10/12 GDT: Chicago Blackhawks 3, Red Wings 2

[Mickeyisms Rule! 0]

SOme of you are starting to sound like Leafs fans. Every loss means we are doomed and need to clean out the entire team and get new players.

Chill. We are 3-1-1. Out of a possible 10 points we have 7. If you carry that kind of success all the way through the end of the season (164 possible points) that would give us 114-115 points.

Last year we finished with 113. Re-freaking-lax.

[ben_usmc 253]

Hawks for sure earned this game, I really think maybe some of you should stop watching hockey if you want to scrap the whole team after ONE game without a point. Once again remember last season begining, none of them played well, some bad calls, and lazy in the 2nd and 3rd. Though I agree with one statement, they seem to be missing something, there is something off about the team.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

SOme of you are starting to sound like Leafs fans. Every loss means we are doomed and need to clean out the entire team and get new players.

It'll always be that way here. The Wings have a massive following across N.A. Just like the Leafs do. With that comes fans who are only fans as a result of tradition (in the case of the Leafs) or success (in the case of the Wings).

Fans like that are swayed by the winds of change pretty easily and tend to look at a team's performance from an incredibly microscopic view.

Besides siting on the lead at the end of the 2nd...don't you think Hasek looks VERY slow. You can count to 5 before he gets up, and what about laying down everytime the puck comes to the net? I'll wait to see how he plays on the west coast before I say anymore! Even though...we should not be giving up 2 goal leads to any teams...especially division rivals. We looked way to slow, and unorganized at the end of the second/third. Lite the Fires Babcock!

Hasek has always been and always will be a slow starter. Guess who else is a slow starter? Half the grade A talent in this league. If you don't believe me go look at the scoring leaders. The leader board won't look like that in a few months or in April. Big Joe, Sid, Ovi, and Jagr aren't going to fall of the face of the Earth like they seem to have done judging by the current scoring leaders.

I'm more concerned about how our players look in late November to early December when I'm trying to gauge their performance in the current year compared to the past.

[VM1138 1,921]

although the wings lost i see some positives out of this... like the intensity necessary to keep a ******* lead... especially agaisnt the blackhawks

God forbid a team has an offnight. God forbid they have trouble beating a single team. Lord knows nothing like this has ever happened to any other team, especially every team every season.

I can't believe people want to throw half the team out five games into the season and bring back FEDEROV.

I agree, something seems to be missing, but that's what trading is for. I think we can all agree the only ones likely to be traded are Lilja or Sammy. Everyone else is doing their part.

I know Wings fans are insane with passion, but haven't you ever played any sports before? Some nights no matter how good you are, you just can't get it going. Everyone has slumps, so Datsyuk may be starting off with one. But you're crazy if you think he's not going to have a great year.

[edicius 3,269]

Hmph. I didn't predict right again. Stupid predictions.

But it's just one game. We've got a whole season to ***** about our boys.

[Mors 201]

I think it's embarassing to lose to the Blackhawks twice...but I dont have anyone specific to blame.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

God forbid a team has an offnight. God forbid they have trouble beating a single team. Lord knows nothing like this has ever happened to any other team, especially every team every season.

I can't believe people want to throw half the team out five games into the season and bring back FEDEROV.

I agree, something seems to be missing, but that's what trading is for. I think we can all agree the only ones likely to be traded are Lilja or Sammy. Everyone else is doing their part.

I know Wings fans are insane with passion, but haven't you ever played any sports before? Some nights no matter how good you are, you just can't get it going. Everyone has slumps, so Datsyuk may be starting off with one. But you're crazy if you think he's not going to have a great year.

First of all- bringing back Fedorov is a perfectly fine proposition. The 2007-2008 Detroit Red Wings roster does not have 6 forwards better than an old-ass Fedorov. Sorry, but that's the truth. Fedorov brings scoring and defensive depth our forward lines lack. I'd LOVE to be able to say we've got too many good players to need Feds (even though Feds is one of my top 2 favourite players of all time). But in the end we don't. Let's face it- this season it's become apparent that when Z and Dats don't connect with the back of the net the Wings struggle. At least last year we had Lang, Williams and Cleary to pick up the slack. Cleary's been chained to the bottom two lines, apparently, and obviously the other two are gone for good.

