Darren McCarty Progress Thread

[esteef 2,679]

DMAC Coming back! DMAC coming back!

[OsGOD 3]

Regarding the Drake vs. Downey issue. The other night when we were playing the Wild, it was turning pretty physical, even Hank was getting into it and getting face washed and stuff. But no one stepped up to put a stop to it. At some point in the third period there was a play and Ken announced that Drake had the puck. I thought to myself, "Holy crap! Drake is playing tonight?" I didn't even know.

On the other hand, you can't NOT know when Downey is on the ice. I haven't seen a game he was in yet, where I was left wondering if he was playing.

Everybody talks about how much Drake does for the team, but I can't help but ask "how do you get through 2/3 of a game without having your name mentioned?" That has got to be some pretty lackluster play if you ask me. I'm not saying that he wasn't mentioned at all, just not in any meaningful way that was even noticeable. Downey hits the ice and stirs up a stink that reaches Ken and Mickey, they can't help but mention what he's doing for the game.

I would say that my opinion is biased, except for the fact that it is biased because of how they are playing. To be honest I am not sentimental about either, and my opinion is based solely on what I see, but what I am seeing is starting to get me sentimental about Downey. Sure he may not be the toughest guy in the league, but he sure knows how to get under the skin of the other team and take them off their game. And I haven't seen him back down from a good scrap yet.

How many games has Downey fought in so far? thats the amount of games were i even noticed he was out there.... the again without a fight, i blink and i miss his ice time.

[russianswede919293 95]

How many games has Downey fought in so far? thats the amount of games were i even noticed he was out there.... the again without a fight, i blink and i miss his ice time.

People tend to love Downey too much because he fights. I like a guy that fights but that is all he does and I don't think one trick ponies are necessary.

[Lidsyukerberg 0]

Actually, I didn't say I liked him just because he fights. I said I like him because he gets under the skin of the other team and has a way of getting them off their game, AND I like the fact that he won't back down from a good scrap no matter the size of the other guy. Listen to Mickey sometime when he's on the ice, Mickey loves him. Personally, I think Downey is a total grinder, he hustles every time he's on the ice, like a hungry badger looking for a permanent spot. I just don't see that kind of hustle out of Drake. Drake looks more like he feels he's there because he deserves it and therefore doesn't feel the need to work hard for his spot.

I like guys with hustle, they make the game more entertaining.

And for people who talk so much about how much Drake produces and what he does that makes him so much better than Downey, let's take a look at the stats:

Drake:

GP: 42

G: 2

A: 2

Pts: 4

PIM: 37

Downey:

GP: 35

G: 0

A: 1

Pts: 1

PIM: 57

So in 7 more games, Drake has managed to tally 2 more goals, 1 more assist, 3 more points and 20 less Penalty minutes than Downey. Not my idea of a big producer. As for him having 2 goals and Downey having none, I think Downey more than makes up for that with 20 (an entire period) more penalty minutes than Drake (that's in less games). 57 PIM is a guy who is roughing it up, standing up for his stars and getting under peoples skin.

Sure Downey hasn't scored any goals, but let's be honest, with only 2 goals this season, neither has Drake. I can't help but think that if Downey was given an equal amount of ice time, he might have a shot or two find the back of the net as well. 2 goals is not enough for me to rally around someone, unless they have something else to go along with it.

But that's just my opinion, oh and the stats opinion.

Edited February 8, 2008 by Lidsyukerberg

[Grittzkey 1]

Simply because look at Downey's ice time. Guys who are enforcers and dont play special teams get very little ice time, and in the bump and grind of playoff hockey everyone tires out and you NEED to run 4 lines every game to not wear the team down. Drake plays the PK, Downey and McCarty don't. its as simple as that. Thus there is no need for both Downey and McCarty where as Drake has an extra assest that they do not. Don't get me wrong I love all three but given my choice of 2 out of 3 it is Drake and McCarty (if he gets up to speed).

I understand your argument, But no matter how much PT the 4th line would get. Its not enough to hinder us. Considering we rotate 4 different sets of forwards on the pk, thats an irrelevant subject. And thats your only real argument on why we don't need 2 enforcers. Id rather have a fierce fore-check, and an aggresive attack, then 2 random energy players who just skate around, get knocked off the puck and just get embarrassed *ellis,hartigan*

Pros to having 2 enforcer types

+ Puts a lil fear in opposing team

+ Makes our other plays play with more confidence knowing other plays wont want to deal with our enforcers if a big hit happens

+ agressive fore-check, opposing teams give up turnovers.

