Bad Vlad Forever 1 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 With Franzen stealing the show, so to speak....and Dats/Zet doin their thing so well last night, I just wanted to make mention of the obvious great play of these two so far in the playoffs. Kronwall has been the physical presence that we've needed and has played great positional hockey. Rafalski has floored me with his neutral zone and positional play as well. I guess because I play defense, I tend to keep a more skeptical eye on our D men. But I just wanted to say a big thanks to these guys for stepping it up. It's scary when you have a team so skilled that talent like this goes unsung (not intentionally). Just speaks volumes about the Wings depth. <3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reds4Life 51 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 Kronner is a beast. But Rafalski? I expected more tbh.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zion 93 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 I said it before, but earlier in the season, when the Wings were destroying everyone, I had to tell myself to take it easy, sit back and enjoy the talent we have in front of us. Good to see Kronner getting Kudos, but Rafalski has been terrific (though I'm glad he's not on the PK very often). Good thread. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bad Vlad Forever 1 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 (edited) At least in the playoffs, I see Rafalski in on a lot of plays, passing, hitting, tie ups. He just seems to be everywhere I'm looking. I want to throw Drake's name in the mix here too... Edited April 30, 2008 by Bad Vlad Forever Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 At least in the playoffs, I see Rafalski in on a lot of plays, passing, hitting, tie ups. He just seems to be everywhere I'm looking. I want to throw Drake's name in the mix here too... Lebda deserves honourable mention for his puck movement and aggressive play last night. I wish Helm would get more ice,as I think he's a diamond in the rough.Comparing him to Draper is an understatement. Thumbs down to Chelios,who looked old and slow,and Homer who looked like a newborn colt trying to keep up on the first line.Is it time for a demotion for Homer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 Lebda deserves honourable mention for his puck movement and aggressive play last night. I wish Helm would get more ice,as I think he's a diamond in the rough.Comparing him to Draper is an understatement. Thumbs down to Chelios,who looked old and slow,and Homer who looked like a newborn colt trying to keep up on the first line.Is it time for a demotion for Homer? I'm sorry that line is one of the best in the NHL right now, Homer is doing his job, he works the corners and the front of the net, his job is to help create space so that Dats and Z can play keep away from the rest of the team. People need to lay off of some of the players, I thought at first it was just a hatred of Sammy. But some of you guys bash on anyone not putting up points, ohh not true homer is putting up points, it is goals you want. Well you know what if homer gets a hat trick last night, Z & D would not have had any goals (In all likelihood) so would you suggest demoting them!!!!! Not everyone on the team can score a goal every night. If you noticed on Z's goal he made a dummy play and Z instantly pointed at him and Homer had a huge smile because he knew he helped create that play! His ability to not panic with the puck is what got D his second goal! NOTE TO RED WING FANS, PLEASE HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 I'm sorry that line is one of the best in the NHL right now, Homer is doing his job, he works the corners and the front of the net, his job is to help create space so that Dats and Z can play keep away from the rest of the team. People need to lay off of some of the players, I thought at first it was just a hatred of Sammy. But some of you guys bash on anyone not putting up points, ohh not true homer is putting up points, it is goals you want. Well you know what if homer gets a hat trick last night, Z & D would not have had any goals (In all likelihood) so would you suggest demoting them!!!!! Not everyone on the team can score a goal every night. If you noticed on Z's goal he made a dummy play and Z instantly pointed at him and Homer had a huge smile because he knew he helped create that play! His ability to not panic with the puck is what got D his second goal! NOTE TO RED WING FANS, PLEASE HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS!!!! Homer is perrennial playoff clutch performer,but he has not been himself so far.I admire what he brings to this team,but I don't think he's at his best. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 Homer is perrennial playoff clutch performer,but he has not been himself so far.I admire what he brings to this team,but I don't think he's at his best. That statement is drastically different from saying he should be demoted! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8 Legged RedWing 367 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 Homer is perrennial playoff clutch performer,but he has not been himself so far.I admire what he brings to this team,but I don't think he's at his best. Just saying this is my first post but i have been reading here for years. I thought it was time to join =] but yes, Kronwall receives the biggest kudos from me. I just cant get enough of his big hits and i think he has great positional play as well. Same with Stewie. I knew he was a good player coming in but I have been really impressed with him. knock on wood but i have yet to see him make a poor play with the puck. Good job all around on the D. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mmorland 16 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 That statement is drastically different from saying he should be demoted! I bet Homer's groin/hernia is still bothersome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