Next, I'd like to conceed something- Sammy's not so bad and he's very much a necessary part of this team. Face it guys- Sammy's the top scoring forward on this team that isn't Hank, Dats or Holmer. I know that's annoying- and s*** I wish it wasn't true, but clearly Sammy's a component the Wings can't afford to lose without picking up another winger of greater scoring ability (remember that Sammy has a great chemistry with the rest of our top six forwards).

I think these are just facts we'll have to accept in the salary cap era- players like Sammy are down right essential for a team to win. Cheap, 20 goal scorers with good chemistry are extremely valuable to even the richest, most successful teams now.

I don't think Dats is starting in a slump- he's put up 4pts in 5 games while playing a very dominant game out there. Remember he did score a goal against the Hawks a few nights ago only to have it taken back in what the ref admitted was a bad call. A goal and 4 helpers in the first five games is perfectly fine in my books. Datsyuk is playing just as well right now as he was in the preseason and playoffs- he just hasn't connected with the back of the net yet. Both Dats and Hank have seen more then their share of posts and bad bounces so I'm not worried.

I do, however, want to see Hudler start putting the puck in the net- he's been playing well but seems to be suffering from the same luck as Dats.

Give the boys another 10 games before you start thinking about who needs to have their ass dumped.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I dont know why people are either hitting the panic button, or jumping on those who are. Losing to Chicago hurts, we blew another lead, saying it's early in the season does not excuse either.

I do think that Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Holmstrom are playing great. Hudler and Filpula are trying very hard, but have yet to get a goal, they need to start putting the puck in the net. Sammy, is well Sammy, he isnt very good, not at all, but he can put the puck in the net on occasion, plays physical when he fells like it, but I wish he wasent here to be a scorer (I wish he wasent here at all, but thats a different story )

I'm very disapointed Danny isnt getting a regular shift on the 2nd line, he deserves it more then Samuleson, but im loving the Cleary - Draper - Drake line. The 4th line has been ineffective, and feel bad for Malts, this was supposed to be his bounce back year, and he doesnt have any line-mates. I wanna see Downey get in there, he'll serve those 5-10 minutes a night much better, and Im positive that Malts plays better with an enforcer on his line.

The defence, has been good, but not great. Chelios and Lidstrom were making some pretty bad plays last night (Believe me, I cant believe IM writing that), Rafalski has been pretty good, but can be better, and will only get better the more games he plays as a Wing. Kronwall and Lebda have been good, but Lilja's playing like himself, as I knew he would, I wouldnt be surprised to see him waived/traded in the near future as Babs has stated he wont hesistate to put Meecher in.

Hasek is a slow starter, but is playing alright for now. Wait till 15 games in, he'll be fine and no one will be bitching about Dominek.

We're fine, just gotta play s***ty teams harder then we are, and need to learn how to close out games. Once we figure that out, we'll be at top of the league in no time (Even though we already are people just cant see that because of panic).

[Kp-Wings 3]

It's just a simple fact: the Wings don't come out to play against s***ty teams. The 'Hawks will be lucky to even be in the playoff race come April, so the Wings don't take them very seriously. Notice how we beat teams like Anaheim and Calgary, who are both good, but lose to bad teams like the 'Hawks. It's not because the Wings are not a good team: it's because the Wings don't take these bad team seriously enough.

While it's disappointing to lose to Chicago, it's nothing more then just another game at this point. If the Wings start going on prolonged losing streaks, then the panic button can be hit. But that hasn't happened, and I have full confidence it won't. Zetterberg is on fire right now, and if we could get the rest of the team to start producing, things will go in our favor.

So, with that said, I'm looking forward to Sunday's game in L.A. Hopefully Downey's so called Visa issues are worked, and he get's a chance to play.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

So, with that said, I'm looking forward to Sunday's game in L.A. Hopefully Downey's so called Visa issues are worked, and he get's a chance to play.

