Guest jaytan Report post Posted October 9, 2007 (edited) I'm too lazy to read the whole thread. Did he make it through waivers? If not, that's pathetic. Edited October 9, 2007 by jaytan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lou_Siffer 1 Report post Posted October 9, 2007 Much like te Calgary Flames then? To be honest, I don't see a huge difference between the Wings and the Flames in terms of styles, sure Calgary has a few guys who play more physical than the Wings, Phaneuf, Regher and Iginla, but in reality, I've seen games where they get pushed around these days. The worst thing Sutter did was getting rid of the character guys, the Flames tried to turn into a skill team and they're paying for it with a poor defense and the loss of their intimidation. The Flames give the illusion of being much tougher due to their borderline dirty play, they really don't have the right guys to wear other teams out anymore, but they have just enough guys to battle in the corners to give that illusion. They're a different team, but they have the mystique of the hard highting, always fighting, smash you in the mouth club that in reality has been long gone since 2004. Calgary has lost their identity, i agree completely with that. They clearly havent been the '04 team up front, the only physical forwards they even had in last years playoffs were Iginla and Wayne Primeau (not that he's much of one..). In 04 they had guys like Simon and Oliwa as regulars, as well as a couple others im sure that i just cant think of right now! They were tough and very physical on paper back then, and it showed. They definitely need to add a few guys throughout the year. Besides maybe getting in a fight what does Downey do in last nights game?? How does he change the face of the game?? Was there a blatant intent to injure last night? Was there a cheap shot that he could have prevented or revenged? What does Downey provide last night? And before you answer my questions with "Well what did Kopecky/Ellis do?" they are different players and have different roles and futures with the wings organization. Kopecky/Ellis will get that valuable NHL experience that people are looking for when bringing a player in. How many times do you hear "well they have no experience so lets go another route."? Downey does nothing to change last nights game positive or negative, just like Ellis and Kopecky, difference being they are learning and Downey is who he is and that is all he will be. Therefore it is a positive having the youngsters in, maybe not today, but they are learning the NHL game and what it is like to play at this level. I can guarantee you Downey fighting wouldve at least given the crowd a burst of life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 Calgary has lost their identity, i agree completely with that. They clearly havent been the '04 team up front, the only physical forwards they even had in last years playoffs were Iginla and Wayne Primeau (not that he's much of one..). In 04 they had guys like Simon and Oliwa as regulars, as well as a couple others im sure that i just cant think of right now! They were tough and very physical on paper back then, and it showed. They definitely need to add a few guys throughout the year. I can guarantee you Downey fighting wouldve at least given the crowd a burst of life. The difference Lou is that you admit that is what it will do and not say it will change the team around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 Why are we comparing points for 4th line players who play 5min a night. That is not their role. Then what exactly is? You've got guys like Kopecky in the lineup that are supposed to physical, but are not for some reason that is oblivious to me. The guy is 6'3, but he plays like he's 5'1. It's ridiculous watching him. He's a terrible skater, has no offensive ability at all, doesn't hit, doesn't fight, doesn't do anything. And yet, mysteriously, he is still in the lineup on a full time basis. My preferred solution would be to dump his ass on some crappy team (maybe Chicago, since that seems to be the final resting place of all Red Wings castoffs) and just let Ellis and Downey battle it out for the final spot. Those two guys at least work hard (and Downey fights of course). Kopecky doesn't even work hard, which could explain his lack of ice time. I know he's a 4th liner, but he had only about 3 minutes of ice last night. When you roll lines on a regular basis during a game, he should get much more then that. ...and with that said, there's a sense of irony that really makes me laugh. People cite that playing Downey will force Babcock to not be able to roll the lines anymore. Well, look at last nights game. A perfect example of Babcock not rolling lines, and Downey wasn't even in the game. You figure a meaningless regular season game against perrenial bottom-feeders like the Edmonton Oilers would be a chance for some of these guys to play more. Yet, guys like Kopecky only had a grand total of about 3 minutes of ice time last nigh. He might have had more, he might have less, I don't know the exact amount. But it sure as hell wasn't very much. The point that I, and some others on here