How's the balance look to you?

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Looks as close to 50/50 to me right now as can be with the 4 lines the Wings are usually able to role out.

We all know about Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Homer, and I think the line of Rex-Flipper-Samuelsson has just enough playmaking/talent ability to where it makes up well for the line not being quite as big.

I'm not sure where Franzen fits into this picture since he's been injured and if you want to put him in more of a scoring or grinding role (and he needs to be playing), but...

Then you got the other two lines then of Cleary-Draper-Maltby and variations of Kopecky/Downey/Ellis/Drake providing more of the energy/grit factor and less playmaking to keep the other team honest.

I'd say the team looks very balanced right now as it's ever been, in terms of not solely relying on their talent as in years past. But still being able to win more often than not with some of that aspect, along with a continued mode of thinking (that shouldn't be a shock to anybody from last year's playoff run) to never back down and to always hustle and work.

Is this too far fetched? Am I sniffing glue again?

[Opie 308]

I think Franzen would fit nicely on a Cleary Franzen Draper line and move Malts either to the 4th.

Then you let Downey, Kopecky, Ellis and Drake fight it out the next couple of weeks to see who deserves to be on the 4th.

Overall I think the 4th will end up Ellis Drake Maltby with Downey getting regular stints replacing the young Ellis and resting the aging Drake. Unless Kopecky really picks his game up I see him being in the press box or GR.

But I believe you are spot on with your assessment SoutherWingsFan, this team has a good balance of everything.

Top to bottom they are not the most skilled, nor the toughest, roughest, not the best at really anything (as a team) but the do everything well. That is a good sign!

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

TBH, the best thing right now for the H-F-S line would be to continue playing together. If that line can continue to gel together it could give the Wings exactly what they need. Couple that with two bottom lines fighting for playing time and roster spots, and the Wings will be in great shape.

Obviously the ZDH line is terrorizing the league right now combining for 54 points (22-32-54 ), and even if they stay slightly lower than that pace it will allow the H-F-S line more time to get comfortable with each other. That will pay dividends ten-fold as the season rolls on.

Edited November 2, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[T.Low 1,011]

Looks as close to 50/50 to me right now as can be with the 4 lines the Wings are usually able to role out.

We all know about Datsyuk-Zetterberg-Homer, and I think the line of Rex-Flipper-Samuelsson has just enough playmaking/talent ability to where it makes up well for the line not being quite as big.

I'm not sure where Franzen fits into this picture since he's been injured and if you want to put him in more of a scoring or grinding role (and he needs to be playing), but...

Then you got the other two lines then of Cleary-Draper-Maltby and variations of Kopecky/Downey/Ellis/Drake providing more of the energy/grit factor and less playmaking to keep the other team honest.

I'd say the team looks very balanced right now as it's ever been, in terms of not solely relying on their talent as in years past. But still being able to win more often than not with some of that aspect, along with a continued mode of thinking (that shouldn't be a shock to anybody from last year's playoff run) to never back down and to always hustle and work.

Is this too far fetched? Am I sniffing glue again?

I too think its a good assessment. However, I thought you were going to bring up the point Paul Woods made on the radio last night. He said that while people are commenting on the lack of a big gritty dman, most of those guys don't have the talent for the great breakout passing that the Wings dmen posses, and thats where so much of the offense comes from.

[Grittzkey 1]

we have 5 skilled players.. Z/Datz/Flipper/Lids/Raf

we have 5 gritty players.. Drake/Down/Cleary/Maltz/Drapes

the rest just try to act the part.

[Viperar 16]

we have 5 skilled players.. Z/Datz/Flipper/Lids/Raf

we have 5 gritty players.. Drake/Down/Cleary/Maltz/Drapes

the rest just try to act the part.

just out of curiosity what makes flipper more skilled than huds that huds doesnt deserve a spot on the skilled list? To me their production this year has been about equal. Both have played great, but I would guess Huds deserves a spot up there with those names if Flip does too.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

we have 5 skilled players.. Z/Datz/Flipper/Lids/Raf

we have 5 gritty players.. Drake/Down/Cleary/Maltz/Drapes

the rest just try to act the part.

What do you consider a guy with 14 points in 14 games?

[Grittzkey 1]

Homer isnt very skilled he is blessed to be on a linewith Z and Datz thatas why he has the points if he was on the 2nd line, he'd be in the same boat as everyone else..