Downey's ready to go. He couldve played yesterday but was a healthy scratch. On a sidenote, they showed David Koci up in the press box sitting by Martin Havlat. That is one dude i'd want NO part of!!

[datsyukismyfriend 4]

it's just one game, that's true, but the worst thing about this loss is that those two points were pretty important considering our west coast trip coming up. eveybody knows how notoriously lousy the wings are when they swing out west. i have a feeling the standings will look a little different after next week. it just sucks to have lost three points we should have had against a team we were up by two goals against each game because those points would have come in handy in about a week. oh well.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Downey's ready to go. He couldve played yesterday but was a healthy scratch. On a sidenote, they showed David Koci up in the press box sitting by Martin Havlat. That is one dude i'd want NO part of!!

Good to hear. Hopefully there's an official confermation soon.

I honestly can't see why he wouldn't play, though. Some of our guys like Kopecky and Ellis have been so useless in the past few games, it wouldn't make sense not to give Downey a chance finally. Plus, he really wants to play and has a good attitude, which is something that should go a long way with Babcock, given his indication for hard-working players.

I'm surprised Koci didn't play last night, but given that Toews was ready, he was the likely choice out. I'd like to see him get in more, though, because he's an entertaining player.

Edited October 13, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[Turretin 0]

I gotta be honest, I broke a smile when I saw that it was Lang that got us for the second time in this young season.

Good for him. He is clutch when he wants to be.

[datsyukismyfriend 4]

I gotta be honest, I broke a smile when I saw that it was Lang that got us for the second time in this young season.

Good for him. He is clutch when he wants to be.

that, and he's only scored against the wings. it's karma. and what the hell is lang doing on the pk???? the hawks are crazy! anyway, it's clear the hockey gods are a little riled that we passed on poor bobby.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

Good to hear. Hopefully there's an official confermation soon.

I honestly can't see why he wouldn't play, though. Some of our guys like Kopecky and Ellis have been so useless in the past few games, it wouldn't make sense not to give Downey a chance finally. Plus, he really wants to play and has a good attitude, which is something that should go a long way with Babcock, given his indication for hard-working players.

I'm surprised Koci didn't play last night, but given that Toews was ready, he was the likely choice out. I'd like to see him get in more, though, because he's an entertaining player.

Its definitely confirmed...its even in todays newspaper. Babcock says Downey will play "when it helps the team win". Ok yeah...like the 2 you mentioned are doing that!

Koci is the biggest guarantee in all of sports. When he's in...you knows he's fighting at least once! He's great.

[Mors 201]

Well, at least Kopecky got in on the play yesterday and led to Draper scoring...Ellis is just a warm body out there, he might as well be invisible.

[ChiHawks 0]

DEAR GOD~

PLEASE DON'T LET US EMBARASSE THEM TOO MUCH... IT IS NOT GOOD FOR THE SPORT OF HOCKEY IN SUCH A DELICATE CITY OF CHICAGO!

AMEN

Awesome.

[2probert4 8]

Hell we can bet on anything here in the States, I persoanally have been laying some cash on THE ALL BLACKS!

That's actually pretty good! Here we have the odds like this and this is how it works.

Chicago +270 (you would win $270 against a $100 bet-refered to as a longshot)

Detroit -320 (you would have to lay $320 to win $100)

Over/Under 5 -135

If you put $20 here on the Wings you would only have the chance to hit for $6.25. So if you are getting $9.00 back, the Wings are really like only -220 (Huge!)

If I were you and gambled (Hence my name), I would lay $200 on the over 5 for the $130.00 payout, not great odds but like the over none the less.

Good luck. Oh and take the over on Hawaii 70 (-110) tonight in College football.

Im glad you explained that, I never had a clue to what that meant when I would read it in the paper , thanks man

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Downey's ready to go. He couldve played yesterday but was a healthy scratch. On a sidenote, they showed David Koci up in the press box sitting by Martin Havlat. That is one dude i'd want NO part of!!

I can't believe that Koci is going so far to avoid fighting the "pain train". Hiding next to Martin Havlat, how pathetic.

[LeftWinger 5,153]

First of all- bringing back Fedorov is a perfectly fine proposition. The 2007-2008 Detroit Red Wings roster does not have 6 forwards better than an old-ass Fedorov. Sorry, but that's the truth. Fedorov brings scoring and defensive depth our forward lines lack. I'd LOVE to be able to say we've got too many good players to need Feds (even though Feds is one of my top 2 favourite players of all time). But in the end we don't. Let's face it- this season it's become apparent that when Z and Dats don't connect with the back of the net the Wings struggle. At least last year we had Lang, Williams and Cleary to pick up the slack. Cleary's been chained to the bottom two lines, apparently, and obviously the other two are gone for good.

...I've been saying it all along, Fedorov at 37 years old (december 13th) is better than most of our team. He could easily be the #1 or #2 center on this team. Make the deal as soon as possible. I won't hit the panic button unless this team is still playing this crappy in December, but even at 3-1-1 we haven't really earned it. Someone earlier mention that that would give us a a projected 114 or so points, well that is all fine and dandy, but there are no shoot-outs in the playoffs, we cannot rely on lazy play just to try and salvage 1 point and try for the extra. I think the whole "each team gets a point in overtime" ruined the excitment of OT. If you lose, you lose, you get nothing, good day sir! And get rid of the SHOOT OUT!!!!

...Fedorov and Forsberg are looking pretty good right about now, they'll look REAL good in december if this team is hanging around the middle of the pack, only then Columbus will KNOW we need FEDS, so they will rape us in return. Get him now, trade Hudler and a pick, while we still aren't DESPERATE!

...BTW when it comes time to choose between Datsyuk and Zetterberg, Zetterberg hands down, he may not have the dispy doo of Dats, but he is bar none the more powerful and better all around player. HE WILL BE THE NEXT CAPTAIN...

Edited October 13, 2007 by LeftWinger

[omnipotent_hudler 0]

I think I'll stab myself in the eyes if I hear another "Bring back Feds!" post. He does not want to play here, relations with him and the team are not good. period.

Also, lets just throw away some prospects for a 37 year old !

...Fedorov and Forsberg are looking pretty good right about now,

Fedorov looks mediocre and Forsberg isn't even playing

[Kp-Wings 3]

...Fedorov and Forsberg are looking pretty good right about now

Really? What team is Forsberg playing for?

Oh, wait... he's not.

Edited October 14, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

...Fedorov and Forsberg are looking pretty good right about now, they'll look REAL good in december if this team is hanging around the middle of the pack, only then Columbus will KNOW we need FEDS.

Fedorov hasent done anything so far this season, how exactly is he looking good?

Forsberg is playing is? Oh wait, how good can you look practising in Sweden. We wont be around the middle of the pack in december, Fedorov will not solve our problems, people on here would only like him because they were fans of him while he was here, and for the people that think he's a bum, it'll be like Lang, only less lazy and he'll have more support.

The ONLY thing Fedorov might do, is bring back some fans of his to come and watch games.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Fedorov hasent done anything so far this season, how exactly is he looking good?

Forsberg is playing is? Oh wait, how good can you look practising in Sweden. We wont be around the middle of the pack in december, Fedorov will not solve our problems, people on here would only like him because they were fans of him while he was here, and for the people that think he's a bum, it'll be like Lang, only less lazy and he'll have more support.

The ONLY thing Fedorov might do, is bring back some fans of his to come and watch games.

So you'd rather Sammy then Feds? I knew you secretly love Sammy!

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

So you'd rather Sammy then Feds? I knew you secretly love Sammy!

Other then Claude Lemeuix and Alexie Yashin, I'd take any top 6 forward over Sammy

I just dont think Fedorov will solve this teams problem, or be the answer as people are stating he will. We sure as heck aint trading for him this early anyways, he isnt worth 6 million, and we dont have that much space.