Mac is Playing on Friday

[MaynardJKeenan 1]

It will be my first game w/ DirectTV and NHL Network HD!! Can't wait. I'm also getting FSN Detroit so I can watch pre and post games now.

[awingsincebirth 0]

also i'd just like to say how much i love being a part of the red wings community. you guys are all awesome. we should have some convention in the big D some day and cook mass quantities of meat and talk hockey!

How awesome would that be?? Just a bunch of Wings fans hangin around, eating every conceivable kind of meat that God placed on this green earth, talking the Wings, and hockey in general. That's the kind of world that I, someday, want to live in.

[chrisdetroit 189]

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.

I don't get it. How can people pick a guy that hasn't played a single NHL game in two years over Downey and/or Drake. Screw the nostalgia, I want another cup.

Mac should get a few minutes every couple of games and spend the rest of the time in the press box.

[RedFX 48]

Next Sunday's game is on NBC. This Sunday against the Preds the game is on FSN-Detroit.

That's funny. It was listed on NBC a few weeks ago. They must have pulled it.

[wingslogo19 281]

Not according to any of the sources I use. They all say FSN-Detroit.

Again, I think you're thinking about next Sunday's game against the Blackhawks.

Mac you're right, the game isn't on NBC this week

This Sunday is the Rangers- Pens game. Next Sunday April 6th will be the Wings and the Hawks on NBC

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

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...

I'm all for either goalie to start. Osgood has definitely earned the chance, but we also have Hasek who we all know has had it throughout his career and minus one recent bad game against Columbus (2nd to last one), has really played pretty solid since the All Star break. I'm comfortable with either one.

On the flu...

The last time I had the "flu" was sometime over the fall and for just a day roughly. I barely had any fever and a body temperature "only" in the low 99 degree range, so on the surface I could have probably worked or eaten a normal meal or be involved in sports in some capacity, right?

I'm no professional athlete, but I couldn't do squat that day. I felt like s**t. I could barely speak aloud, I couldn't even eat any liquid meals for most of that day, I had headaches, and I threw up a fair amount of times after trying to eat or moving out of bed. Next day I was fine by the afternoon. And I certainly didn’t do any retarded stuff the night before or drank too many glasses of wine or beer, so it certainly wasn't deserved and I didn't ask for it. Whether it was food poisoning the night before perhaps, or just a 24-hour flu bug, who the hell knows.

There are many forms of the "flu" and for different lengths. Lilja and Lebda and Downey have been sick recently. It happens, and it sometimes happens beyond one's control. Unless somebody acts like an idiot the night before purposefully drinking too much or taking drugs or whatever else, it's a wee bit harsh to get on somebody's case for "accidentally" being sick, even though it is probably frustrating for Hasek and us fans. I know he has an easier chance of being brittle due to past injuries and being older, but the backlash he has received over the past few days for being sick, generally speaking, has been pretty ridiculous when it seems like he didn't deserve or ask for this or do anything obnoxious.

With McCarty playing on Friday...

I'm not getting my hopes up on him. Out of action in the NHL for roughly a year et al, I just don't know how much of a contribution he will make. I am looking forward to seeing him back though like everybody else and hope I am proven wrong.

For people with the NHL Network problem...if the game isn't too early in your time zone, bar with Direct TV that shows all the sports channels. Don't tell me some of you with this problem aren't savvy enough to find a way to watch this game (if you have the time of course).

[Zion 93]

I am coming in this weekend for Friday and Sunday's game. I just found out about the open practice on Saturday, and now this.

I have a baby on the way, Cleary is back, and now this...

... please try and understand my excitement...

...

...

...

... can't do it, can you?

[Lidstromrules16 7]

let me reiterate: f*** NHL NETWORK!

Edited March 27, 2008 by Lidstromrules16

[2probert4 8]

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

Did Chris Chelios verify all of that ?

[2probert4 8]

That's funny. It was listed on NBC a few weeks ago. They must have pulled it.

I think the Predators are getting a network game vs st louis coming up soon....

[motorcitykid 42]

Even before he skates onto the JLA ice: Mac > Downey.

And you can bet Holland reunites the Grind line once again.

If only for a minute, seeing #25 back on the ice will surely bring a tear or two and much excitement back to any and ALL Wings fans. I cannot wait!!

[kylee 727]

WELCOME BACK MAC!!

[Guest EL-MITT-DROPPER]

Ill be at game, at the wings Pre game corner... row 1... IM XCITED@@@

-Gritzkey

[DYags 0]

So it appears the alledged undercover scouting report was accurate after all. I'm glad because ever since that thread was posted I kept telling people he wouldn't be starting til Friday and no one believed me.. I told them I had my sources

Anyway, its great to have DMac back but we still have to wait and see how he looks. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a dud in terms of overall play.. he'll hit people plenty, fight too, but I find it hard to image he'll be the offensive threat he once was. Thats not to bash him at all, I just see him as another Downey type, which is actually just what we're going to need in the playoffs

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

Here's the extent of NBC broadcasting.

Penguins vs. Flyers

Flyers vs. Rangers

Penguins vs. Rangers

This schedule is getting annoying, because it's always these same damn Atlantic division teams facing one another. I propose more Wings games, and less games involving these other teams.