as well, is that not playing Downey because of his "lack of skills" is a stupid reason, considering we have guys on our current roster that don't even belong on an AHL roster. Kopecky is useless in all grandstanding points of the game. Whether that is because of his injury last year or not is irrelevant. The fact remains that Downey could do no worse then what Kopecky is doing right now. He would probably do a lot better, since he'll at least hit and fight guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 Then what exactly is? You've got guys like Kopecky in the lineup that are supposed to physical, but are not for some reason that is oblivious to me. The guy is 6'3, but he plays like he's 5'1. It's ridiculous watching him. He's a terrible skater, has no offensive ability at all, doesn't hit, doesn't fight, doesn't do anything. And yet, mysteriously, he is still in the lineup on a full time basis. My preferred solution would be to dump his ass on some crappy team (maybe Chicago, since that seems to be the final resting place of all Red Wings castoffs) and just let Ellis and Downey battle it out for the final spot. Those two guys at least work hard (and Downey fights of course). Kopecky doesn't even work hard, which could explain his lack of ice time. I know he's a 4th liner, but he had only about 3 minutes of ice last night. When you roll lines on a regular basis during a game, he should get much more then that. ...and with that said, there's a sense of irony that really makes me laugh. People cite that playing Downey will force Babcock to not be able to roll the lines anymore. Well, look at last nights game. A perfect example of Babcock not rolling lines, and Downey wasn't even in the game. You figure a meaningless regular season game against perrenial bottom-feeders like the Edmonton Oilers would be a chance for some of these guys to play more. Yet, guys like Kopecky only had a grand total of about 3 minutes of ice time last nigh. He might have had more, he might have less, I don't know the exact amount. But it sure as hell wasn't very much. The point that I, and some others on here as well, is that not playing Downey because of his "lack of skills" is a stupid reason, considering we have guys on our current roster that don't even belong on an AHL roster. Kopecky is useless in all grandstanding points of the game. Whether that is because of his injury last year or not is irrelevant. The fact remains that Downey could do no worse then what Kopecky is doing right now. He would probably do a lot better, since he'll at least hit and fight guys. Dude, a rented mule couldn't do any worse than what Kopecky has done so far in the NHL. Speaking of that, does anyone know how Langfeld's doing in Nashville? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Izzy24 44 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 What's to stop Chelios from just bypassing Babcock and putting Downey in the lineup himself? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uk_redwing 495 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 What's to stop Chelios from just bypassing Babcock and putting Downey in the lineup himself? A c*** named Ken Holland Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mors 201 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 Doesn't look like anything changed for tonight's lineup...another craptacular Ellis-Kopecky 4th line Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uk_redwing 495 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 f***s sake! Downey deserves a game just as much as Ellis! Even more so because Ellis has at least had quite a few games to impress. Aarons had none. you can tell ******* Holland is stopping Babs playing him Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bringback91 2 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 f***s sake! Downey deserves a game just as much as Ellis! Even more so because Ellis has at least had quite a few games to impress. Aarons had none. you can tell ******* Holland is stopping Babs playing him I don't know about that. Ellis is exactly the type of player Babcock likes IMO. I'd like to see Downey get some time too, and I'm sure he'll get his shot, but Grigs is the guy I want to see get a shot. I don't see Ellis lasting the whole season, probably become part of a package for someone *cough*sergei*cough* , but seriously I don't care who's in as long as they keep winning. And while I'm not thrilled with him in the line-up, Ellis deserves a shot and that's what he's getting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ben_usmc 253 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 don't you know we want as many ******* on the ice as possible. I know we actually do have a tough squad but not in the sense that people want to see, hell everyone is talking about lack of fans in the stands, ill put any amount of money that if we had a giant brawl or at least 4 fights in 1 game, next game you'd see the place almost packed. God forbid the wings please there fans. Yes I know we they are winning, and should apperciate that but we aren't so.