Datsyuk Gets an "A"

[Copenhagen848 58]

I don't like the rotating "A" idea....it was fine the way it was and who was already wearing them.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Good for Datsyuk.

As for rotating alternate captains or whatever, who cares? Doesn't really matter this much. Plenty of these guys have been in this league long enough to know what it takes to play at this level to be informal (not captain/assistant captain) leaders of a team.

[Henkka 0]

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.

Chelly doesn't need any letters to his shirt to be a leader.

[Guest jaytan]

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.

He doesn't need one to command respect. I mean, the guy's been in the NHL since before a few guys on the team were born, and he's captained NHL and Olympic squads before.

[superstarsingh 23]

I think Pav deserves it more than draper. Draper is a great penalty killer and 2 way player... But so is Datsyuk. He back checks just as well as Draper and scores 70 more points a season also. Perfect decision in my opinion. I'm glad they're rotating.

Back checking and scoring makes a good captain? Ignorance.

[Guest DetroitIan]

Back checking and scoring makes a good captain? Ignorance.

That's not what he's saying. So if anyone here is ignorant, it's you. What he's saying is, most people will say Draper's back-checking is a huge aspect of his game. What he's saying is, Datsyuk is pretty good at that as well. Yet he can also score 70+ points a year. Hense, it makes perfect sense that the Red Wings would want an "A" on his sweater.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

“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.

Haha, awesome.

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

I don't see why this is such a big discussion. A captain or alternate is decided mainly on attitude, vocal skills in the locker room and talking to refs(both of which we have no idea who is strong at other than whats put in the media). Yes a factor is leading by example but some of you are just blowing that out of proportion. Comparing points? Come on.

I'm going to trust the team and Detroit management on this one.

[Kp-Wings 3]

I don't see why this is such a big discussion. A captain or alternate is decided mainly on attitude, vocal skills in the locker room and talking to refs(both of which we have no idea who is strong at other than whats put in the media). Yes a factor is leading by example but some of you are just blowing that out of proportion. Comparing points? Come on.

I'm going to trust the team and Detroit management on this one.

Good post.

The reason Datsyuk really doesn't make a good alternate captain is because he doesn't talk much. It's like pulling teeth trying to get him to do an interview. I don't know the guy personally, so I can't say what he's like not around the media, but all indications seem to say he's the same. Most Russians really don't develop very good english until they've been in the country for a long time. Larionov is a good example, since his english is pretty good, and he's been in the US for quite a while now.

Not to take anything away for Datsyuk, but a captain or alternate captain should go by leadership, not point production (or the way he tapes his stick ). Alex Ovechkin is far and away the best player on the Washington Capitals, but his leadership abilities and english speaking skills are lacking. That's the reason they gave the captaincy to Chris Clark: he's an outspoken, proven leader.

It really isn't a big deal to me who get's the C's and the A's, but there are players who are more deserving. To say guys like Draper don't deserve it because they don't score as many points as someone like Datsyuk is ridiculous.

Edited October 2, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

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.

You just showed your knowledge of the game right here with this statement. :nonono:

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.

Of course I know that, but it doesn't warrant stripping a guy of his "A" every third game simply because he wasn't drafted by 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.

Its funny, because Dats' points are definitely more important than killing off penalties which are points going the other way. What was I thinking. Stupid NFM with no argument.

Open your eyes, its not just about scoring.

[55fan 5,133]

No basis for this other than it popped into my mind, but what if they're grooming Dats for the A role now, so he'll be experienced when Hank gets the C? Lids will probably be around for several more seasons (I hope!) but he's older than Hank and Dats, so when he does leave, they'll both have the experience they need to be the leaders.

Maybe they're just looking really far into the future and getting ready. As for Drapes and Z, maybe they don't mind having a few games with a little less responsibility where they can just play and have fun with it. I would guess Babs talked to them before he finalized his decision.

[Opie 308]

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.

Honestly with this team I think the letters are a formality, I think there are plenty of veteran guys with great leadership qualities. Who is the better leader will work itself out in the locker room, and it could even end up being a veteran guy like Drake. Who won't wear any letter but definitely would command respect.

Cheli, Lids, Rafalski, Zetterberg, Draper, Drake, Maltby, Datsyuk, and Homer are all guys that have been in the league long enough to know what it takes to win and will share that with the youth.

[Guest Yzer19]

I don't think he's any less.

I hear ya on the Cheli thing Gord, I thought it would be cool if he got the C after Stevie. I mean obviously Babcock has seen something that's made him want to go all three of them. As far as what "more" he brings than the other two, I'd guess you'd have to have a stall in the locker room, and a seat on the bench to know. Lids seems to be a damn fine leader, strictly by example. If your looking for a loud mouth "ra-ra" guy Cheli is your man. I just have a feeling the only one's that'll have a problem with this is the fans. And I have an even bigger feeling if it was taken just from Drapes and didn't envolve Z at all, even less would care.