[IceMunkee 15]

[/b]

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.

Loo,

I was not saying he should. You gotta relax a little. If you have the flu and have been off for nine days it is probably more then the flu. Maybe your boss should go back to the docs, lol. Unless it is better that he is gone. I think you know better then most that I am a fan of Dom and think he shoudl start in the playoff's, although I am not scared in the least if Oz does. I was just saying, are the possibilities good if Dom cannot start before the playoff's will he auto-bench.

Maybe I am spoiled but I know the injuries that Yzerman played through, the flu just seems like it is something that could be played through...

[kylee 727]

Here's the extent of NBC broadcasting.

Penguins vs. Flyers

Flyers vs. Rangers

Penguins vs. Rangers

This schedule is getting annoying, because it's always these same damn Atlantic division teams facing one another. I propose more Wings games, and less games involving these other teams.

the Wings have not had that many national games AT ALL this year. its extremely eastern conference heavy on Versus and apparantly, NBC too...

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Even before he skates onto the JLA ice: Mac > Downey.

And you can bet Holland reunites the Grind line once again.

Look, I'm all for Mac making the team. But that is a HUGE assumption. Downey is in game shape and has proven to be a great fighter this season, especially against the enforcers of the league (Boll, Lappy, Parros, etc).

Mac hasn't fought a real fighter in over a season, and the last few times he did he didn't do very well.

He may be an upgrade in skating, shooting, passing, and puck handling; but to say is is better at checking, fighting, or pissing teams off in general is a mistake. Downey is here to be a stick-up kind of guy and protect our stars, to be a grinder and hitter. Will Mac be able to do all of that better than Downey??? Time will tell, he will have to convince me that he can take Downey's spot.

It will be easier to take Drake's spot IMO.

And it's Babs who puts the lines together, not Holland.

Edited March 27, 2008 by Wings_Dynasty

[Lou_Siffer 1]

Look, I'm all for Mac making the team. But that is a HUGE assumption. Downey is in game shape and has proven to be a great fighter this season, especially against the enforcers of the league (Boll, Lappy, Parros, etc).

Mac hasn't fought a real fighter in over a season, and the last few times he did he didn't do very well.

He may be an upgrade in skating, shooting, passing, and puck handling; but to say is is better at checking, fighting, or pissing teams off in general is a mistake. Downey is here to be a stick-up kind of guy and protect our stars, to be a grinder and hitter. Will Mac be able to do all of that better than Downey??? Time will tell, he will have to convince me that he can take Downey's spot.

It will be easier to take Drake's spot IMO.

And it's Babs who puts the lines together, not Holland.

Mac will do ok if he fights the types of guys that Drake has fought, thats why i've always said he'd be a replacement for Dallas and definitely not Downey. If Mac fights DJ King, he gets spanked...taking on Janssen wouldnt be much better. Downey could put up a fight against these guys, and probably even draw with Janssen. Jamal Mayers would probably be the guy Mac would look to go with right off the bat.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

I don't get it. How can people pick a guy that hasn't played a single NHL game in two years over Downey and/or Drake. Screw the nostalgia, I want another cup.

Mac should get a few minutes every couple of games and spend the rest of the time in the press box.

Gee, what a great way to find out if Mac can add something to the roster. Put him in the press box!

d*&^ #$s

[Superman54 91]

Oh man, i have been waiting for sooooo long too see this and now the one game he returns I am West Edmonton Mall......BS

But I can't wait to see the highlights for this one, they better show the Joe go crazy

[LidsFan 68]

I'm all for Mac coming back, but not if it means that Downey will not get to play. I love Downey, he sticks up for the team, and when he is on the ice he gives his all. So I hope that both can get ice time, if not I have to choose Downey over Mac.

[58Miles2Joe 12]

ok, now I'm excited.

/despite reservations

//I wish Downey was better at hockey

[IceMunkee 15]

Mac will do ok if he fights the types of guys that Drake has fought, thats why i've always said he'd be a replacement for Dallas and definitely not Downey. If Mac fights DJ King, he gets spanked...taking on Janssen wouldnt be much better. Downey could put up a fight against these guys, and probably even draw with Janssen. Jamal Mayers would probably be the guy Mac would look to go with right off the bat.

Lou ya know I have been a huge advocate of Mac returning and I remember when it all started you and I had a debate that Mac replacing Downer and since then you made me watch Downer perform more closely adn I would hate to see Mac replace him. They could make a nice one, two punch. I have become a pretty good fan of the Downer since that debate. I could see Mac replacing Drake but only when he proves he is better cause Drake has been bringing some energy out there himself making a bit of an impact. I am very happy he returns, I hope he does amazing out there and blows everyone's mind but I will just enjoy his return as well.

Funny story, I recently gave birth (my wife not me) on Easter sunday. They were seriously talking about inducing labor if the baby had not come by Monday and they were going to induce on wensday. Which is/was the 26th. Ofcourse. Well if that would have happened we were going to name hime Darren Steven. Did not work out that way but I was routing for it!!!

[Never_Retire_Steve 35]

Can't wait