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest jaytan Report post Posted October 10, 2007 With this squad, if we had a giant brawl we'd see most of our players leaving the ice on stretchers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bringback91 2 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 (edited) don't you know we want as many ******* on the ice as possible. I know we actually do have a tough squad but not in the sense that people want to see, hell everyone is talking about lack of fans in the stands, ill put any amount of money that if we had a giant brawl or at least 4 fights in 1 game, next game you'd see the place almost packed. God forbid the wings please there fans. Yes I know we they are winning, and should apperciate that but we aren't so.... They tried that. That's during the era they were named the "dead things". And attendance was way worse. Got something like a mean 40pts. one season. I guess those fans should figure out there priorities. Do they like hockey or fighting? Cause there's numerous alternatives, UFC, WWF, boxing, etc. I just don't get it, fighting always has and always will be a part of hockey, but I don't think it's ever been as big of a part as some around here think. Winning is job #1 for the Wings, and if that doesn't satisfy some fans, screw em. Makes it easier for me to catch some games and see some of the greatest HOCKEY talent in the world. Edited October 10, 2007 by bringback91 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drwscc 212 Report post Posted October 10, 2007 What's to stop Chelios from tying Babcock up in the locker room, and becoming a player-coach? Then we could magically roll 4 lines of Downeys and 3 D Pairs of Chelios'. Then we would win every game, right? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
96warrior 11 Report post Posted October 11, 2007 http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/ Thursday, October 11, 2007 Downey's paperwork Aaron Downey said that he's still waiting for his work visa to clear. Downey, a Canadian, cannot play in a game without a visa, but can practice and travel with the team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heaton 1 Report post Posted October 11, 2007 http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/ Thursday, October 11, 2007 Downey's paperwork Aaron Downey said that he's still waiting for his work visa to clear. Downey, a Canadian, cannot play in a game without a visa, but can practice and travel with the team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KevinD 1 Report post Posted October 11, 2007 http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/ Thursday, October 11, 2007 Downey's paperwork Aaron Downey said that he's still waiting for his work visa to clear. Downey, a Canadian, cannot play in a game without a visa, but can practice and travel with the team. it's officially Kenny's fault. he called the consulate and asked if they could drag it out for Ellis's sake. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigTex 1 Report post Posted October 11, 2007 Everyone got all pissed off about Downey for nothing. I have to chuckle about that. Get a Visa already, will ya? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted October 11, 2007 Well then, whenever he gets his visa, he'll be playing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwingfan19 293 Report post Posted October 11, 2007 good news. Hope he can get it by tomorrow. Itching to see a Downey, Drake, Maltby line Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lou_Siffer 1 Report post Posted October 11, 2007 http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/ Thursday, October 11, 2007 Downey's paperwork Aaron Downey said that he's still waiting for his work visa to clear. Downey, a Canadian, cannot play in a game without a visa, but can practice and travel with the team. Oh, so theyre playing the Visa card now??? GET YOUR F'N VISA! (as an American i cant express myself any stronger on this) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lou_Siffer 1 Report post Posted October 11, 2007 This at least brings back some hope that they arent just against using him. It also helps that as expected...Ellis and Kopecky havent done jack (especially Kopecky whos been absolutely invisible). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
96warrior 11 Report post Posted October 12, 2007 http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/ Downey cleared to play Forward Aaron Downey got his work visa today. although tonight's game against Chicago is the first that he's eligible to play in, Downey will be a healthy scratch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwingfan19 293 Report post Posted October 12, 2007 Why not put him in? Im sure he is itching to play. Surley he couldn't do any worse than kopecky or ellis, plus he brings a different look Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnyoski 0 Report post Posted October 12, 2007 Good job posting that story 96warrior. That answers the question for a lot of people. Also good to see Downey still with an upbeat attitude and not pulling a JR 'play me or I'm going to watch the game at the bar' ultimatum. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