Chelios should've been given the C right after the Wings traded for him. They should've immediately gave him the C. He's a Messier type leader. He's vocal, intimidating, a great player, HOFer, etc. However, at this point it's too late to give him the C now because his playing days are almost over. The Captain was the right choice for the captaincy. He had to wait 16 years for his captaincy so he earned it. It also helps that The Captain has already won 3 cups with the team, so he won't be criticized like a young player that never won it would be.

[bringback91 2]

Chelios should've been given the C right after the Wings traded for him.

[union drone 0]

Chelios should've been given the C right after the Wings traded for him. They should've immediately gave him the C. He's a Messier type leader. He's vocal, intimidating, a great player, HOFer, etc. However, at this point it's too late to give him the C now because his playing days are almost over. The Captain was the right choice for the captaincy. He had to wait 16 years for his captaincy so he earned it. It also helps that The Captain has already won 3 cups with the team, so he won't be criticized like a young player that never won it would be.

Cheli might have been, if it hadn't been for somebody by the name of Steve Yzerman. Remember that name? He had at least a bit of leadership quality, if I remember correctly.

I think that Lids right now is the best choice for "C", but Cheli would be the near the top of my list provided that he is able to continue putting up decent minutes per game. Maybe Cheli does deserve an "A", but does he really need it? He is instantly recognizable as a leader around the league, letter or not.

[bringback91 2]

Good post.

The reason Datsyuk really doesn't make a good alternate captain is because he doesn't talk much. It's like pulling teeth trying to get him to do an interview. I don't know the guy personally, so I can't say what he's like not around the media, but all indications seem to say he's the same. Most Russians really don't develop very good english until they've been in the country for a long time. Larionov is a good example, since his english is pretty good, and he's been in the US for quite a while now.

Not to take anything away for Datsyuk, but a captain or alternate captain should go by leadership, not point production (or the way he tapes his stick ). Alex Ovechkin is far and away the best player on the Washington Capitals, but his leadership abilities and english speaking skills are lacking. That's the reason they gave the captaincy to Chris Clark: he's an outspoken, proven leader.

It really isn't a big deal to me who get's the C's and the A's, but there are players who are more deserving. To say guys like Draper don't deserve it because they don't score as many points as someone like Datsyuk is ridiculous.

Well I'm pretty sure most Canadieans wouldn't go to Russia and start speaking fleuant russian either. Does that mean that Messier wouldn't be a good captain over there? Actions speak way louder than words.

You do realize that the whole "stick taping" thing is just Babcock expressing how Dats even does the smallest things very well, and that's what he wants the younger guys to copy, right? He's not saying that he literaly wants Dats to teach them how to tape a stick, although.......

[Guest DetroitIan]

Open your eyes, its not just about scoring.

Of course defense is a HUGE factor in winning. But we're talking about just one man's defensive skills. My point is, that TEAM defense is usually what wins championships. Not ONE PLAYER'S DEFENSE(ala Draper). Draper can be the best defensive player on the ice, but if the guys around him arent getting the job done, than Draper's defensive skills end up being meaningless.(luckily we have guys around Drapes that always get the job done) However, Datsyuk, by himself, can literally win the game. Draper, by himself, definitely cant impact the game like Pavel. Sure if were talking about team scoring and team defense, then you need one just as much as the other. But if we're talking about just one player, it's not even a contest on which player makes more of an impact night to night. Like I said before. For the most part, just one player's defense wont get you the "W". But one players stick sure can. So without a doubt, Pavel is the more important player. Which is why it's perfect to let him share the "A".

[toby91_ca 620]

Of course defense is a HUGE factor in winning. But we're talking about just one man's defensive skills. My point is, that TEAM defense is usually what wins championships. Not ONE PLAYER'S DEFENSE(ala Draper). Draper can be the best defensive player on the ice, but if the guys around him arent getting the job done, than Draper's defensive skills end up being meaningless.(luckily we have guys around Drapes that always get the job done) However, Datsyuk, by himself, can literally win the game. Draper, by himself, definitely cant impact the game like Pavel. Sure if were talking about team scoring and team defense, then you need one just as much as the other. But if we're talking about just one player, it's not even a contest on which player makes more of an impact night to night. Like I said before. For the most part, just one player's defense wont get you the "W". But one players stick sure can. So without a doubt, Pavel is the more important player. Which is why it's perfect to let him share the "A".

I'm not sure you are getting it. Being the best scorer isn't important in terms of being a leader. Being the best defender is not important in terms of being a leader.

Let me put it to you this way:

Assume this was possible....you have a player, he is the most gifted offensive player ever seen, his defensive skills are better than anyone that has ever played the game, he is the most physical player in history....starting to get the idea, basically, the guy is has the best set of skills on the planet. Having all that doesn't mean that he would be your best choice for captain or alternate.

