VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 So here's an interesting discussion topic. With the injuries plaguing Detroit right now, and with the final stretch coming up soon, would you rather the Wings rest Lidstrom, Cleary, Rafalski and Hasek long after they are healthy to return? I would. We don't really need the wins right now. Even without those players the Wings can string together enough victories to ensure a top playoff spot. Plus, playing without them will put the team in playoff mode, scrapping for every point. And then, if the Wings continue to play well even without them, the addition of them to the lineup will push the Wings over the top. Or would you rather they bring them back as soon as they're ready? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 (edited) I just like to watch them, mostly but seriously, they need to come back relatively soon. Scotty rested our top players in 02, and the Wings we're on such a dismal note to end the regular season, as well as start the post season. Besides, I don't like the idea of our injured players only getting one or two more games in before playoffs. Keep the rust off. Edited February 22, 2008 by Echolalia Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 I will use a football analogy here. The Giants took a ton of momentum from the last game of the season. When they went to Tampa the Bucs looked rusty, same with Dallas whose players had 3 weeks off (some of them). The Giants players were still in rhythm, they were still at game speed. resting players too close to the playoffs is deadly, especially if it is some one like Dom who is a notoriously slow starter. You want him playing to get his rhythm back, and not be trying to get that back in the post season. Having said that I wouldn't mind seeing Ralf get a couple of more games off. Cleary is a different story, he will be activated the day before the playoffs (exaggeration) so there will be no keeping him out longer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lets go pavel 2 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 I will use a football analogy here. The Giants took a ton of momentum from the last game of the season. When they went to Tampa the Bucs looked rusty, same with Dallas whose players had 3 weeks off (some of them). The Giants players were still in rhythm, they were still at game speed. resting players too close to the playoffs is deadly, especially if it is some one like Dom who is a notoriously slow starter. You want him playing to get his rhythm back, and not be trying to get that back in the post season. Having said that I wouldn't mind seeing Ralf get a couple of more games off. Cleary is a different story, he will be activated the day before the playoffs (exaggeration) so there will be no keeping him out longer. i agree ... rest them now, get them healthy, and then get them back into the lineup with enough time left in the season to get back in sync with the rest of the team so they hit the postseason running on all cylinders ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yemack 1 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 whatever needs to be done to get our team hungry and passionate about Stanley Cup. I think passion to win the Stanley cup will be a big key for us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShanahanMan 473 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 whatever needs to be done to get our team hungry and passionate about Stanley Cup. I think passion to win the Stanley cup will be a big key for us. + get people at the Joe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
esteef 2,679 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 ...and then get them back into the lineup with enough time left in the season to get back in sync with the rest of the team so they hit the postseason running on all cylinders ... Just like MAC!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lets go pavel 2 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 Just like MAC!! i'll second that! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwing_sparty 0 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 i think it all depends on if the current roster (all the brought up players) can win enough games to stay in first and keep home ice (we're 5 games ahead of dallas). these next few games should be telling. HOME ICE IS KEY THOUGH!!! it should (if things were perfect) prevent you from starting series down 2 games going into 3. If they can keep winning enough, rest them a bit, but they need to be playing the last 10 games or so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 This has probably been posted somewhere, but I was just wondering if there's any word on the defensive pairings for tonight? I'd love to see Lilja play with this Ericsson kid, but I'm not sure Babcock will play it like that. I'm also guessing that Chelly is the number 1 defenseman, but I doubt they'll pair him with Lebda like they usually do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingslogo19 281 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 This has probably been posted somewhere, but I was just wondering if there's any word on the defensive pairings for tonight? I'd love to see Lilja play with this Ericsson kid, but I'm not sure Babcock will play it like that. I'm also guessing that Chelly is the number 1 defenseman, but I doubt they'll pair him with Lebda like they usually do. Take a look at the GDT Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 Take a look at the GDT Thanks! I didn't bother to look that the GDT was already up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingslogo19 281 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 Thanks! I didn't bother to look that the GDT was already up. No worries, not sure if it will be the same parings as tomorrow's game too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 Those D pairings didn't exactly strike confidence in me!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted February 22, 2008 Lilja and Eriksson should play together and be billed as the Swedish "Towers of Power". Maybe Lilja can take this kid under his wing and teach him how to be physical and fight for his teammates. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites