choice, he is a leader on the team and should have an A. WAY TO GO PAVEL!!!

Edited October 1, 2007 by Wings_Dynasty