Aside, in terms of one guy not being able to win a game with great defense, but one guy can win a game with great offense, that is not true at all. Neither can do it alone, you need the rest of your team. If one player is great defensively, but the rest are not, doesn't matter how good he is. If one guy is great offensively, but the rest of the team is not....doesn't matter how good he is, the other team will just focus on him and shut him down.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Of course defense is a HUGE factor in winning. But we're talking about just one man's defensive skills. My point is, that TEAM defense is usually what wins championships. Not ONE PLAYER'S DEFENSE(ala Draper). Draper can be the best defensive player on the ice, but if the guys around him arent getting the job done, than Draper's defensive skills end up being meaningless.(luckily we have guys around Drapes that always get the job done) However, Datsyuk, by himself, can literally win the game. Draper, by himself, definitely cant impact the game like Pavel. Sure if were talking about team scoring and team defense, then you need one just as much as the other. But if we're talking about just one player, it's not even a contest on which player makes more of an impact night to night. Like I said before. For the most part, just one player's defense wont get you the "W". But one players stick sure can. So without a doubt, Pavel is the more important player. Which is why it's perfect to let him share the "A".

I guess then thank god for Draper having the right people around him. Nevermind that he's considered one of the best penatly killers in the game. It's definitely gotta be the guys around him.

It's interesting how you discredit Draper based on the players around him, yet you fail to do so in Dats' case. I know what you mean, that Holmstrom doesn't know how to redirect shots at all, and Z definitely doesn't have a knack for burying the puck. Thank god Dats made that line "tick" last season.

You're missing the point. This isn't about Dats' skill.......I've never questioned that.

[Guest DetroitIan]

It's interesting how you discredit Draper based on the players around him, yet you fail to do so in Dats' case. I know what you mean, that Holmstrom doesn't know how to redirect shots at all, and Z definitely doesn't have a knack for burying the puck. Thank god Dats made that line "tick" last season.

Oh my God. Dude you just dont get it. Im talking about which player is more important and makes a bigger IMPACT night to night. Of course Datsyuk gets help with Homer, or anyone else Babcock pairs him with. But once again, and this is the last time Im saying it, Pavel BY HIMSELF can make a much bigger impact on getting the "W", than Draper BY HIMSELF with his defense. Got it? Do I need to write it in even bigger letters?? Jesus Christ. This isnt rocket science here. It's not that hard to comprehend.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Oh my God. Dude you just dont get it. Im talking about which player is more important and makes a bigger IMPACT night to night. Of course Datsyuk gets help with Homer, or anyone else Babcock pairs him with. But once again, and this is the last time Im saying it, Pavel BY HIMSELF can make a much bigger impact on getting the "W", than Draper BY HIMSELF with his defense. Got it? Do I need to write it in even bigger letters?? Jesus Christ. This isnt rocket science here. It's not that hard to comprehend.

Dude, I get that, but for the millionth time, please explain to me how according to you, "Pavel BY HIMSELF can make a much bigger impact on getting the "W", than Draper BY HIMSELF with his defense" makes him a better leader than Draper.

Edited October 2, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[Guest DetroitIan]

Dude, I get that, but for the millionth time, please explain to me how what you just said makes him a better leader than Draper.

Im not necassarily saying that Datsyuk would be the better leader. Im just saying, Draper's game wont be helped nor hurt with having the "A". But IMO, if Dats is given the "A", it will do nothing but help him in the future. More responsibility is just what Pavel needs. Every leader in hockey had to start somewhere. And this is Datsyuk's start. Pavel might be a Red Wing for the next 10+ years. But we cant say the same for Drapes. So it just seams to me, that giving Pavel the "A" right now, will just establish him that much faster as a dominant offensive player/ leader. I love Drapes. Im just saying, it seams to me that it's more of a positive giving it to Pavel. Thats all.

And IMO a player that makes a bigger impact by himself from night to night. Should get consideration in being an alternate. Just my opinion.

Edited October 2, 2007 by DetroitIan

[toby91_ca 620]

Dude, I get that, but for the millionth time, please explain to me how according to you, "Pavel BY HIMSELF can make a much bigger impact on getting the "W", than Draper BY HIMSELF with his defense" makes him a better leader than Draper.

Exactly....

[Curban915 0]

Chelios should've been given the C right after the Wings traded for him. They should've immediately gave him the C. He's a Messier type leader. He's vocal, intimidating, a great player, HOFer, etc. However, at this point it's too late to give him the C now because his playing days are almost over. The Captain was the right choice for the captaincy. He had to wait 16 years for his captaincy so he earned it. It also helps that The Captain has already won 3 cups with the team, so he won't be criticized like a young player that never won it would be.

I swear i think you have some of the best weed in the world. You are all over the place. What you just said makes me wonder how old you are?

[Guest DetroitIan]

I swear i think you have some of the best weed in the world. You are all over the place. What you just said makes me wonder how old you are?

Yeah no s***. Not to mention, that's the same dumbass who said Lidstrom deserves his jersey retired over Steve Yzerman. The kid as a Yzer19 handle, yet gives the hockey God little to no respect. It's pathetic.