40#1Fan 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 From the Free Press: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...BLOG09/80326055 I just spoke to general manager Ken Holland this Wednesday afternoon, and he told me Darren McCarty will play this Friday against the St. Louis Blues. Holland hadn't yet heard the results on Tomas Holmstrom, who underwent testing today for a groin injury that has sidelined him since March 5. McCarty joined the Wings earlier this month after a stint with Grand Rapids, but his return had been delayed by sore ribs. Now he's healthy, and the Wings are anxious to see what he can contribute. McCarty played for the Wings from 1993-94 to 2003-04, and the team bought out his contract in the summer of 2005. “From my perspective, I’m excited for him, and I’m hopeful for our team,” Holland said. “We’ve got two weeks to find out if we got someone who can give us some ingredients, who can make us a little deeper headed into the playoffs.” Holland also said Filppula (groin, knee), "felt great today, and if he skates again tomorrow and doesn't have a setback, I anticipate we'll see him Friday." Dallas Drake (sternum) is also feeling better, and is a maybe for Friday. Dominik Hasek has so serious a case of flu he's on antibiotics, Holland said, and if Hasek doesn't feel better by tomorrow, Holland anticipates having Jimmy Howard back up Chris Osgood on Friday Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RWK23 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Anyone else think that Babcock will reunite the Grind Line? It would be interesting, at the very least. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwings56 1 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Good stuff, Now hopefully he doesn't look too out of place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Austin 5 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Good find! I'm so excited! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
96warrior 11 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Sweet. I have free tickets to the game. Doesn't get better than that! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,803 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Anyone else think that Babcock will reunite the Grind Line? It would be interesting, at the very least. He should be fired if he doesn't. The Grind line is a staple of Wings hockey, and we're entitled to see it one more time, like an old band getting back together. It's just now sinking in how cool it'll be to see him back out there in his Wings jersey. I hope he does enough to earn a spot with this team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwings56 1 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 I hope Drake is back as well on Friday. Even a 90% Drake is effective. Wing fans need Dom to get back and play every game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FunkedUp 29 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Anyone else think that Babcock will reunite the Grind Line? It would be interesting, at the very least. I like the idea of a re-united Grind Line, but I think Mac and the team would be better served if he was on the 4th line composed of him Drake and Downey. This way Mac won't get too many minutes and this 4th line would have a mean edge to them. I think a line of Mac-Drake-Downey would be a perfect fit for certain playoff games. You'd have Drake being a kamikaze since this could be his last playoff appearance, I think hes going to be a monster. Downey would be playing his game, running his mouth while crashing and banging, and Mac would be doing his thing. I'm not suggesting this as a permanent 4th line or anything, but I'd think it be a great role line. Alot of people here have been saying Mac should be on the number 3 line or even number 2 line, but I think we need to see him actually play in his first NHL game before we pass judgment. Besides, Kenny and Babs know the team better than we do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickeyisms Rule! 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 I hope Drake is back as well on Friday. Even a 90% Drake is effective. Wing fans need Dom to get back and play every game. I would imagine that Drake plays Friday as he is being honored by the Wings for his 1000th game played. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Umm, the flu is a viral infection. You can't treat it with antibiotics or much of anything for that matter. Either Holland doesn't know the difference between antibiotics and antiviral medications or he's blowing smoke. If he is indeed on antiviral medication for the flu it is probably quite severe as more often than not it's not prescribed except in the worst cases. I had the flu and its after-effects incredibly bad January-February and went to the doctor three times as it wasn't getting better and they still wouldn't put me on any antivirals and he said I had a horrible case of it. ... I'll just say this again: the goalie decision will absolutely go down to the wire. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings_Dynasty 267 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 JLA will be LOUD when he is on the ice or touches the puck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IceMunkee 15 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 YES!!!! I am so very happy! i really am hoping no nay-sayers will ruin this wonderful news. I am very curious also to see what he can bring. I think they might reunite the line for a minute but long term not so sure. Man i am totally excited. Great. Question: Definitly not to start a goalie war. This deep and close to playoff's is it possible that we are going to roll Oz in the playoff's?? What the hell, dom? It is the F'n flu. I have seen someone down with the flu for a few days but this is a really long time... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sputman 1,268 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 i predict a jamal mayers rematch. *is giddy* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lfd250 1 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Hard to say if Drake would play, who sits? Downey and ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings_Dynasty 267 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 (edited) With above post, Meech or Hartigan sits. Flip and Homer are still out. When they come back is when that question becomes important. But Mac can fight his way onto the roster in the games he gets while they are out. If Flip is back Friday it will look like this. Franz-Dats-Z Flip-Cleary-Sammy Malts-Drapes-Rex Downey/Kopy-Drake*-Mac *assuming Drake plays If not: Franz-Dats-Z Rex-Cleary-Sammy Malts-Drapes-Mac Downey-Drake*-Kopy Edited March 26, 2008 by Wings_Dynasty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingsZR2 1 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Will someone going to the game on Friday please start a Darren McCarty chant. Darren McCarty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Awesome news on Fil and Mac. Not so good on Homer and Dom. At least Dom will get well on antibiotics. Poor Homer, though, no wonder he's frustrated and angry. How disappointing for him. Wish I was going to be able to see the game on Friday. I want to see Mac!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Creasemonkey 30 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Extremely pumped for this game. Never looked like he belonged in a Flamer's sweater. Here's hoping he's got anything left. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckloo39 5,686 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 YES!!!! I am so very happy! i really am hoping no nay-sayers will ruin this wonderful news. I am very curious also to see what he can bring. I think they might reunite the line for a minute but long term not so sure. Man i am totally excited. Great. Question: Definitly not to start a goalie war. This deep and close to playoff's is it possible that we are going to roll Oz in the playoff's?? What the hell, dom? It is the F'n flu. I have seen someone down with the flu for a few days but this is a really long time... My boss has the flu, and he's now out for the ninth day straight. He's on two different antibiotics, and cannot shake the crud. It will be difficult for Dom to play goal when he's coughing up a lung. If you believe the player profiles, Dom's goalie gear weighs more than he does even when he's healthy. So, I don't think anyone will be surprised to see Ozzie playing, if Dom cannot get well. I doubt he planned to get sick... it happens. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingslogo19 281 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Great news on Mac coming back on Friday, and im glad i will get to see him play on the Sunday Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stud_defenseman 1 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 I like the idea of a re-united Grind Line, but I think Mac and the team would be better served if he was on the 4th line composed of him Drake and Downey. This way Mac won't get too many minutes and this 4th line would have a mean edge to them. I think a line of Mac-Drake-Downey would be a perfect fit for certain playoff games. You'd have Drake being a kamikaze since this could be his last playoff appearance, I think hes going to be a monster. Downey would be playing his game, running his mouth while crashing and banging, and Mac would be doing his thing. I'm not suggesting this as a permanent 4th line or anything, but I'd think it be a great role line. Alot of people here have been saying Mac should be on the number 3 line or even number 2 line, but I think we need to see him actually play in his first NHL game before we pass judgment. Besides, Kenny and Babs know the team better than we do. I think that would make a great checking line, but sadly, the inclusion of D-MAc into the lineup likely means Drake and/or Downey will be sitting in the pressbox unless there are some more injuries. Come playoff time Babs is going to want to put out his most skilled lineup depending on their opponent, and I doubt this would include having all of draper, maltby, drake, downey, mccarty. All of a sudden they would have two lines that are great at smashing faces, but will likely provide zero offensive punch. This of course seems to be a big problem for many wings fans, as everyone seems to want more muscle while at the same time more secondary scoring. With their current lineup this is going to be somewhat difficult unless Drapes and Maltby start scoring some more goals or Cleary goes and clones himself a few times. This is my lineup for the playoffs. Franzen - Zetts - Cleary Hudler - Datsyuk - Holmstrom Kopecky - Filppula - Sammy Maltby - Draper - D-Mac This leaves Downey & Drake to will in where necessary, if they are playing the Ducks I would imagine one of these guys would fill in a spot somewhere. The first line is an absolute monster line and will drive everyone nuts, and would likely be the wing's second toughest line as well as the highest scoring. The way Datsyuk is playing you can put Aki Berg and Wade Belak and he will still score. Homer and Huds have both had success playing with him so that makes a pretty good second line. People might question why I put Flip down on the third line but I think it would be good to have a competent center playing with sammy and kopecks. That way they arent a huge defensive liability and they should be able to produce a bit offensively as well. Then of course there's the good ol' grind line which really needs no explanation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedStormRising 7 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Babcock should just start the Grind Line and shift change after like 10 seconds, after the crowd simmers downs a bit... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcom007 1,465 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 Just incase you guys missed it, antibiotics have no effect on the flu. It's a virus. Antibiotics help fight off bacteria. That's very different. There are a few, maybe four antiviral medications that can treat flu so Hasek may be on one of those but it's rarely prescribed unless it's a very bad case as it's just not real good to pump these sorts of things into your body all willy nilly style so like I said, either Holland's blowing smoke and it's another issue or Dom's in rough shape. Honestly, it'd probably be better if he was really injured. Given how bad the flu's been this year, he's likely to recover quickly from another hip or back problem than the flu. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeyCrazy3033 168 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 I can't wait to see Mac!! The Grind Line must be reunited. At least for a few shifts. KJSKJGS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingslogo19 281 Report post Posted March 26, 2008 I can't wait to see Mac!! The Grind Line must be reunited. At least for a few shifts. KJSKJGS! That would be awesome Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
