uk_redwing 495 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 When Drake has his cage on, he was virtually useless. He was on the 4th line, unable to fight or hit with any real force. But it seems really hes even more useless on the "checking" line. Now hes currently playing there due to injuries every game, hes playing the puck, and doesn't look to hit hard on the forecheck which isnt a good idea seeing as his offensive skills really arnt all good. He's best, and tbh looks like he enjoys best, being on the forecheck on the 4th line. We all surely remember the Blue Jackets game, and how thrilling it was to see Drake and Downey running everything in sight, and he even had his visor on then. My ideal 4th line is Drake-Kopecky-Downey. Today I was hoping with Zets returning that Drake would return to the 4th line but that hasnt happened, and when either Malts or Homer returns Im hoping the Drake-Kopecky-Downey line will return, purely for the fact that its damned fun to see. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 I hated Drake for many years when he was running at Wings players from behind. I was angry when we signed him this summer, and still am angry, because he hasn't given out the cheapshots that I expected him to give out now that he's on the Wings. We might as well put another enforcer into that spot, because he's contributing nothing offensively. And we don't need his penalty killing, because we have enough of that as it is. It's too bad Downey's going to be the one scratched when Hank and Malts come back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shannyfan1414 0 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 I wonder if the injury has made him try and be a little more careful on the ice. I agree that he doesn't seem be as rough as he was prior to the injury. I'm hoping that he will comeback and play the physical game he is so good at. I think that the Drake-Kop-Dwoney line could become the new Grind Line. Of course we would have to come up with a new nickname for the line. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grittzkey 1 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 (edited) My exact thoughts Uk. I think that the Drake-Kop-Downey line could become the new Grind Line. Of course we would have to come up with a new nickname for the line. Kopecky grinds? news to me. Edited January 2, 2008 by Grittzkey Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishtemper14+25 11 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 i dont know if that will be the line, normally babs sits downey for ellis or hartigan in those instances Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 (edited) Does anybody think coaching might have something to do with it? Seems like in certain situations, Babs and co. dont like players using the body too much. Maybe theyre telling Drake to be more careful and not play so reckless since were already out three regulars? I say this because I remember last year people were bitching about how Kronwall wasnt playing physical. Then Babs says in some post-game interview how they had told Kronner to NOT use the body and just focus on his game WITHOUT the physicality because of his health and the fact that wanted him to get going. I wonder if that might be the same situation with Drake. Edited January 2, 2008 by YoungGuns1340 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingslogo19 281 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 I like having Downey in the lineup Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zion 93 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 Me, too. Downey fights. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uk_redwing 495 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 Who doesnt like Downey in the line-up, but Drake isnt the same player as Downey. Weird isnt it?! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted January 2, 2008 Does anybody think coaching might have something to do with it? Seems like in certain situations, Babs and co. dont like players using the body too much. Maybe theyre telling Drake to be more careful and not play so reckless since were already out three regulars? I say this because I remember last year people were bitching about how Kronwall wasnt playing physical. Then Babs says in some post-game interview how they had told Kronner to NOT use the body and just focus on his game WITHOUT the physicality because of his health and the fact that wanted him to get going. I wonder if that might be the same situation with Drake. That wouldnt surprise me. I bet the coaching staff wants him healthy for the playoffs and know what he's capable come playoffs. I cant wait for the playoffs in that case. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 When Drake has his cage on, he was virtually useless. He was on the 4th line, unable to fight or hit with any real force. But it seems really hes even more useless on the "checking" line. Now hes currently playing there due to injuries every game, hes playing the puck, and doesn't look to hit hard on the forecheck which isnt a good idea seeing as his offensive skills really arnt all good. He's best, and tbh looks like he enjoys best, being on the forecheck on the 4th line. We all surely remember the Blue Jackets game, and how thrilling it was to see Drake and Downey running everything in sight, and he even had his visor on then. My ideal 4th line is Drake-Kopecky-Downey. Today I was hoping with Zets returning that Drake would return to the 4th line but that hasnt happened, and when either Malts or Homer returns Im hoping the Drake-Kopecky-Downey line will return, purely for the fact that its damned fun to see. While he has underperofrmed a bit this season, it's not like Drake has done anything drastic to cost the Wings games. Not playing as much due to health/not being as good might have something to do with it obviously, but we didn't sign him to be a superstar. Low-risk signing for minimal money, he was pretty much going to be a 3rd-4th liner all along. Do I wish he was performing a bit more? Of course, but I don't mind him in there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rage 24 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 To good. Go Drake!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 He must read LGW because he played great tonight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishtemper14+25 11 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 i was at the game tonight and when he scored i looked over to the people i was with and was like....theres no way in hell drake just scored, turco should retire now. then he got in a fight and was hitting people hard, i was so excited thinking he was gonna get a gordie howe hatrick. GREAT GAME TONIGHT DRAKE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 (edited) Drake is only as good as the Brains behind the bench... Many of players have to change their game to fit the wings style... Detroit is now less toughness and more pretty plays... So Drakes games has been cut back. Sir Dallas Drake is sweet! Edited January 3, 2008 by OsGOD Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 Drake has his visor off now, and if he continues to fight and defend his teammates (like he did last night) then I have no problem with him in the lineup. He isn't what I expected when they signed him, but then again, injuries or coaching could be the main factors there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
