Was Babs pumping up Sammys image for a reason?

[YoungGuns1340 1]

You can check out the quote on Freep.com

"He's an elite, elite player offensively and defensively. He's 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. He can skate. He can shoot."

I read this quote and the first thing I thought was that Babs was trying to sell Samuelsson. Obviously they wont trade him right now, but it definitely sounds like something you'd say if you wanted people to sit up and take notice of Sammy. I mean, from that phrase, it sounds like Samuelsson is a bigger version of Zetterberg.

What do you guys think? Will he be the first player to be forced up on the trading block? Wouldnt be the first time the Wings sold off a so-so player in order to get his money off the books for next year.

[Reds4Life 51]

He does not make much money, trade? maybe. but certainly not because of his salary.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I can see him traded. Babs doesnt strike me as a biased coach, he cant actually be serious can he?

[Heaton 1]

With how streaky Samuelsson is, it's important to do everything you can to continue the streak going. Like I said a week or two ago, when all hope is lost with Samuelsson, he goes on a tear and sucks everyone back in, the vaccum is turned on.

If we can keep Filppula, Hudler, Samuelsson, Franzen and Cleary all going at their highest level, our secondary scoring issues are dead. The problem is Samuelsson is who he is a 1.2m forward who scores in bunches. In the playoffs early on he was useless, by the end he was producing like we needed other players to. You really need to take the good with the bad with him. As for the elite talent comment? I don't think so, but Babcock hasn't been wrong about a lot in his tenure.

[DreamsofHope 2]

Well if they are talking about Sammy and his streakiness as being related to his confidence, why can't we just assume Babcock is trying to keep his confidence high. Babcock has said good things about Sammy all year. Maybe he just knows that he Sammy believes in himself he does well, so Babcock is trying to get Sammy to believe in himself.

Yes? No?

[Dabura 12,232]

If we can keep Filppula, Hudler, Samuelsson, Franzen and Cleary all going at their highest level, our secondary scoring issues are dead.

Sure -- in the regular season.

The only way to adequately address the problem is to bring in help from outside.

[Heaton 1]

Sure -- in the regular season.

The only way to adequately address the problem is to bring in help from outside.

None of those players are going to contribute in the playoffs?

What is the problem exactly? What is adequate secondary scoring?

Edited December 30, 2007 by Heaton

[betterREDthandead 58]

Well if they are talking about Sammy and his streakiness as being related to his confidence, why can't we just assume Babcock is trying to keep his confidence high. Babcock has said good things about Sammy all year. Maybe he just knows that he Sammy believes in himself he does well, so Babcock is trying to get Sammy to believe in himself.

Yes? No?

That's my thoughts too. Streaky players usually have their performance tied to confidence. Hopefully that nice easy goal he scored yesterday will help out there. Sammy's no good at making plays of his own but he's very good at finishing others and he's a legit scoring threat when he's on.

[Dabura 12,232]

I never said they're not going to contribute; I implied they're not going to contribute enough.

Adquate secondary scoring is -- for this team as it currently stands -- a proven, bona fide goal-scorer who can anchor the second line. Flip and Hudler are red-hot right now, no doubt. But it won't be nearly as easy in the postseason.

Of course, that's assuming all of those guys are healthy throughout the playoffs. What happens if we lose Flip or Hudler? Or what about Hank or Dats? How about Flip/Hudler and Hank/Dats? What happens is we're screwed.

My wet dream is Sundin for cheap and a guaranteed two years.

[Earthhuman 8]

I don't think he's going anywhere, he's cheap and he scores. I think his confidence has been up, and Babcock wants to keep it that way.

Have you noticed him going 1-on-1 lately, streaking through the neutral zone, putting on the moves, and generally contributing to the puck possession game the Wings play? Not only that, but last night, he had 6 shots and at least three good scoring chances.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Elite player? Great defensively? And why would Babcock mention that Sammy's 6'2 since he plays with no tougness whatsoever? None of those descriptions are fitting. The only thing I can think of is that maybe Babcock is just trying to boost Sammy's confidence.

[Earthhuman 8]

Elite player? Great defensively? And why would Babcock mention that Sammy's 6'2 since he plays with no tougness whatsoever? None of those descriptions are fitting. The only thing I can think of is that maybe Babcock is just trying to boost Sammy's confidence.

I think he forgot to say "for the price tag."

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Elite player? Now that's a joke.

[irishtemper14+25 11]

babs is biased, just look at the lineups everynight. giving hasek more starts than osgood is dumb, playing hudler on the fourth line, not giving downey much playing time, and sitting cheilos when cheli can and wants to play

samuelson is far from elite, but he is not supposed to be a scoring forward. i wish he would get the memo that he is a more defensive forward so he would pass more

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Notice how he didn't say he could score.

