McCarty meets with Red Wings

[zata40 3]

I went to the Generals game today, and I though he played really good.

You could tell he was frustrated with some of the other players, the teams passing was horrible ( of course I'm used to the wings, and we all know how good their passing is )

He got a goal, an assist, couple of good checks, and a penalty. So overall good game for him.

I truly believe that he has a shot at coming back, but it's going to take alot of hard work.

Some pictures-

[Guest DetroitIan]

Those pics are great!

Im really thinking about going to a few Generals games now.

[irishtemper14+25 11]

I just got back home from the Flint Generals game tonight and after seeing Darren play, I have to honestly say he has a shot at making the Wings, although it's a long one. He was physical and he had another goal and an assist tonight. He seems to play almost a Holmstrom like role with the Generals. He parks himself in front of the net, screens the goalie, moves the D out of the way and tries to shovel in rebounds. His skating is still pretty weak but that was never his strong point. All I can say is I wish him the best.

thats what i read about him yesterday, they are using him like homer and hes doing a pretty good job at it. in yesterdays game he screened the goalie for one of the goals from the pt

[probert 0]

I love Mac, but I seriously doubt that he'd be much better here than in Calgary during his last year. He's not a top fighter anymore, and we know he can't score. Yeah, he might be more useful than Kopecky, Drake, or Ellis, but that's not saying much. I've been saying all year that we need to go after either a physical D-man, or a top 6 forward. There's no reason now to make this move. He doesn't give us anything we need.

I beleive that nif he realy wants this ,then he could do it ?

Why not give him a shot if he does whats needed to get there

[rage 24]

They had Hasek and Draper on one of the sports show late last night saying that if he improved and showed he had something left that they could see him being on the Wings team.

The funniest part was when Hasek was talking and he said something like, "If he can skate, hit, and fight like he used to.." Hasek wants him to fight!!

Point being, last night they made it sound like he will be back late in the season.

EDIT: I tried to find a link, but the website sucks! It was on WDIV Channel 4 with Katrina Hancock and Rod Parker.

Edited January 14, 2008 by rage

[JayUp88 1]

I know its just guessing but if he was to come back to the winged wheel this season it would be such a sweet game to be to. Thats one of the reasons why when i sell tickets to my friends i tell them that i can take them back if i want if something big like that comes up that i wouldn't have know about.

[Hank 0]

Thanks for the update Zata40.

What was his speed like compared to the other players? My concern is, if he's only marginally faster than those of the IHL variety, he'd be mud in the NHL.

[esteef 2,679]

Thanks for the update Zata40.

What was his speed like compared to the other players? My concern is, if he's only marginally faster than those of the IHL variety, he'd be mud in the NHL.

Even though it's still early, that was one of my concerns as well, we don't need anyone slower than Lilly! The more I think of it though, the more I like the idea of him being a Homer typer player in front of the net, if speed/stamina become an issue for him. We'll see I guess.

Cheers!

esteef

[Lidsyukerberg 0]

What was his speed like compared to the other players? My concern is, if he's only marginally faster than those of the IHL variety, he'd be mud in the NHL.

Even though it's still early, that was one of my concerns as well, we don't need anyone slower than Lilly!

Hi guys,

I was kind of reluctant to post this because I am a Generals fan as well, and don't want to belittle the team or their effort, but you ask a very legitimate question so I will post what I almost posted earlier.

I was at last nights game as well and it was obvious that he was an NHLer in IHL clothes. The team did a good job at what they do, but it was obvious when he was on the ice (and not because everybody was yelling for him, or because I was looking for him specifically), he played hard and it showed.

As for speed, in the overtime goal by Muskegon he was originally in front of the offensive net (just like Homer) so he was the deepest in the offensive zone when the turnover occurred. Despite that fact, he was the second one into the defensive zone, he was passing guys like they were barely moving. He almost got back to stop the play. Unfortunately it didn't happen, but it wasn't for a lack of his trying. When he broke out after the shooter like that, and got back in the time he did; I hate to say it but, my first thought was "he doesn't belong here" (I only hate to say that because if he stayed in Flint I could see him all the time). I would definitely say to give him a few more games, and then a short stint in the AHL, but I really think he can make this comeback. He looked really good.