Negatives? i cant think of any

Dmac Wouldn't be a starter for us no matter what happend, he would be our HS along with Ellis or Downey. Only playing when an injury happens or when someone becomes a slouch and needs a wake up call.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Because there is no need to carry 2 enforcers on a team.

Worked out pretty well for Anaheim, you could make a case they had 3 or 4. They were just like us, great team, looks of skill. But who won the cup? You know the answer, and while it may not be because of the enforcers, but if you ask anyone on the Ducks, they'll tell you how much they appreciated those kinda guys in the room. Enforcers, "Black Aces" have always been held in high regard in the room, as much as people hate him, Don Cherry knows. He talks about them all the time, and in the playoffs last year, even though he wasnt playing, McGrattan was helping the Sens be upbeat in practise.

[Swede40 0]

McCarty's game against the Lake Erie Monsters will be televised Saturday night on Comcast Local.

[therock48880 14]

Couple points:

1. Calling McCarty an "enforcer" seems like a stretch. He was HORRIBLE last year fighting and is only a year older now. To be honest, I would also say that he was never a true enforcer anyways. He'd stick up for teammates but he was NOT a heavyweight fighter. Maybe light heavyweight at best.

2. It's a double-edged sword with his performance in GR. If he plays well, he can be claimed by any team in the nhl. If he doesn't play well, he'll never get called up anyways.

I'd love to see him in a Wing's uniform but I really don't think the odds of it are very good, especially this season. I'd rather have Downey on the team, personally.

[probert 0]

Couple points:

1. Calling McCarty an "enforcer" seems like a stretch. He was HORRIBLE last year fighting and is only a year older now. To be honest, I would also say that he was never a true enforcer anyways. He'd stick up for teammates but he was NOT a heavyweight fighter. Maybe light heavyweight at best.

2. It's a double-edged sword with his performance in GR. If he plays well, he can be claimed by any team in the nhl. If he doesn't play well, he'll never get called up anyways.

I'd love to see him in a Wing's uniform but I really don't think the odds of it are very good, especially this season. I'd rather have Downey on the team, personally.

Give me a break evey fight Downey gets in he gets his ass kicked , There is not a team out there that is a bit worried about Downey, Atleast McCarty Would leave his mark , And he know what it takes to win the cup and right know the wings need that drive

[irishtemper14+25 11]

to be fair, last year mccarty was high and drunk all the time so that hindered his fighting ability

[IceMunkee 15]

Couple points:

1. Calling McCarty an "enforcer" seems like a stretch. He was HORRIBLE last year fighting and is only a year older now. To be honest, I would also say that he was never a true enforcer anyways. He'd stick up for teammates but he was NOT a heavyweight fighter. Maybe light heavyweight at best.

2. It's a double-edged sword with his performance in GR. If he plays well, he can be claimed by any team in the nhl. If he doesn't play well, he'll never get called up anyways.

I'd love to see him in a Wing's uniform but I really don't think the odds of it are very good, especially this season. I'd rather have Downey on the team, personally.

Mac not an enforcer? Really? He was enough of an enforcer that the Detroit Free Press put him number 3 in Detroit's all time top five enforcers. Wow! That is pretty good for somebody not being an enforcer. Also the key to probably the most monumental battle in the History of our Franchise.

Downey over Mac. Mac at his worst is equal to what Downey brings to the table. Sure the guy gets into some scraps but gets tossed around like a rag doll. I don't think he has ever won a fight in our jersey. Just think of Pronger and Parros sitting in the locker room before they play the wings.

Pronger: Hey mustache, dude I am gonna go elbow that punk ass Zetterberg's face off!!!

Parros: Dude, I told you stop callin me stache! I would'nt elbow him if I were you, Downey will come after you!

Pronger: s***, your right, he is big, tough and scary man I am gonna even follow the rules for like the first time in my career... Seriously I may have bad dreams tonight.

Edited February 9, 2008 by IceMunkee

[Echolalia 2,961]

Give me a break evey fight Downey gets in he gets his ass kicked , There is not a team out there that is a bit worried about Downey, Atleast McCarty Would leave his mark , And he know what it takes to win the cup and right know the wings need that drive

Are you serious? When did Downey get his ass kicked, because I can't remember any time since we've picked him up. He's also younger and in a lot better shape than McCarty. Oh, and hes also playing in the nhl level, something McCarty still has yet to prove he is still capable of.