Flip is more skilled then huds, because Flipper can, shoot,pass,skate good.. i cant say that for rex.

i maybe a lil to critical on homer, but he isnt offensivly blessed like the others, and the only grit he adds is a scrunchy face after he gets shoved in the back..

[Opie 308]

What will it take for this board to respect the games that Sammy and Huds play. Sammy and Huds are very talented 6-9 forward, not very talented top 6 forwards, but unfortunately this team needs them to be top 6 forwards. The wings right now have 2, count them, 2 legit top 6 forwards.

Huds Sammy Flip are building a lot chemistry and are starting to play really well as a secondary scoring unit, the team is on a tear and yet, people still bash players on this team, trash them like they could find a better player at the same salary or cheaper just hanging out on the corner of the street.

Huds Sammy and Flip will be critical to the regular season success of this team and if a top 6 forward is not signed at the deadline they will be pivotal in the playoffs.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

We look great right now, but even though this is a cliche, the playoffs to me will decide what this team is made of. We've had the best record in the league, or been tied for the best record the last 3 seasons, and didn't even make the finals. I still want to see a top 6 forward, and a little more size at either forward or defense.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

We are the best team in the league. ZDH is dominate, Samuelson is actually a good player, I've recognized, I was wrong about him. Filpula and Hudler are playing good. Danny, Maltby and Draper always play well. Drake, Ellis and Downey are some of my favorite guys on this team, espicially Downey. Franzen is another guy who adds size, grit and some scoring presence.

The defence is great, Lidstrom is Lidstrom, Rafalski is sick, Kronwall is good, Lilja is a huge guy who plays tough, Chelios is Chelios, Lebda is fast and Meech is pretty good too. No complaints.

The goaltending is great, Hasek and Osgood are the best goaltending tandem in the league (better then Ottawas and you know it)

Love the team right now. Oh, and before I forget, give credit to Babs, he's a fantastic coach.

[Kp-Wings 3]

We are the best team in the league. ZDH is dominate, Samuelson is actually a good player, I've recognized, I was wrong about him. Filpula and Hudler are playing good. Danny, Maltby and Draper always play well. Drake, Ellis and Downey are some of my favorite guys on this team, espicially Downey. Franzen is another guy who adds size, grit and some scoring presence.

The defence is great, Lidstrom is Lidstrom, Rafalski is sick, Kronwall is good, Lilja is a huge guy who plays tough, Chelios is Chelios, Lebda is fast and Meech is pretty good too. No complaints.

The goaltending is great, Hasek and Osgood are the best goaltending tandem in the league (better then Ottawas and you know it)

Love the team right now. Oh, and before I forget, give credit to Babs, he's a fantastic coach.

That's the outside of the box thinking that can be dangerous here, you know.

*cough*

I know I don't often give the Wings enough credit, so it's time I do. They've played some great hockey in this last stretch. Zetterberg is an amazing hockey player that can easily contend for the scoring title, Selke Trophy, and Hart Trophy. Datsyuk and Holmstrom, Holmstrom especially, have been on fire during this stretch.

Filppula and Hudler look like their finally ready to break through. Nice to see, because we need their production. And, let's not forget: Samulesson is playing good (there I said it, ok?).

Cleary, Draper, and Maltby all do their jobs in a great way. Ellis is making strides, and should be in the lineup. Downey and Drake are awesome, for obvious reasons. Franzen, if he ever get's healthy, will make good strides also and will add size and scoring up front. The checking lines on this team are really effective, with the exception of Kopecky, and it's a great strong point on this team.

Lidstrom is starting to round into form after a slow start. His play is just unreal sometimes, as he can make other players look silly with how he shuts them down.

Rafalski is looking like one of the best signing in free agency. I can't say enough good things about this guy. He's putting up points, he's solid defensivily, he's playing a good physical game despite his size. If he ever got into a fight... hehehe.

What's to stop Chris Chelios from winning the Norris Trophy? On a serious note, his play has been excellent on many levels this season. I really like Chelios, and it would be cool to see him play until he's 50. He hasn't slown down a bit.

Kronwall was impressing me, until once again he's injured. Hopefully he's not out for too long, because he needs to finally start showing something. He's getting paid a good 3 million a season now, so he needs to stay healthy and live up to that.

Lilja is playing good (I'm on fire tonight with these compliments, eh? ). He is probably the only one who brings physical play to the blueline, so if he keeps it up and plays a simple game, I'm fine with him in the lineup. He just needs to start fighting again.