That's just the view from my seat though. Anyone else at the game that can speak on this?

He is definitely training hard and it shows.

[wingsfan75 2]

It's great to hear that he's really trying his best to make a solid comeback. If Scotty thinks that Anaheim has an advantage over us because they are grittier then I can't think of a better fit than McCarty (mainly because it wouldn't take any time fitting in). To me it's a win-win if he's ready to go.

[Hank 0]

Hi guys,

I was kind of reluctant to post this because I am a Generals fan as well, and don't want to belittle the team or their effort, but you ask a very legitimate question so I will post what I almost posted earlier.

I was at last nights game as well and it was obvious that he was an NHLer in IHL clothes. The team did a good job at what they do, but it was obvious when he was on the ice (and not because everybody was yelling for him, or because I was looking for him specifically), he played hard and it showed.

As for speed, in the overtime goal by Muskegon he was originally in front of the offensive net (just like Homer) so he was the deepest in the offensive zone when the turnover occurred. Despite that fact, he was the second one into the defensive zone, he was passing guys like they were barely moving. He almost got back to stop the play. Unfortunately it didn't happen, but it wasn't for a lack of his trying. When he broke out after the shooter like that, and got back in the time he did; I hate to say it but, my first thought was "he doesn't belong here" (I only hate to say that because if he stayed in Flint I could see him all the time). I would definitely say to give him a few more games, and then a short stint in the AHL, but I really think he can make this comeback. He looked really good.

That's just the view from my seat though. Anyone else at the game that can speak on this?

He is definitely training hard and it shows.

Thanks for the assessment. It's very much appreciated.

I remember when he was a 2nd year pro with Adirondack and during the summer he trained with the local Junior C club in my town (Kingsville Comets). I never saw him train with them, but someone close to the team told me it was night and day with his skating compared to the other kids. He was so much faster and more agile than any of them.

Apparently during a drill where they were forced to skate around the rink at their top speed until they dropped, all the Comet players were on the ice looking for buckets to puke in while McCarty was still skating around like he was having a good old time.

I also heard that one of the Comets tough guys fought him during a scrimmage and Mac destroyed him.

I've made it known that I'm not a Mac fan but I do wish him the best for his and his family's sake. He's got some young kids so my hopes are that he cleans up his act so they can enjoy their dad for several more years and McCarty can rekindle a little of what he threw away.

Edited January 14, 2008 by Hank

[wingsfan75 2]

I've made it known that I'm not a Mac fan but I do wish him the best for his and his family's sake. He's got some young kids so my hopes are that he cleans up his act so they can enjoy their dad for several more years and McCarty can rekindle a little of what he threw away.

Agreed. If that's all that comes from this then it's a blessing.

[kylee 727]

GO MAC GO!

its greatt to see that he's playing real hard and training just as hard. id love to see him make a strong come back with the Wings

[Lidsyukerberg 0]

To me it's a win-win if he's ready to go.

I'm not sure if he's ready to go just yet, but he is definitely on the right track. I really don't think it will take him long. Like I said, I think he has a couple more weeks here, then a stint with the Griffins and I think he can do this.

[bringback91 2]

I'm glad for Mac and i really hope he can make it back to the Wings. Everything I've read about him lately sounds as though he's really re-dedicated to hockey and he's really giving it his all. How can you not like that? If he don't make it so what, at least he's got the guts and the heart to try it, but I really hope he makes it not only back to the NHL but the Wings. I think all the soap box and critism coming from some like their s*** don't stink, and won't let up on the guy because of past personal issues is funny. Although I'm kinda glad for it, just a bit of extra incentive to make the comeback a reality. But damn, I sure hope some of you never follow the wrong path for whatever reason, cause if people judge you like some of you are judging Mac (on or off the ice) you'll never live it down, no matter how much you try to improve your life.

[imisssergei 0]

Thanks for the update Zata40.

