D Mac

[Yzerfan75 0]

You know what? This isn't about his offensive skills or his fighting ability. This is about a man overcoming huge odds and clawing his way back to an NHL spot on a team that he was a huge fan favorite. This is about that guy making his debut in front of fans that once heralded him for his timely playoff goals and being part of the retribution that finally allowed us to overcome the Avalanche obstacle. Sure some are drinking the Koolaid heartily in discussing his return but it's not about them. It's about him. Don't ruin a good story with the negative junk. I'm one of those people who would love to see him reunited with the line that helped him gain popularity. If it's only for one shift then so be it.

Awesome and thank you.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

An honest prediction: He plays a safe game with limited minutes. He gets acclimated to the speed in the NHL again and plays responsibly rather than aggressive.

Best of luck Mac! Thrilled to see you in a Wings sweater again.

[therock48880 14]

Predictions on Macs return....

I say hands down without a doubt Mac throws his mits down and has a go with Jamal Mayers. I think he doesn't get much ice time, but I think he gets the start so he can get the proper O he deserves. Thoughts and predictions on THE MAC ATTACKS return?

Hate to be negative because I'm glad he's back, but I don't think he wants to fight Mayers right off the bat. I'd take Mayers in that one. He REALLY needs to stay away from DJ King. I was hoping Downey, Drake, and Mac would play tonight. Maybe the Blues would cut down on their goonisms (new word) from the other night.

[OsGOD 3]

I hope he BREAKS SOME HEADS!

[WingsZR2 1]

You know what? This isn't about his offensive skills or his fighting ability. This is about a man overcoming huge odds and clawing his way back to an NHL spot on a team that he was a huge fan favorite. This is about that guy making his debut in front of fans that once heralded him for his timely playoff goals and being part of the retribution that finally allowed us to overcome the Avalanche obstacle. Sure some are drinking the Koolaid heartily in discussing his return but it's not about them. It's about him. Don't ruin a good story with the negative junk. I'm one of those people who would love to see him reunited with the line that helped him gain popularity. If it's only for one shift then so be it.

Well said my fellow Wing Nut, well said indeed.

The guy has been to hell and back. If he hangs them up at the end of the season at least he will know that he gave it everything he had. Maybe I'm hung up on 1997, D Mac ending his career with the Wings is bittersweet.

[VM1138 1,921]

I don't expect him to fight. And I don't blame him.

1) Why fight in a game that doesn't mean anything and risk getting hurt?

2) Why play overly aggressive before become acclimated to the game? If he does, he runs the risks of making mistakes and thus making people doubt his capability and risks his roster spot.

I expect him, therefore, to play a solid game. Physical but not TOO physical, he will agitate but I'm betting he will be shutting down some opposition plays, and if he's lucky he may score a goal. I don't know if he'll be able to score goals once in a while or if he'll be like Downey or Drake, but I bet he scores tonight. Simply bceause it's his first game back and that always seems to happen when a player comes back from an injury or what have you.

[DBR 12]

You know what? This isn't about his offensive skills or his fighting ability. This is about a man overcoming huge odds and clawing his way back to an NHL spot on a team that he was a huge fan favorite. This is about that guy making his debut in front of fans that once heralded him for his timely playoff goals and being part of the retribution that finally allowed us to overcome the Avalanche obstacle. Sure some are drinking the Koolaid heartily in discussing his return but it's not about them. It's about him. Don't ruin a good story with the negative junk. I'm one of those people who would love to see him reunited with the line that helped him gain popularity. If it's only for one shift then so be it.

I couldn't agree more. I am so excited for D-Mac's comeback. With all of the effort he has put into his "comeback," plus the fact that he is an awesome fan favorite, I don't see what all the negativity is all about. He DESERVES a chance, he has EARNED the opportunity.

I wish I could be there tonight, as a matter of fact I tried to get tickets, but didn't want to pay the price that they were asking for them.

WELCOME BACK, D-MAC!!!

GO WINGS!!!!!!

[wingsfan75 2]

I couldn't agree more. I am so excited for D-Mac's comeback. With all of the effort he has put into his "comeback," plus the fact that he is an awesome fan favorite, I don't see what all the negativity is all about. He DESERVES a chance, he has EARNED the opportunity.

I wish I could be there tonight, as a matter of fact I tried to get tickets, but didn't want to pay the price that they were asking for them.

WELCOME BACK, D-MAC!!!

GO WINGS!!!!!!

Ditto here. Although my son has a Spring League hockey practice tonight so I really couldn't go anyway.

[Lidsyukerberg 0]

From the Free Press

Darren McCarty promises a hard-nosed style for his return

With five games left before the playoffs, the Wings would like to see McCarty give them a spark through the hard-nosed style that made him a fan favorite.