Lebda... eh, nothing impressive from him, but nothing bad either. He's been ok.

Our goaltending tandem is great, for the most part. Not to get too ahead of myself here, but it honestly wouldn't bother me if the Wings kept Ozzie in even after Hasek get's back. I'm sorry, but Hasek's play this season was nothing to write home about. On the other hand, Osgood hasn't lost a game yet, and is stealing some saves for us.

Overall, if the Wings keep it up, this is making it's way for a great season. Hopefully this get's the fans back in the seats at the Joe, and this talk of attendance finally comes to an end.

Edited November 3, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

That's the outside of the box thinking that can be dangerous here, you know.

*cough*

I know I don't often give the Wings enough credit, so it's time I do. They've played some great hockey in this last stretch. Zetterberg is an amazing hockey player that can easily contend for the scoring title, Selke Trophy, and Hart Trophy. Datsyuk and Holmstrom, Holmstrom especially, have been on fire during this stretch.

Filppula and Hudler look like their finally ready to break through. Nice to see, because we need their production. And, let's not forget: Samulesson is playing good (there I said it, ok?).

Cleary, Draper, and Maltby all do their jobs in a great way. Ellis is making strides, and should be in the lineup. Downey and Drake are awesome, for obvious reasons. Franzen, if he ever get's healthy, will make good strides also and will add size and scoring up front. The checking lines on this team are really effective, with the exception of Kopecky, and it's a great strong point on this team.

Lidstrom is starting to round into form after a slow start. His play is just unreal sometimes, as he can make other players look silly with how he shuts them down.

Rafalski is looking like one of the best signing in free agency. I can't say enough good things about this guy. He's putting up points, he's solid defensivily, he's playing a good physical game despite his size. If he ever got into a fight... hehehe.

What's to stop Chris Chelios from winning the Norris Trophy? On a serious note, his play has been excellent on many levels this season. I really like Chelios, and it would be cool to see him play until he's 50. He hasn't slown down a bit.

Kronwall was impressing me, until once again he's injured. Hopefully he's not out for too long, because he needs to finally start showing something. He's getting paid a good 3 million a season now, so he needs to stay healthy and live up to that.

Lilja is playing good (I'm on fire tonight with these compliments, eh? ). He is probably the only one who brings physical play to the blueline, so if he keeps it up and plays a simple game, I'm fine with him in the lineup. He just needs to start fighting again.

Lebda... eh, nothing impressive from him, but nothing bad either. He's been ok.

Our goaltending tandem is great, for the most part. Not to get too ahead of myself here, but it honestly wouldn't bother me if the Wings kept Ozzie in even after Hasek get's back. I'm sorry, but Hasek's play this season was nothing to write home about. On the other hand, Osgood hasn't lost a game yet, and is stealing some saves for us.

Overall, if the Wings keep it up, this is making it's way for a great season. Hopefully this get's the fans back in the seats at the Joe, and this talk of attendance finally comes to an end.

Who's he going to fight? The whole league has been ducking him after he destroyed Moen and Sharp last year.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Who's he going to fight? The whole league has been ducking him after he destroyed Moen and Sharp last year.

On a serious note, I actually thought he did good against Sharp. He was brutal against Moen, but that was the famous fight that gave him the "Pain Train" nickname.

[Systemfel 33]

Agreed, there's definitely a good balance at forward. But it with the top three on D averaging just 190 lbs, it would be nice with a real aggressive and shot blocking defenseman.

Edited November 3, 2007 by Systemfel

[Systemfel 33]

Lidström - Rafalski

Witt type of player - Kronwall

Lebda - Chelios

4 of 6 d-men would be good at skating/passing the puck out of the zone. Just saying. I'm not screaming for a trade.

[RedWings Gone Wild 6]

I've been surprised by our offense thus far this season. Last year it seemed like we won most of our games by a 1-2 goal difference, max. Right now, we're averaging 3 1/2 goals a game... whereas last season we averaged around 3 a game. Doesn't seem like a big difference, but it is when you consider how many purely offensive players we lost over the offseason. One would think we would wind up more defensive. I don't know if this is something we can continue through 82 games, but I never felt like our offensive got on track last season, and that we were overly dependent on keeping the puck away from the other team. So, I guess i've been satisfied with both our grit and skill thus far, as it's yielding results.

Edited November 4, 2007 by RedWings Gone Wild