What was his speed like compared to the other players? My concern is, if he's only marginally faster than those of the IHL variety, he'd be mud in the NHL.

He should be a ton faster than any guy in the IHL. Let's wait and see how he does in the AHL.

[erok 0]

As I said in the other thread about McCarty, he would have to make a MAJOR transformation and comeback before he deserves any spot in the Wings lineup.

Even if his attitude and commitment level has improved, I still wonder if he can stay healthy enough to play at an elite level.

[wingsfan75 2]

JMHO but would a healthy McCarty be any worse than bringing on an injured Bertuzzi. I realize the upside that Bertuzzi had but he never fully regained true form, he still hasn't. I don't mean bring him up now but if he's ready in a month or so???

[imisssergei 0]

JMHO but would a healthy McCarty be any worse than bringing on an injured Bertuzzi. I realize the upside that Bertuzzi had but he never fully regained true form, he still hasn't. I don't mean bring him up now but if he's ready in a month or so???

Yes, because bringing in an imjured Bert had more potential benefits than a healthy Mac.

[Reds4Life 51]

Good news about Mac, I really wish he makes it back to the NHL, preferably to Red Wings, but I'd be glad to see him play for any team, apart from Ducks.

Edited January 14, 2008 by Reds4Life

[esteef 2,679]

Snooping around on youtube and I found this Flint Journal montage of one of MAC's games. The hockey shots are kind of erratic in the video and hard to follow but you still get a feel for the game. There's also a little interview with MAC at the end. Enjoy!

Cheers!

esteef

[Reds4Life 51]

Thanks for posting that video, Darren still might have a shot in the NHL, if he earns it.

[Dominator2005 558]

Snooping around on youtube and I found this Flint Journal montage of one of MAC's games. The hockey shots are kind of erratic in the video and hard to follow but you still get a feel for the game. There's also a little interview with MAC at the end. Enjoy!

Cheers!

esteef

Thanks for VIDEO - great!!!

[zata40 3]

Thanks for the update Zata40.

What was his speed like compared to the other players? My concern is, if he's only marginally faster than those of the IHL variety, he'd be mud in the NHL.

He was a lot faster then everybody else, the problem was they play slower than NHL teams do. So he didn't have to many chances to have bursts of speed, but when he did, wow.

Plus I forgot to mention earlier that I was sitting behind the little kid hockey team, and McCarty kept on skating by sticking out his tongue at them. It was funny, they loved it (well i did too) I tried to get a picture but it turned out all fuzzy

[Booster313 138]

Hi guys,

I was kind of reluctant to post this because I am a Generals fan as well, and don't want to belittle the team or their effort, but you ask a very legitimate question so I will post what I almost posted earlier.

I was at last nights game as well and it was obvious that he was an NHLer in IHL clothes. The team did a good job at what they do, but it was obvious when he was on the ice (and not because everybody was yelling for him, or because I was looking for him specifically), he played hard and it showed.

As for speed, in the overtime goal by Muskegon he was originally in front of the offensive net (just like Homer) so he was the deepest in the offensive zone when the turnover occurred. Despite that fact, he was the second one into the defensive zone, he was passing guys like they were barely moving. He almost got back to stop the play. Unfortunately it didn't happen, but it wasn't for a lack of his trying. When he broke out after the shooter like that, and got back in the time he did; I hate to say it but, my first thought was "he doesn't belong here" (I only hate to say that because if he stayed in Flint I could see him all the time). I would definitely say to give him a few more games, and then a short stint in the AHL, but I really think he can make this comeback. He looked really good.

That's just the view from my seat though. Anyone else at the game that can speak on this?

He is definitely training hard and it shows.

I was at the game yesterday, Mac wasn't the fastest player on the ice but he was faster than most, I think the thing that impressed me most was he was strong in his skating. He frequently had one or two defenders on him. He would be no slower than Chelios, Drake, or Lilly. He did Hustle on that last play, maybe he wasn't skating fast for most of the game because he didn't have to??? Just a thought.

Edited January 15, 2008 by Booster313