selkie 10 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 Helm's been a pleasant surprise for me. Seems like every time he's on the ice, he's out there hustling well and trying to make something good happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NHLrules? 32 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 I agree about Helm. Unfortunatly he got a case (along with Drake) of the boneheads last night and took two Too many men penalties that made the game look closer than it was. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8 Legged RedWing 367 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 those too many men penalties weren't helms fault. he just served the penalty. although i did see him in the mix of one of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MississippiWing 14 Report post Posted April 30, 2008 I've been impressed with Kronwall. Seems like everytime I turn around he's getting a little credit for a big hit. He's definitely adding a more physical presence to an already physical team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
55fan 5,133 Report post Posted May 1, 2008 Along with the physical play, Kronner has had 8 assists. Raffy, Helm, Drake- all doing well too. Keep it up boys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted May 1, 2008 Doesn't Kronner lead all defensemen in points? There's so much praise to go around, this team is playing exceptionally well. My only complaints is one or two bad plays by Rafalski and Chelios and Filpulla looking lost every time he's on the ice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Datsyukgrl_in_ATL 0 Report post Posted May 1, 2008 It shows how much Kronwall was missed last year in the playoffs. Especially the physical factor, I am loving those hits. Just dropping guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted May 1, 2008 I'm sorry that line is one of the best in the NHL right now, Homer is doing his job, he works the corners and the front of the net, his job is to help create space so that Dats and Z can play keep away from the rest of the team. People need to lay off of some of the players, I thought at first it was just a hatred of Sammy. But some of you guys bash on anyone not putting up points, ohh not true homer is putting up points, it is goals you want. Well you know what if homer gets a hat trick last night, Z & D would not have had any goals (In all likelihood) so would you suggest demoting them!!!!! Not everyone on the team can score a goal every night. If you noticed on Z's goal he made a dummy play and Z instantly pointed at him and Homer had a huge smile because he knew he helped create that play! His ability to not panic with the puck is what got D his second goal! NOTE TO RED WING FANS, PLEASE HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS!!!! Homer needs to be scratched, and Downey should take his place on the first line. I'm sure you'll agree with me on this. Right, Opie? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted May 1, 2008 Homer needs to be scratched, and Downey should take his place on the first line. I'm sure you'll agree with me on this. Right, Opie? With this series well under control, I wouldn't mind seeing Downey at all, in fact I think he has earned it. If the series were filled with nail biters and was a close series I would say you don't reward a guy with post season play, but the series is 3-0. Why not let the guy grab 5-7 minutes of ice time from D-mac or Sammy for a game. But I am not questioning Babcock with that statement I am just saying! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted May 1, 2008 They have both been great. Rafalski always brings it in the postseason, and you cant say enough about Kronwall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stud_defenseman 1 Report post Posted May 1, 2008 I am also a little unsure of how holmstrom has been playing lately. Franzen is obviously playing much better at the moment, and deserves a spot on the top line, however, the fact that he is continually scoring on the second line should keep them apart as it balances out the scoring. What I would like to see is Franzen always starting the powerplay rather than Homer. Its seems that Babcock has almost got too comfortable with Homer, as there has not been another player this year who has stepped up to such a degree to replace him on the top line and PP.... possibly Dan Cleary before he got hurt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10 Minute Misconduct 104 Report post Posted May 1, 2008 Rafalski has impressed me. He hasn't been standing out so to speak but thats not always a bad thing. He's always in position and moves the puck very well. Besides game one in the Nashville series he's been a stud. I don't think i have to say much about Kronwall, love that guy! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted May 1, 2008 http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&a...rticleid=361440 I found the link to this article in the Lids thread Article. I was going to start another thread, but thought this one would suffice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