"I plan on bringing a lot of the same type of game that made people excited and cheer in the first place," McCarty said. "It'll all be the same. I know what's expected of me and I expect it of myself. It's really no secret. I mean, I only sort of have one way to play."

I think he will be careful to a degree because of his ribs, I mean it would suck to come back for one game and get injured and out for the rest of the regular season.

However, at the same time, he only has five games to earn a spot on the roster for the playoffs, so I think he will give it his all, only he will be smart about it. Unfortunately, back to the five games, he doesn't have a lot of breathing room here. He has to come out with everything he's got so he can get up to speed quickly and show that he has what it takes to make the playoffs.

[digitaljohn88 4]

D Mac sucked in Calgary because he didn't want to be there and at that point was really playing for $$ for his f***ed up financial life.

Hopefully he's in Detroit purely for his love of hockey and this team. If so, I think he's going to be one hell of a suprise

We'll see tonight, I hope he doesnt suck.

[isbister 0]

He isn't gonna do anything. He'll do what Drake does...only worse. He'll try to bring some offense, but he won't. He'll try to be physical (maybe he will, maybe he won't).

Everyone keeps saying "OMFGZ Let's reunite the grind line!!!" Srsly? You want to put a guy who hasn't played an NHL game since he got dropped by Calgary on our top defensive line? Bit of a waste of Draper and Maltby's talent I think.

All of you think he's gonna come back and be greater than Dats and Z....you need to remember that he's older than he was...he's not that great anymore...and there's a reason why he hasn't been playing with us for the last couple years

No ones debating that he'll be better than Dats or Hank. Lets put it this way, if you were Mac and you were playing against a team that constantly take runs at your boys and its your debut back in the D would you be looking for a go? I say hell ya!!!!

[isbister 0]

I don't expect him to fight. And I don't blame him.

1) Why fight in a game that doesn't mean anything and risk getting hurt?

2) Why play overly aggressive before become acclimated to the game? If he does, he runs the risks of making mistakes and thus making people doubt his capability and risks his roster spot.

I expect him, therefore, to play a solid game. Physical but not TOO physical, he will agitate but I'm betting he will be shutting down some opposition plays, and if he's lucky he may score a goal. I don't know if he'll be able to score goals once in a while or if he'll be like Downey or Drake, but I bet he scores tonight. Simply bceause it's his first game back and that always seems to happen when a player comes back from an injury or what have you.

Why fight and be physical with the playoffs around the corner? Hmm lets see.... Well he's got nothing to lose, but everything to gain. He's only got a few games to make the playoff squad on a roster that dearly needs a physical force. Mac is not going to be tentative cause of his ribs like so many think. If Macs ribs weren't ready, then Mac wouldn't play. Mac is what he is, and thats a physical grinding hockey player. I think if Mac doesn't come out of the gates and make some noise he doesn't get the job.

[Guest crazy8legs]

i think mac did good tonite. mick summed it up good, hes not gonna try to accomplish too much too quick.

[Barrie 900]

I agree with crazy8legs, I thought Mac played fine for his first game back. He didn't star, and he didn't stink up the joint, so it was a success.

Seeing Darren yaking it up on the bench, and seeing his face after breaks in the play, it was almost like he never left. I'm very happy he's home.

Also, I was very impressed with Bab's for putting the Grind Line out there for the first shift. Very classy move.

[Lou_Siffer 1]

I dont think we can decide anything from this...nothing to really judge him on. Nothing positive, nothing bad. The only moment i was disappointed in was the one hit oppurtunity that im assuming they counted as his one hit. I remember as i watched that he had a chance there to really lay the body good but it ended up being a love tap into the boards.

[RedWingedKitten 9]

Also, I was very impressed with Bab's for putting the Grind Line out there for the first shift. Very classy move.

Agreed, that's a side of Babcock that i'm not used to. I hope we see more of it.

[miller76 463]

He isn't gonna do anything. He'll do what Drake does...only worse. He'll try to bring some offense, but he won't. He'll try to be physical (maybe he will, maybe he won't).

Everyone keeps saying "OMFGZ Let's reunite the grind line!!!" Srsly? You want to put a guy who hasn't played an NHL game since he got dropped by Calgary on our top defensive line? Bit of a waste of Draper and Maltby's talent I think.

All of you think he's gonna come back and be greater than Dats and Z....you need to remember that he's older than he was...he's not that great anymore...and there's a reason why he hasn't been playing with us for the last couple years

First of all, I completely disagree with your view or should I say negative view. So the game is over, and what did McCarty do? Well, he didn't make a fool of himself, he was not a liability in either zone, he was always moving his feet, and he helped stop a goal. What else do you want from the man? He did his job, and we the fans loved it. He is a staple in Detroit Redwings hockey, live with it!