If McCarty still has enough fuel in him, I would be all for picking him up, simply because he would be cheap as hell and the Wings wouldn't be loosing anything in return, but if it interferes with us getting a player like Hossa, Sundin, or even someone like Prospal, then I say stick with Downey and/or Drake.

[russianswede919293 95]

McCarty had an assisst tonight

[RedWingsFanatic 4]

That's good to hear.

[IceMunkee 15]

McCarty had an assisst tonight

Way to go MAC!!!! Thanks for the update! When was Downey's last assist?

[Superman54 91]

Ya McCarty!

Just a matter of time before we see him in the winged wheel, and we will!!!!

Their is no reason to bash Downie like some of you are doing

Saying he gets his ass kicked every fight is abit irrational

Downie brings tons of energy just like McCarts does

Now the person we should all be bitching about is Drake!

He barely fights anymore, has 4 points all season and does nothing to energise the club

It should be Downie over Drake!

[irishtemper14+25 11]

downey brings so much energy to the team, everytime hes out there he gets noticed...and his last assist was a sweet pass leading franzen in on a breakaway for a goal against dallas in january(i was there)

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Griffins win 4-1.

McCarty had a PP assist (was orginally given to someone else, then changed to him), 2 shots and 2 PIM's (hooking). He was named the games 3rd Star.

[Grittzkey 1]

dmac on the pp? something must be really bad in griffin land :S

[WingWarrior25 0]

Mccarty was originally given 2 assists, but the assist on the last goal was changed to someone else.

Edited February 9, 2008 by WingWarrior25

[OsGOD 3]

Way to go MAC!!!! Thanks for the update! When was Downey's last assist?

Idk when was the last time Downey played in the AHL?

[Grittzkey 1]

92 i think i read. earlier

[WingWarrior25 0]

Idk when was the last time Downey played in the AHL?

Last season

[Kp-Wings 3]

Mac not an enforcer? Really? He was enough of an enforcer that the Detroit Free Press put him number 3 in Detroit's all time top five enforcers. Wow! That is pretty good for somebody not being an enforcer. Also the key to probably the most monumental battle in the History of our Franchise.

Downey over Mac. Mac at his worst is equal to what Downey brings to the table. Sure the guy gets into some scraps but gets tossed around like a rag doll. I don't think he has ever won a fight in our jersey. Just think of Pronger and Parros sitting in the locker room before they play the wings.

Pronger: Hey mustache, dude I am gonna go elbow that punk ass Zetterberg's face off!!!

Parros: Dude, I told you stop callin me stache! I would'nt elbow him if I were you, Downey will come after you!

Pronger: s***, your right, he is big, tough and scary man I am gonna even follow the rules for like the first time in my career... Seriously I may have bad dreams tonight.

Has the idea never crossed you just to have both McCarty and Downey? I mean, what's wrong with that?

People's view of only being able to have one enforcer because of the so-called "New NHL" is ridiculous. The Wings had Kocur and McCarty on the 1997 and 1998 teams respectivily, and that didn't stop them from winning. Heck, having those two helped the cause, if you ask me.

Downey isn't a very impressive fighter, but I still don't want to see him cast aside for some loser player like Kopecky or Ellis. If McCarty does come back, why not get rid of one of those two instead? They don't do a damn thing in the lineup when they play.

Oh, and it's great to hear that McCarty had a good game tonight. Hopefully Holland is keeping watch, and brings him if possible...

[IceMunkee 15]

Has the idea never crossed you just to have both McCarty and Downey? I mean, what's wrong with that?

People's view of only being able to have one enforcer because of the so-called "New NHL" is ridiculous. The Wings had Kocur and McCarty on the 1997 and 1998 teams respectivily, and that didn't stop them from winning. Heck, having those two helped the cause, if you ask me.

Downey isn't a very impressive fighter, but I still don't want to see him cast aside for some loser player like Kopecky or Ellis. If McCarty does come back, why not get rid of one of those two instead? They don't do a damn thing in the lineup when they play.

Oh, and it's great to hear that McCarty had a good game tonight. Hopefully Holland is keeping watch, and brings him if possible...

I don't think that is a bad idea... I don't think downey is crap, I just don't think he is an enforcer, energy sure. I agree Downey over Drake any day of the week. My arguement is more that Mac was not an enforcer. There is just so much doubt about Mac, I try to stay positive.

The last time Downey played in the AHL was last season.