[Heaton 1]

babs is biased, just look at the lineups everynight. giving hasek more starts than osgood is dumb, playing hudler on the fourth line, not giving downey much playing time, and sitting cheilos when cheli can and wants to play

samuelson is far from elite, but he is not supposed to be a scoring forward. i wish he would get the memo that he is a more defensive forward so he would pass more

Huh?

Hasek is getting more starts? When? Playing Hasek twice in a row when we have back-to-back games isn't playing him more.

Hudler on the 4th line? For what? 2 weeks? Seemed to jump start him, Hudler hasn't been on the 4th line in a while. He also won't go back there either.

Not giving Downey much playing time? 6 minutes for Downey is like 30 minutes for Lidstrom.

Sitting Chelios on back-to-backs? God forbid Babcock doesn't feel the need to overwork Chelios, regardless of how much of a freak he is, during back-to-back games, that's the only time he sits him.

Samuelsson is a scoring line forward, he's not a defensive forward, he's decent defensively, but that's not his role on this team.

Edited December 31, 2007 by Heaton

[This Is Bida 0]

Dont think for one SECOND that Babs isnt trying to upgrade his status in the hockey world.

Me, my dad, brother and cousin were JUST talking about how good the Wings are at selling their players. ESPECIALLY their prospects.

The only one true example I can think of off the top of my head is with the Tigers (I know its not hockey but...) look at Maybin. The Tigers make this kid out to be the next greatest player ever. He hasnt proved a thing. Instead they have a proven top 10 player taking his place. The Wings do this EXACT same thing with its players and prospects.

So first and foremost, Babs is getting his publicity and worth going and secondly, OF COURSE he's helping his confidence!

[Guest DetroitIan]

You can check out the quote on Freep.com

"He's an elite, elite player offensively and defensively. He's 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. He can skate. He can shoot."

I read this quote and the first thing I thought was that Babs was trying to sell Samuelsson. Obviously they wont trade him right now, but it definitely sounds like something you'd say if you wanted people to sit up and take notice of Sammy. I mean, from that phrase, it sounds like Samuelsson is a bigger version of Zetterberg.

What do you guys think? Will he be the first player to be forced up on the trading block? Wouldnt be the first time the Wings sold off a so-so player in order to get his money off the books for next year.

I love Babcock and all. But im not sure exactly what he's smoking. Let's break this down and see if Babs is accurate on this statement.

He's an elite, elite player offensively and defensively - Ummm...he's a decent player defensively. And he's pretty good offensively at best. He is absolutely NOT Elite. Especially not a double elite. lol Zetterberg is elite. Datsyuk is elite. Lidstrom is elite. Samuelsson is a decent NHLer. Simple as that. Babcock must really be trying to give Sammy some confidence or something. Otherwise, the Red Wings officially have a delusional head coach.

He's 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds - Yep, Babs is right about that.

He can skate - Well I would sure hope so. Refreshing to know that an NHL player can skate. lol

He can shoot - Yeah sometimes. Other times he just "attempts" to shoot.

So to sum it up. Unless Babcock just lost his mind, we can be fairly sure he's saying this for Sammy's sake. Atleast I really hope so.

[Grittzkey 1]

Notice how he didn't say he could score.

i roflcopter'd at that one m8.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Looking at Babcock's description without knowing who he was referring to, I'd think that he was talking about my ideal deadline acquisition. A guy who's 6'2, 215 pounds, who plays great on both sides of the ice and is and ELITE player. Sammy would be the last guy I'd think he was referring to.

[Izzy24 44]

Well if they are talking about Sammy and his streakiness as being related to his confidence, why can't we just assume Babcock is trying to keep his confidence high. Babcock has said good things about Sammy all year. Maybe he just knows that he Sammy believes in himself he does well, so Babcock is trying to get Sammy to believe in himself.

Yes? No?

Yes.

[2probert4 8]

He does not make much money, trade? maybe. but certainly not because of his salary.

(Without sounding condescending) Honestly, what do you think they would/should get for him? IMO, not much at all. middle round pick if they're lucky.

[Opie 308]

Elite player? Great defensively? And why would Babcock mention that Sammy's 6'2 since he plays with no tougness whatsoever? None of those descriptions are fitting. The only thing I can think of is that maybe Babcock is just trying to boost Sammy's confidence.

Alright, I am usually the first person to come on here and defend the untruths told about Sammy and to point out the realization of the situation (Say that with a Mike Tyson lisp and it is funny).

SO here I go again:

HEY BABCOCK:

He is a decent player filling a role and doing a good job at it, The only way Sammy is an elite player is if you are comparing him to ME!!!!!!!!!

[up2here 41]

Unfortunatly I think Babcock ACTUALLY beleives this because its not the first time I've heard him say it.

[FedorovGurl 2]

Strictly PR.

Ya know how you wash, wax, detail and primp your car before you put it up for sale????